I have recently been offered a job at a local MSP. They're a heavy Windows shop and I've got a fairly strong background in Linux with only a cursory knowledge of Windows Server (I've used and supported Windows Desktop before and dealt with Windows Server in anger). My 5 year goal is to move towards a career in networking but I'm suffering because of my lack of direct hands on network experience. During the interview process I made it very clear that I didn't have much experience with deploying current Windows tech and they're okay with that. I've spent the last few years in *nix System Administration and somehow managed to avoid being directly exposed to Network Administration due to working in very large companies. This has really penalised me when trying to get Network Admin roles in the area.
My problem is I don't have enough experience directly in networking to land a Network Admin role, but I'm worried if this role might take too much of my attention away from networking (I've just obtained my CCNA and would like my CCNP) and would force me to need to study up on Microsoft. The clients are small shops and their networks are far from complex.
Should I take the role, do the best I can to learn the Microsoft tech while at the same time focus my studies on my CCNP?
Should I drop my CCNP goals and study up for Microsoft? I don't like this option as my heart isn't in System Administration.
I'm not sure what to do
