What future for the role of system administrator?

System administrators (ASs) are a key part of a strong infrastructure in any IT environment, especially when it comes to network security.

Whether it's preventing threats, enforcing IT policy, or working with technology vendors, it is AS that helps protect the integrity and security of the IT environment.

His role therefore involves a host of intimidating tasks, a constant need to update his knowledge as technology progresses, not to mention the long hours he will have to devote to implementing them.

In addition, some still predict huge changes in the nature of their work. These days, an AS is forced to understand the changing demands of the industry. This is also the case with people who aspire to later become ASs or network engineers.

The profession of system administrator will experience more growth than others linux administration responsibilities

The role of a system administrator is to create, install and maintain the computer networks of a company or organization. It is his responsibility to design the computer network according to the needs of the business and then proceed with its implementation, installing all the necessary hardware and software. He oversees upgrades and repairs.

A system administrator is also responsible for network security and provides support to employees in his company. It collects the data needed to assess the network, and decides what should be added to it or what should be changed to make the IT park run better and faster. In addition, he takes care of server management and ensures that all e-mail file and data storage systems are functioning properly.

The system administrator can work in almost any industry that requires setting up computer servers. As we are in the digital age, where the internet has become essential to ensure the proper functioning of all businesses, this shows that system administrators will be increasingly called upon and that their activity will be very lucrative. And know that even interns will be able to take advantage of the situation. They will not only be able to earn more as directors, but they will also have a better chance of obtaining and keeping their jobs.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts 12% growth for the profession of network and computer systems administrators until 2020. This is an average growth rate for all professions of the BLS. Note that this rate has decreased compared to that of the previous report.

In the words of IT director Donald Roper: “If for years it was enough to get an MCAS certification to get a job as a system administrator, today you have to have several strings to your bow to get one. . "

Every good system administrator has always been a jack of all trades and they constantly strive to be on the lookout for new technologies. The difference today is the ubiquity of IT, which has become an essential service. Networks will continue to develop and information technology in general will become more complex.

Fortunately, training is more readily available on websites and online learning platforms like Udemy than ever.

In addition, social networks and computer forums are now making it easier for ASes to stay in touch with their colleagues in order to exchange knowledge and experiences.

The value of IT certifications: experience always trumps certification!

Although system administrators have specific skills related to certain areas, most of them do not yet have the skills and experience to secure the modern threat landscape that is constantly changing. In reality, only a small percentage of cybersecurity IT professionals have the skills and experience that enable them to fulfill their responsibilities as cloud architects, for example.

There are conflicting relationships between the value of qualifications and obtaining or maintaining an AS position.

Be aware that it is in the interest of the certification industry to emphasize the importance of certificates. If you don't have hands-on tech experience, a relevant certificate can at least take your resume beyond the automatic word checking phase.

Either way, experience always trumps certification, as it makes sense to become certified as long as you know the technology.

Some companies may require formal competence in an IT field, as training and certifications can increase the chances of a candidate being recruited. But practical experience is also essential. In fact, a significant number of system administrators have no formal training, but rather have learned on the job.

The emphasis on skills and experience, rather than formal education, is not unique to system administrators or the IT industry. As their role is constantly evolving and changing, the education around systems administration and security is often not enough for system administrators to keep pace. Therefore, it is essential for them to have practical experience if they are to be successful.

Even with formal training, learning while they are working within their company is critical to their success. The reason is that college courses do not cover the full range of systems administration tasks. They must be supplemented by vocational training. This is because all system administrators learn on the job, regardless of the training they have previously received to fill any gaps.