Here's how you can maximize your skills by cross-training in various IT areas as a System Administrator.

Study things others take for granted. For instance, consider learning all you can about CIDR notation and subnetting. CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) and subnetting are not necessarily overlooked, but learning them as a part of a personal skill set just doesn't seem to be as important anymore, due to the plethora of online tools that will do it for you.

Ultimately, a systems administrator needs either to discover and eliminate any communication problems stemming from the servers or to prove to the networking/firewall team that it comes from the wire or filters. By pursuing a certification in basic networking skills such as Comptia N+, or at least to use its curriculum to make sure no essential concepts are overlooked, helps you build a solid foundation to be prepared. To build a lab environment while applying those learned concepts is invaluable. Nowadays, a lot of used hardware can be aquired for a relative low price. To learn by doing is much more fun and effective than only reading to take an exam. Never forget to make it a fun activity, and you will be good in no time. Regards.

An example of seeing the importance of network basics in action was during a major connectivity issue at my previous workplace. The entire office experienced network outages. By leveraging my knowledge of TCP/IP, I was able to quickly identify that the issue was due to incorrect subnetting, which caused IP address conflicts. Resolving the issue restored connectivity and highlighted the importance of a solid foundation in network principles. It underscored how essential it is for system administrators to be well-versed in the basics to efficiently diagnose and fix problems, ensuring the smooth operation of the entire IT infrastructure.

As a SysAdmin, cross-training in networking, cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP), or security strengthens your skillset. Free/paid online courses and certifications can equip you. Focus on one area, practice in a personal lab, and join online IT communities. This elevates your value and opens career doors.

Pour maximiser vos compétences en SysAmin il faut un apprentissage continu, la veille technologique à travers des lectures et des participations dans les furums de partages de connaissance. Il faut aussi mettre an pratique ce que l'on apprend par Labs de maison on des environnements virtualisés (back à sable). Il faut toujours rester curieux et à avoir la soif d'apprendre de nouvelles choses.

Common sense with respect to security practices is often overlooked. Security and IA folks like to check checkboxes when often the risk may not be applicable to a given scenario. Understanding how to mitigate and find alternative solutions is also key. Many organizations spend a lot of money on products for ”problems” that could be solved by using and understanding the native / existing tools in house.

Ensuring Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is mandatory in our company and is essential for enhancing our overall security posture. MFA adds an extra layer of protection beyond just passwords, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access to our systems and data. By requiring MFA, we strengthen our defenses against phishing attacks, password breaches, and other forms of cyber threats that rely on stolen credentials. Some staff members may complain about the difficulty or annoyance of dealing with it, but it's not something to ever compromise on. The added security that Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) provides is crucial for protecting our systems and data from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

As a SysAdmin, expanding your skills in networking, cloud platforms (such as AWS, Azure, or GCP), or security can significantly enhance your expertise. You can achieve this through free or paid online courses and certifications. By focusing on one area at a time, practicing in a personal lab, and engaging with online IT communities, you can deepen your knowledge and practical experience. This not only increases your value as a professional but also opens up new career opportunities. Additionally, participating in relevant forums and attending webinars can keep you updated with the latest trends and best practices, further solidifying your proficiency in these critical areas.

Making Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) mandatory in our company is crucial for bolstering our overall security. MFA adds an additional layer of protection beyond just passwords, significantly decreasing the risk of unauthorized access to our systems and data. By implementing MFA, we enhance our defenses against phishing attacks, password breaches, and other cyber threats that exploit stolen credentials. Although some staff members may find MFA inconvenient or bothersome, it is a non-negotiable aspect of our security strategy. The extra security that MFA provides is essential for safeguarding our systems and data from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

With the advancement of AI, scripting has become easier to jump into. You still need an understanding of what is being fed to you, but it is certainly a tool more people should begin using. Use the tools you have at hand. By leveraging AI to assist with scripting, you can streamline your workflow even further, making it an essential skill for modern IT professionals.

With the advancement of AI, getting started with scripting has become much more accessible. While it's still important to understand the underlying concepts, AI tools can simplify the process and make it easier for more people to get involved. Taking advantage of the tools available to you can greatly enhance your productivity and efficiency. Additionally, experimenting with AI-driven scripting can provide valuable insights and help you develop a deeper understanding of both the scripts you create and the technology behind them.

Not just scripting but proper scripting/coding practices like proper code commenting, defensive/reactive practices, input validation, etc. There will always be scenarios you didn’t account for, inputs you didn’t expect, unknown/unexpected results. I personally build a debug flag in most of my production scripts to help troubleshoot unexpected results. It’s been a life saver on multiple occasions enabling me to solve problems in minutes, not hours.

Strong database administration skills can be helpful as a System Administrator. Although Database Administration may be an entirely different field, knowing a little something about databases can help you set up and manage servers that will host databases. Having some DB Admin skills can help during troubleshoot when software isn't working and is throwing up database connection errors. Also, when a company has a System Administrator but doesn't have a Database Administrator, someone still has to fill that role, from time to time, when databases are required.