Does technology fascinate you? Are you curious about and interested in learning about different software, hardware and devices? If you answered yes to these questions, you should become a system administrator aka sysadmin.

A sysadmin is responsible for monitoring and maintaining computer systems in a network or environment that has multiple users. It's a great time to become a sysadmin now because the technology sector is booming and yet it's facing a major Skills shortage.

Skills shortage in the tech sector

Around 61% businesses plan on increasing investment in their tech and about 60% of businesses want to increase the number of people in their tech department. This is obviously because technology is the way forward for many businesses.

But there is a stumbling block. There simply aren't enough techies to meet the growing demand. 69% of business leaders can't keep pace with the changing tech landscape because they aren't able to find the right talent.

Why you should become a sysadmin now

• Good pay: It's simple economics. When the demand is high and supply is low, price tends to be on the higher side. Jobs in IT are following this very same basic economic principle. That's why the median salary for IT professionals in the US is $97,430. This is more than twice the figure of all other occupations at $45,760. The median Sysadmin salary is $80,600. This is especially great when you consider the fact that a sysadmin job could potentially land you much bigger and better jobs in the future. The top 10% of sysadmins earn around $130,830.
• Shortage of talent: Over 1,500 chief information officers admitted that there's a shortage of tech talent and that this shortage may be the worst it has been since 2008. This shortage is not just in the US; it's a global problem. 54% of companies across the globe have reported it. The shortage is expected to cause the global economy to lose about $ 8.5 trillion in unrealized annual revenues.
• Growing demand: According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in IT and computer occupations is expected to grow by 13% this decade. Approximately 667,600 new jobs are likely to be added by these occupations in the US alone. Sysadmins are especially in demand because they are usually the mainstays in any IT environment – the ones that keep everything running.
• Upskill on the job: One survey suggested that 42% of companies were planning to upskill or reskill their employees. By offering upskilling as a benefit, companies are trying to kill two birds with one stone. They're trying to overcome the talent deficit while trying to lure techies with the promise of continuous learning and growth that the techies need to stay relevant in their ever-changing work domain. If you're a junior support technician, upskilling on the job could lead you to becoming a sysadmin. Once you become a sysadmin, you can further pursue your growth into more lucrative and higher positions.
• High-paying field: We've already mentioned that sysadmins are well-paid when compared to other occupations, especially non-tech. It's also important to consider that 24 of the 50 highest paying jobs are in tech. You not only secure a high-paying job with great job security by becoming a sysadmin, but you also build a foundation for a solid, well-paying career.

How to become a sysadmin

To become a sysadmin, you need to have relevant work experience, the right training, and the ability to get your job done. Perhaps, you don't have the work experience that you need. But that's okay if you have the right skills. Sure, organizations are going to prefer someone with a proven track record. However, don't worry about this. Sooner or later, you will get your break. Be ready for that moment by training and developing your skills.

Training gives you practical exposure and real-world abilities that you can use when you become a sysadmin. It also shows your prospective employers that you have initiative and the drive to succeed. Some certifications you could pursue as you try to become a sysadmin now are as follows:

Microsoft certifications

There are three levels of Microsoft certifications: Fundamentals, Associate and Expert. You can choose to certify yourself in various Microsoft suites like Azure or Microsoft 365 or you could go down the role-based route by completing all certifications that are essential for an administrator. Either way, Microsoft certifications are recognized by the industry. They add value to your profile, help you demonstrate your skills and advance in your career. This is certainly one route you could take on your way to becoming a sysadmin.

CompTIA A+ certification

The training for this certification will lead you down a path that's comparable to Microsoft's Fundamentals training. However, there is one crucial difference: the training for this certification takes you beyond Microsoft's environments. This training will give you the skills you need to configure hardware, identify and solve IT problems, implement security features, and so on. It's a great certification when you're trying to become a sysadmin.

Becoming a sysadmin now

Companies across the globe are facing operational challenges. There is a surging demand for tech talent while there's a shortage in supply. That's why now is the best time to become a sysadmin – the mainstay of any IT environment.

Sysadmins are not only very well-paid, but they also enjoy other benefits like being able to upskill on the job at their employer's expense. While sysadmins have great prospects now, it also acts as a great foundation for a long-term career in the IT industry and a range of other lucrative roles in the future. 

Becoming a sysadmin may not be simple or straightforward but it isn't unattainable either. It does require continuous learning and training and the ability to demonstrate your skills – but with the right levels of interest and dedication this should not be a problem. Certifications from Microsoft and CompTIA are great for you on your journey to becoming a sysadmin. They give you the skills you need while demonstrating to prospective employers that you have the drive they're looking for.

If you like working with computer systems, now is a great time to become a sysadmin. It may be a challenging pursuit, but it's also one that promises to be satisfying and rewarding.