How Do I Become a Junior System Administrator?

To become a junior system administrator, it is important to get at least an associate's degree in a field such as computer science or information systems. While you are taking classes in which you learn about commonly used computer systems, such as Windows® and Linux®, you also should make sure to take courses where you can learn about business communication and employee management. To become a junior system administrator, it can be a good idea to take internships in college if you have this opportunity, though a paid apprenticeship might also be helpful. In short, it is a good idea to get some on the job experience that shows employers that you already have a basic understanding of the work.

If you want to become a junior system administrator, you need to be able to enroll in highly technical computer classes at the college level. If you are still in high school, take courses in computer science and high level math, such as statistics, trigonometry, and calculus. People who are no longer in high school can audit these courses at local colleges. You might also have to take standardized admissions test to get into a computer science college program. It is important that you do well in sections related to critical reasoning and mathematical problem solving.

In order to become a junior system administrator, it is important that you are able to work with professionals from departments other than information technology. For this reason, you can benefit from taking courses in business etiquette or employee management. If you enroll in a four year computer science degree program, you might also have the opportunity to have a double major or a minor concentration in business. With this kind of preparation, you can impress employers with your ability to work common operating systems, such as Windows NT® and Linux®.

To become a junior system administrator, it also can be important to get some professional experience. Talk to the academic adviser offered to you by your college since he or she should be able to point you toward any internship experience in which you can work under an established system administrator. This is a great way to learn typical information technology jargon that is used in the workplace. It also can be a good way to get a reference who can attest to your attention to detail, problem solving skills, understanding of complex computer science terms and concepts, and ability to communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues who work in non-technical capacities.