Doing systems administration is a satisfying but difficult job, mostly because you come into contact with users who know about their own applications, but have absolutely no knowledge of any other technical issues - even if they think they do! You job is to keep the installation trouble free on a day to day basis, and to have knowledge of all the installation-specific issues that arise in computing. You also have to spend some time with users, doing some on the job training for how to use the system well, and in some cases, how to use the system at all.
In order to become a systems administrator, you need to have a background knowledge of computing - usually in the form of an associate's degree or similar, and you need specific systems administration training - usually gained during certification training. Today, certification is almost mandatory; most companies use certification as a part of their recruitment and promotion strategy, and don't really have a policy of dealing with you until you get your apporpriate certification.
You also need to have good communications skills, including the ability to listen as well as to talk. You are going to have to spend a fair amount of time sorting out users problems, and also talking to the other technical personnel you work with. Really your job is about smoothing things out, both technically and, to some extent, with people as well.
# posted by Mary @ 7:28 AM
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