what should i do please help

labist

Hello to all members

I want to discuss a problem with all of you. I am doing a desktop support
job since last 7 years.No doubt i learned so much in the client environment but now the problem is that i want to do a job as an assistant system admin or a role between desktop support and full admin to gain experience in administrating server. So after 1 to years can try to become Full System Admininstrator or Network admin but when i compare my current salary with the advertised salaries of assistant admin it is equal or sometimes better than the advertised jobs. But i am worried how can i continue my desktop job in late 30s i mean i should be administrator. I am now 30 years old.I have BS degree in computer science.But don't have any certification.

NOLAJ

Does your current employer have the position you are looking for? If so, talk to the head of your IT staff and tell him/her your desire to move up. If not, a couple of certs would probably go a long way. If you are looking to be a sys admin, there's obviously a broad range of technologies and such you will have to be competent in.

A few things that come to mind... Scripting (mainly Power Shell), Exchange, Server Admin MCITP or Enterprise Admin MCITP, Sharepoint or Lync, Virtualization and/or storage (SAN) knowledge.

Being able to demonstrate knowledge in the above mentioned things will go a long way to catching a hiring managers eye. Certs and degrees are the best way to get noticed out of the stack of resumes.

These are just my opinions, and I wish you the best of luck!

Akaricloud

You might have to take a step back in pay to advance your career at this point since you've stayed in such a low position for so long while getting pay increases.

Think about the long term though; a systems administration position will have a much higher earning potential and more room for advancement. Being overpaid for a desktop position just means that you're easily replaceable and could easily get stuck taking a much, much lower paying similar position if you ever got let go.

I'd suggest starting to work on a MCITP and trying to pick up as many administrative tasks as possible at your current job. Work with management, let them know your goals and maybe you can get promoted within your current company. If not then it's probably time to move on.

paul78

There isnt anything wrong with being in desktop support in your 30's or whatever age. I would never assume that just because someone was in desktop support that the individual was more or less talented or valuable to the organization. Noticed I said talent - not skill. And if you are interested in a new career in sysadmin vs support, a horizontal move may be a way to go. If you are looking for a change in the same company, a cert may not matter. If your management measure performance by net contribution to the company and you have been a valued contributor, hopefully there can help you with your roles. Best of luck to you.

ptilsen

You should jump straight into the MCITP: Server Administrator track. With seven years of DST experience it shouldn't take you too long -- maybe 2-6 months. That will help get you into your a junior server admin role (or something of that nature).

afcyung

There are many types of server admins out there, various Linux distros, Microsoft, and DBAs, just to name a few. You should look at what type of server admin you would like to be and pursue a cert or two towards that goal. If there isn't room in your current company for advancement you should begin getting your resume together and start looking for jobs. You may have to take a pay hit initially but the potential income is greater as a server admin so a short term loss for a long term gain will be worth it.

bababooey1

I was in the same boat. I had 11 years desktop support experience and was looking for a sysadmin/network admin position. After getting the CCNA I started getting interviews for these types of jobs. At one point I had two offers and eventually accepted my current sysadmin gig with a decent salary increase. So my advice would be to cert up and get out there as companies are looking for folks that show initiative and are looking to grow professionally.

labist

Thank you so much all of U:)