How do you stay up to date with Network Administrator skills for salary growth?

1 Follow industry news and blogs

One of the easiest ways to stay informed about the latest developments and innovations in network administration is to follow industry news and blogs. You can subscribe to newsletters, podcasts, webinars, or RSS feeds from reputable sources, such as Network World, Cisco, TechRepublic, or Network Computing. These platforms offer valuable insights, tips, reviews, and case studies on various topics related to network administration, such as cloud computing, virtualization, network security, automation, and more. You can also join online communities and forums, such as Spiceworks, Reddit, or Stack Exchange, where you can interact with other network professionals, ask questions, share opinions, and learn from their experiences.

2 Take online courses and certifications

Another effective way to update and enhance your network administrator skills is to take online courses and certifications. Online courses offer flexible and convenient learning opportunities, as you can access them anytime and anywhere, and learn at your own pace. You can choose from a variety of courses, depending on your level of expertise, interest, and career goals. Some popular platforms that offer online courses for network administrators are Udemy, Coursera, EdX, and Pluralsight. Certifications, on the other hand, are formal recognition of your skills and knowledge by a reputable organization, such as CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, or VMware. Certifications can help you validate your skills, boost your credibility, and increase your salary potential. You can find certification programs for different network domains, such as network design, network security, network management, or network engineering.

3 Practice with labs and simulations

One of the best ways to improve your network administrator skills is to practice with labs and simulations. Labs and simulations allow you to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, test your skills, and troubleshoot problems. You can use labs and simulations to learn new technologies, prepare for exams, or refresh your existing skills. You can either set up your own lab environment with physical or virtual devices, or use online platforms that provide lab access and guidance. Some examples of online platforms that offer labs and simulations for network administrators are Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, Boson NetSim, or Pearson IT Certification.

4 Attend conferences and events

Another way to stay up to date with network administrator skills is to attend conferences and events. Conferences and events are great opportunities to network with other network professionals, learn from experts, discover new products and solutions, and get inspired by success stories. You can attend conferences and events in person or online, depending on your availability and budget. Some examples of conferences and events that are relevant for network administrators are Cisco Live, Interop, NANOG, or Network Field Day.

5 Seek feedback and mentorship

Finally, one of the most important ways to stay up to date with network administrator skills is to seek feedback and mentorship. Feedback and mentorship can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, set your learning goals, and track your progress. You can seek feedback and mentorship from your peers, managers, clients, or instructors, or you can find a mentor online through platforms like MentorCruise, MentorNet, or Everwise. A mentor can offer you advice, guidance, support, and resources to help you grow your network administrator skills and career.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?