Ever wondered who’s responsible for keeping the systems running smoothly behind the scenes at companies big and small?
That’s the job of Systems Administrators!
It’s a highly rewarding career where you get to solve problems, ensure everything runs like clockwork, and earn a solid paycheck for doing so.
The trick, of course, is knowing what to learn to get hired, so in this guide, I’ll break it all down. The skills required, resources to learn them, along with how to actually get hired.
You'll be surprised just how quickly you can get into this role, so let's dive in...
How to become a Systems Administrator without a degree!
Step #1. Learn the core skills
Want some good news?
Because the sysadmin role is more of an entry-level into the world of DevOps, you don't need to learn a whole heap of things.
And what you do need to learn, I cover in a single course:
Estimated time to learn: 32 days. (Based on the average student completion time).
You'll learn all the skills you need to know to go from absolute zero experience to be able to start applying for jobs. (More on this in a second).
So what kind of skills?
Well, let's break them down with a quick mile high overview:
Linux Fundamentals. Linux is the operating system that powers most enterprise servers, especially in cloud computing, web hosting, and cybersecurity. Knowing how Linux operates at a core level is vital because it's the backbone of so many systems you’ll manage. You’ll dive into file systems, user management, and permissions—essential skills for any Linux-based environment. Mastery of these areas means you can ensure systems run smoothly and securely, which is exactly what employers want
Networking Basics. Every sysadmin needs a strong grasp of networking because systems don’t operate in isolation. You’ll learn to configure IP addresses, set up DNS, and manage firewalls, all of which are critical for ensuring secure and efficient communication between devices and networks. This knowledge is foundational in today’s connected world, where networks form the backbone of nearly every business operation
Command-Line Proficiency. The command line is where a Linux sysadmin spends a lot of time. It’s your interface to interact with the system, offering precise control and the ability to automate tasks. You'll become proficient with tools like Bash, grep, and awk, which allow you to manage files, configure systems, and troubleshoot issues quickly and efficiently. Employers value command-line skills because they enable you to perform complex tasks faster and more effectively than through a GUI
Security Practices. Security is non-negotiable in system administration. You’ll learn how to implement firewalls, manage user permissions, and keep systems updated to defend against vulnerabilities. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, being able to secure systems effectively is a skill that’s in high demand. This part of the course ensures you can protect the systems you manage, making you indispensable to any organization
Automation and Scripting. Efficiency is key in managing large-scale systems, and automation is how you achieve it. You’ll learn to write scripts in Bash to automate routine tasks, reducing the risk of human error and saving valuable time. This is especially important in environments where consistency and speed are critical. Employers love candidates who can automate tasks because it shows you can manage systems at scale without getting bogged down in repetitive work
How to use AI Tools (ChatGPT and ShellGPT). AI is reshaping how we approach system administration. You ’ll learn to leverage AI tools like ChatGPT and ShellGPT to automate scripts, troubleshoot issues, and even accelerate your learning. These tools can significantly enhance your productivity, allowing you to focus on more strategic and complex tasks. By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with cutting-edge skills that set you apart in the job market
And more!
You can always dive deeper into each area later if need be, but by this point, you’re actually skilled enough to apply for roles!
Crazy right?
That being said, there are a few things to do first, because getting hired in tech is slightly different from normal careers...
Step #2. Build a portfolio to prove you can do the work
So, the really cool thing about working in tech is you don't need a degree to get hired. However, you do need to prove you can do the work, and that’s where portfolios come in.
You set one up and share your work there so that prospective employers can see what you’ve done and then possibly hire you.
You can learn how in the course below:
Average time to complete: 10 days
Once you've built your portfolio, make sure to go ahead and add in any projects that you've done so far in step #1.
Step #3. Apply for Sysadmin jobs
By this point, you now know enough to start applying for Junior systems administrator jobs.
That being said, the tech interview process is a little more in-depth and longer than most other jobs you will have applied for before. This is why I recommend checking out Andrei's course on getting hired at your dream job:
Average time to complete: 12 days.
He covers the entire application and interview process in detail, including his technique, where he gets a 90% interview success rate!
I will say that System Administrators do a LOT of troubleshooting and problem-solving during their normal work, so be prepared to talk through a situation or two where you saved the day by solving a complex or business-critical problem.
If you don’t have work-related examples, feel free to share stories from school or community projects. Maybe you had to organize a group of friends to not miss a flight. Basically, anything that shows how you solved a problem that's ideally tech or organizationally focused.
Become a Systems Administrator today!
So there you have it, the entire roadmap to becoming a Linux Systems Administrator within the next 6 months or sooner.
I told you it's quicker than you might think, right!?
All you have to do now is simply start learning and follow the path because time will pass either way. But your career could look very different if you set your mind to it!
P.S.
Want some good news?
All the courses I've mentioned in this guide are all included in a single Zero To Mastery Academy membership.
So once you join, you'll have access to all of this and can get started right away. Heck, you also get access to every other course in the library, so if you want to skill up further into a DevOps role after you land your sysadmin job, you can!
Plus, as part of your membership, you'll get to join me and 1,000s of other people (some who are alumni mentors and others who are taking the same courses as you) in the ZTM Private Discord:
Ask questions, help others, or just network with other System Administrators, students, and tech professionals.
Make today the day you take a chance on YOU. There's no reason why you couldn't be applying for jobs in less than 6 months from now!
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