Top 20 System Administrator Skills To Master in 2024

Introduction

System administrators are crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of computer systems and networks in today’s technology-driven world. They usually possess diverse skill sets that enable them to manage, maintain, and secure an organisation’s IT infrastructure. 

Their top skills encompass many areas, including network administration, server management, cybersecurity, problem-solving, and communication. Learn more about the skills and responsibilities of a system administrator at a Full Stack Software Development Bootcamp. 

This blog has a comprehensive system administrator skills list you must acquire to be job-ready.

Who Is a System Administrator?

A system administrator is a skilled professional managing clients’ computer systems, servers, and networks. They must deeply understand their client’s needs to provide appropriate computer system designs and recommendations. Their duties include installing and maintaining systems for organisations and upgrading and managing data cloud infrastructure. 

Sysadmins play a crucial role in supporting multiuser computing environments, ensuring the seamless operation of IT services. They also identify and resolve network issues, mitigate cybersecurity threats, and devise strategies to prevent unauthorised access. 

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Roles and Responsibilities of a Systems Administrator

A system administrator is responsible for setting up and maintaining a company’s computer network. Depending on the size of the IT department, their roles and responsibilities include:

• Installing, configuring, and monitoring computer networks and associated equipment,  such as intranet connections and email systems
• Analysing, identifying, and resolving network and server problems, while maintaining detailed records of these issues.
• Creating and maintaining system documentation, including user manuals and update logs
• Establishing connections between computers and local or wide networks
• Ensuring the security of the organisation’s data and infrastructure
• Performing regular security backups to safeguard against server or software failures
• Swiftly restoring service to minimise customer dissatisfaction or financial losses
• Keeping staff informed about system updates and modifications

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How To Become a System Administrator?

Here are the steps to becoming a professional system administrator:

• Higher Secondary Education: Choose science-related subjects like mathematics and physics in your 10+2. 
• Bachelor’s Degree: After completing higher secondary education, pursue a bachelor’s degree from a reputable university or college to establish a foundational understanding of skills specific to the system administrator role. Consider pursuing a Bachelor of Technology in computer science, information technology, or engineering. 
• Relevant Certifications: While not mandatory, obtaining relevant certifications can give you a competitive advantage. Some organisations prefer candidates with certifications as it demonstrates a commitment to the field and helps assess technical skills. 
• Master’s Degree: Pursuing a master’s degree is not obligatory. Still, it can set you apart from other applicants. Popular courses include a master’s degree in computer science, information technology, and system administration. Consider pursuing a Master of Science in Computer Science from LJMU to unlock great career opportunities. 

Top Skills Required To Become a System Administrator

Here are some skills required for system administrator:

Problem-Solving and Administration:

• Addressing and resolving issues within the organisation’s infrastructure.
• Adaptability to learn new system administrator job skills.

Networking:

• Building and maintaining network connections.
• Effective communication with internal stakeholders.
• Promptly notifying impacted users during network disruptions.

Cloud Computing:

• Understanding and managing cloud services.
• Acquiring skills for working with cloud-based systems.

Automation and Scripting:

• Managing and creating automated processes.
• Embracing scripting to streamline network maintenance.

Security and Monitoring:

• Focusing on IT infrastructure security.
• Knowledge of Dev-Sec-Ops and ethical hacking.
• Obtaining an ethical hacking certification online.

Account Access Management:

• Managing user accounts securely.
• Familiarity with two-factor authentication and account management tools.

IoT/Mobile Device Management:

• Managing connected devices for mission-critical applications.
• Ensuring security, uptime, and updates for IoT systems.
• Utilising IoT application management tools.

Scripting Languages:

• Proficiency in HTML, JavaScript, Go, Bash, Python, and Node.js.

Hardware Management:

• Handling both physical and virtual servers.
• Configuring server connections, racks, printers, and ethernet ports.

SQL:

• Understanding and managing SQL server instances.
• Handling the sysadmin role and ensuring security.

Scripting and Coding:

• Automating tasks through scripts for problem-solving, bug reporting, and system testing is one top 5 skills for system administrators.

Troubleshooting:

• Documenting troubleshooting procedures and resolutions for future reference
• Using IT ticketing solutions with built-in documentation features

Operating Systems:

• Proficiency in handling and troubleshooting various operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and Unix
• Understanding system configurations, file systems, and system optimisation

Virtualisation:

• Knowledge of virtualisation technologies like VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM
• System administrator key skills include experience with virtual machine management, resource allocation, and troubleshooting.

Backup and Recovery:

• Implementing backup strategies to protect data and ensuring disaster recovery plans
• Familiarity with backup tools, scheduling, and restoration processes

Server and Network Security:

• Implementing security measures to protect servers and networks from unauthorised access and cyber threats
• Configuring firewalls and intrusion detection systems and conducting security audits

IT Project Management:

• Managing and coordinating IT projects, including planning, execution, and resource allocation
• Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs):

• Setting up and managing secure remote access through VPN technologies
• Configuring VPN tunnels, authentication methods, and encryption protocols

Active Directory Management:

• Proficiency in administering Active Directory services, including user management, group policies, and domain controllers

Server Monitoring and Performance Tuning:

• Monitoring server performance, analysing resource usage, and optimising system performance
• Familiarity with monitoring tools, performance metrics, and capacity planning

How To Improve Systems Administrator Skills?

Study coding and networking

Enhance your knowledge of coding languages like Python, PowerShell, or Bash scripting. Proficiency in these languages can help automate tasks, streamline processes, and troubleshoot issues effectively. 

Additionally, focus on strengthening your networking skills. Learn about TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and other networking protocols. It will enable you to manage network configurations better and diagnose connectivity problems.

Gain practical experience

Hands-on experience is crucial for developing and refining your system administrator technical skills. Seek opportunities to work on real-world projects through internships, part-time positions, or personal lab environments. Engaging in practical tasks allows you to apply theoretical knowledge, gain exposure to different technologies, and develop problem-solving abilities.

Create your own projects

Undertaking personal projects helps you apply and expand your skills self-directedly. It could involve building a home server, setting up virtual environments, or deploying a small-scale network. By working on these projects, you will encounter challenges, learn to troubleshoot independently and gain valuable experience to enhance your CV and attract potential employers.

Look for industry innovation

Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in the industry. Follow technology blogs, join relevant forums or communities, and attend conferences or webinars. Being aware of emerging technologies like cloud computing, containerisation, or cybersecurity will ensure you stay ahead in your field and adapt to changing industry demands.

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Systems Administrator Skills in the Workplace

In your role as a systems administrator, you will apply your skills in the following ways:

• Communicating with network users: As the initial point of contact for network-related challenges, you will use your communication skills to understand and address user issues.
• Providing remote access: Your expertise in cloud computing will enable you to facilitate remote employees’ access to essential files and documents necessary for their tasks. You will also support hybrid employees connecting to their office computers from their remote setups.
• Purchasing and installing software: Using your decision-making skills, you will choose suitable computer software within the company’s budget. You will also guide and train other employees on efficiently using the new software.

How To Highlight Systems Administrator Skills?

Systems administrator skills for a resume

Tailor your resume to showcase relevant skills and responsibilities aligning with the job description. Describe your experience and accomplishments in previous roles that demonstrate your systems administrator abilities, and also write down your system administrator qualifications.

Systems administrator skills for an interview

During the interview, anticipate questions that allow you to discuss your skills. Highlight your strengths. Provide examples of applying these skills in real-world scenarios to solidify your claims. It will enhance your chances of being selected.

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Conclusion

System administrators work extensively on the company’s hardware and software, making them essential in an organisation. A career as a system administrator can be a lucrative decision. 

If you want to pursue a career as a system administrator, consider enrolling in the Executive PG Programme in Full Stack Development from IIITB at upGrad. This course is equivalent to a one-year post-graduate diploma in Canada. This course teaches over 7 case studies to help you become adept in your job. Check out upGrad today to know more.