How I became an IT system administrator with no college degree

In this video, I talk about the skills that helped me land a sysadmin gig with a help desk background.
0:00 Intro
1:15 Context of helpdesk gig, educational background, and experience
2:35 Learn a ticketing system
3:21 documentation
4:20 Cloud certification
6:18 Scripting language
8:22 Conclusion
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discord.learntocloud.guide
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github.com/madebygps

[@fiskblack1737]

"I'm aware this is a junior role" that's the most awareness I've ever seen from an HR manager I've seen in my life.

[@joelrobert4053]

I’m also a sys admin for a financial institution. I would say a critical skill is always ask questions, especially if you’re not sure about something

[@MadeByGPS]

Tech can be lucrative, but it takes time and isn't fast money. It took me 8 years to go from $15 an hour (about $30000 a year) to $175000 base salary. I want to answer all your questions so let me know and let's get you into tech!

[@kainatijaz7641]

@@prabhmeetsingh6995 I think one zero is put by mistake, it's 175k

[@kainatijaz7641]

I asked a question below , kindly do have a look at that

[@Chiedza_RM]

Very Interesting, I love your videos. What of someone who has never been in the Tech space, who was doing something completely different. If i am serious how long can it take me if i am very serious and can give it half of my day to learn. Thank you once again

[@TheKpow]

I'm currently trying to switch careers. I understand $15/hr 8 years ago but I see help desk job postings now for 45-60k. Which is pretty close to the max payout in my current industry so I wasn't that worried. Now I'm a little worried, what are your thoughts on this?

[@bunbohue369]

I will be happy with 100-120K.

[@louisdiamond417]

Thankyou for takeing your time out to help in the it field.

[@GBlunted]

I like how you walkthrough your experiences! 👍🏽

[@yowthubert1731]

Nice to the point vid. Biggest takeway: Automation along with Bash and taking your time with certs to let knowledge sink in.

[@_Anna_Nass_]

I like how you mention some of the soft skills like interviewing well and just generally having a problem solving mindset. Proper communication via documentation, all great points of advice. Thanks!

[@mishy_mix]

Amazing, straight forward tips. Thank you!

[@roshandanixon]

So glad you mentioned taking your time on certifications to soak up the knowledge. That’s what I do and I’ve actually secured positions over others with more certifications than me.

[@MadeByGPS]

let's go!!! that's the mindset, quality over quantity

[@clementbraimah2001]

​@@MadeByGPSmom can you help me become sys admin am studying system engineering but only for 1yr

[@jirehla-ab1671]

@@MadeByGPS is there a line between IT roles like u & soft dev roles?

[@jirehla-ab1671]

​@@MadeByGPScause i have the flawed conception before that an IT sys admin role needs to be in comp programming / development roles

[@jnorris32]

Yes there is is a line between the 2. The Sys admins and engineers report directly to the operations manager. The soft dev is in close workings with the operation manager, but that’s not their direct superior. (At least not where I work.) Soft Devs responsibility is to code and develop solutions and products for the company, while operations are meant to create the infrastructure and maintain it. With that said, a developer might specialize in one programming language like JavaScript and have a deep understanding of creating a web based application, while Sys admin will specialize in BASH, Linux, Hypervisors, Networking, etc. They will know how to host the web application and maintain it.

[@neverhomepnw]

I started as a cable puller in construction sites and years later I now have a engineering role at a large company's data center making more dough than I ever dreamed of. I have no college education, did grab security+ and network+ though. Now I am working on CYSA+ and in a debate between system admin, SOC, or stay in the my data center role. Congrats on your success.

[@29ibrahimsayed95]

Hello Dear Chris can you tell me if AI has made any impact in the field of your career. Is this a stable job after AI models like chatgpt has been evolved.

[@neverhomepnw]

@@29ibrahimsayed95 It is very stable and I recommend it. You dont have to worry about AI taking over.

[@skilledguy1605]

@@29ibrahimsayed95 till the time AI would take control, we all would be in 60's if alive so what if AI have control over everything then 😜, keep patience. learn , practice and crack the technology.

[@29ibrahimsayed95]

@@skilledguy1605 thanks my buddy

[@creamcheesus]

I'm a bit late to the party but were you able to land that gig with just Security+ and Network+ Certs? Or you had some prior experience.

[@equinoxway]

I love how real she sounds about her process, and calm.

[@shiloh4184]

Thank you for bringing definition to each i.t. role that you cover. That "sys admin is abt automation" declaration is huge. That made alot of gray/questions very clear in one concise sentence. Its nice to feel like you can go into an interview with the right tools in your skill set. some of these job posting's "ideal candidate" skillset wishlists are almost comical. But again, knowing helpdesk generally = abc. Sys admin generally = xyz. That helps so much.

[@yowthubert1731]

Same here, automation was the biggest takeway there along with Bash and taking your time with certs to let knowledge sink in.

[@BigRedAdventures]

Gwyn did a really good job, relaying the skills that she learned from each job role and how they help in her new job roles. Sometimes you miss some important career skills if you start directly at the top of the chain. And I totally agree with Gwyn in actually learning what is in the cert curriculum. And to take it further by following it up with a cloud build itself to make sure you retain what you learn. For me that is very helpful in making sure I learned/retained the knowledge. You will thank yourself later.

[@ThunderAppeal]

IT does not take skills, you have to be able to be an idiot. You seem like a great fit for that.

[@brianrandell5334]

Outstanding, I sit for my AWS Cloud Practitioner next Thursday. After that its working with Python, bash and some Linux as I have no experience with them while working on the Solutions Architect Certification. I plan on using your Learn to Cloud info with the ACloudGuru info. Hopefully in 6 months Ill be ready to sit the 2nd exam and be more prepared for a new role. Thank you again, Great work!

[@THEPIMPDADDYBOSAH]

How did this go??? Are you transitioned in??

[@YaseenAliKhan804]

Subscribed.. keep content creating.

[@jubriledun]

You are literally the most realistic tech KZbinr i know... Thank you

[@silentninja32]

We call that "the realest"

[@KevtechITSupport]

Awesome video.

[@MadeByGPS]

Thank as always Kev :)

[@MeZzZzZzZzZzZzZzZzZ]

These are helpful.ty

[@soygps]

Si se puede!

[@user-vs5rr7jq1t]

Thanks dude

[@antonioarana8002]

idkw but ive been thinking you are venezuelan since months, haha well i watch your videos anyway because are really inspiring and helpful, thanks for sharing all this. Im proud of all that you have achieved, is like you telling me IS POSSIBLE! you are a lighthouse in the middle of the ocean, thanks

[@sonrt2107]

This best thing i ever did was grab a dell server for labing and putting vmware or proxmox, spinning vms helps you learn the software. But doing this also requires some hardware knowledge. And networking for switching.

[@maxfrischdev]

muchas gracias

[@mohammeduddin7082]

Thank you so much for making this video, and god bless. I am starting a new job in IT as a level 1 help desk analyst, I really want to transition into becoming a system admin. I am working on my A+ certification right now. I want to know what I should learn to become a system admin, cbt suggests is also a good source to learn stuff. What certifications does a system admin need.

[@chris.magneto]

Peace. Thanks for your content and presenting palpable information that’s not laced with get rich yesterday schemes. Is there a training program that would you recommend that would perhaps be more advantageous, money not being an issue for someone to learn the skills and certs necessary to become a cloud engineer?

[@Microking4u]

Unfortunately the median income nation wide is $85k. Sys Admin and below roles generally pay garbage unfortunately, HR has been disrespecting the knowledge necessary for these roles with low pay, my last 20yrs in the biz has been frustrating! Appreciate you explaining how you got to a living wage finally. 😎

[@greenleaph5145]

Job hop to one that will pay you above average.

[@xxqueenbattlecattxx6746]

Question, I am interested in becoming a Cloud Engineer/Dev Ops. What kind of exams should I take to be certified for that?

[@mohamed_azizfadhel8624]

can you do a video on some interview tips ?

[@Acheron.426]

Ah yes, my favourite quote in the background from Michael Gretzky. Or is it Wayne Scott? I always get those two people mixed up.

[@clementbraimah2001]

Just subbed

[@emmanuelfaps2208]

please recommend places and platforms where i can get the certifications

[@anthonytochukwu8331]

Hi GPS I'm about to start my adventure as a cloud administrator; what are the foundational skills I need to learn? Many thanks

[@BadWeatherfreak]

What you guys recommend to get start it studying?

[@craigheard2504]

HI Gwyn. Thanks for your channel and contributions. Thank you for the Resume challenge information and walk through-I am working on it now. You are one the the best cloud computing career resources on KZbin. Period. Quick questions. Since Cloud engineer and technician roles don’t seem to be entry level, should I be aspiring to work as a System Admin to acquire hands on experience in preparation for the role? I ask since I am studying for the Azure Admin now, and already have Security plus, AWS CCP and Azure Fundamentals and currently learning and using JIRA. My goal is Cloud Security after Engineer but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of information about a path to cloud computing roles (since its so new I am assuming?). Any information you can provide is appreciated.

[@ThunderAppeal]

You have to remember to be an idiot, which seems to be very easy for you. The IT industry loves their morons, you should fit right in.

[@MHb789]

How much of networking knowledge is required for this job as a beginner?Are certifications required?

[@seikeiranggilbert6007]

ma'am how do we apply for system administrator after bca degrees

[@89kylestyle]

Gwyneth, I'm just curious why you did not get started with the A+ cert. Also, why did you go with the AWS cert? Is it more in demand? Thanks

[@Tech215Studios]

A+ is going to get you a super entry level IT Job. Help Desk, Desktop Support, and honestly that’s where you’re going to start regardless. I would just get a job in the industry and work your butt off for 2 years then go from there. You got this Kyle!!! Just go for it man, working in IT is the most fun you’ll have at a 9-5 especially if you love computers and helping people.

[@MHb789]

⁠​⁠@@Tech215Studioshow can i get help desk or desktop support without any certificate or experience?What should i be knowing to clear the interview?

[@Tech215Studios]

@@MHb789 Look up Help Desk, Tier I Jobs. Look at what the responsibilities are and see what they're asking. What I did was I had been building my own PC's since windows 95 - 98 when I was a kid and I worked at a pawn ship fixing and building PC's. I got into a bad car accident and my full time job I couldn't work for a while. My girlfriend at the time, now my wifey poo, was working at a small University here in DE as a help desk technician 25+ hours a week. It paid like shit, $12 an hour to start, but she got me in. The best part was I got to listen to her take calls for months so when I started I did have a leg up. But we hire the biggest dumb dumb's, including myself. :) - Look for call center Help Desk jobs. Things like Password Resets, helping people get logged in, clearing browsing history, configuring email and other client those companies use. Real Easy Stuff. Most jobs you can do remote now a days but if you can, go in the office and hang out with the top tier on your team and don't be affraid to ask tons of questions and look stupid. One, nobody is going to think that, and two if they are dicks about it and think you are, oh well, you'll know more than them in a few months and can move up. If you want to learn about IT from home, build you own PC yourself and figure out what each part does. Learn to make a Windows 10 or 11 Boot Disc. Start offering to fix your friends computers, how to install drivers and solve basic issues. I honestly make pretty good money at my main gig but I also do a TON OF SIDE WORK, and I charge $125 an hour. And places will pay that because they don't know how to and they just want there shit to work. But Good Luck man, keep at it, read a ton of books on IT and watch tons of videos and you'll be good. Don't worry about getting tons of certs, get one or two then get a job. That would my advice brotha!!

[@mrleon1115]

which cloud certification would you recommend

[@wasteland225]

Not for everybody but the military definitely needs system administrators free training, experience, and college afterwards. Like I said not for everyone but it’s an option I don’t see much.

[@RG-ux7ii]

Hi, I'm from Argentina. Do you know if companies in the US are hiring people that live in other countries to work remotely (Jr.)? I have the CCNA, Azure Administrator and RHCSA (RedHat) certs, do you think it's enough to start applying for Jr positions in the cloud? Thanks. PS: If so, what do you think the salary range can be?

[@fernandoferrari5968]

Hola RG, creo que con esos certs, lo mejor que podes hacer , si todavia no lo tenes, es armarte un buen linkedin y agregar a todos los recruiters it que encuentres.

[@RG-ux7ii]

@@fernandoferrari5968 Gracias, vos trabajas en la industria?

[@fernandoferrari5968]

@@RG-ux7ii si, si querés escribime por acá un md o por LinkedIn me podes encontrar también, y charlamos, no soy senior pero estoy en eso

[@vlogsbygps]

Ask me anything, I'm here to answer!

[@kainatijaz7641]

Hi been following you for a while now and have gain invaluable insights , thank you so much for that , at the moment I am about to make a decision and will appreciate your feedback, I am from a non technical background, have study pre- medical in high school and then transitioned towards social sciences in college due to my interest , I have completed my associate degree in political science, I will do masters in my feild too , but at the moment I want to work , gain some financial independence and being able to work remotely is a priority for me due to this cause I will probably studying alongside , I feel tech would be a good option keeping in mind the remote scenerio , I got interested in cloud word , just knew the word so I start watching the vedios , began learning more and more about it , what is it , what are roles and roles I can learn and transition into and start working

[@kainatijaz7641]

In the process I found you , now I have to decide what path or feild to choose to start learning, I heard from someone that for a cloud solution architect role , remotely my options are limited as very few would trust a newbie with their servers as it's backbone of any buisness, also I got to know that solution architect is senior role not necessarily friendly for a entry level person , so I am thinking about administrators roles in tech , kindly guide me keeping in my view my background and requirements, I want to learn something that I am able to absorb keeping my non- technical background , learn , gain experience and work as soon as possible my target is within 6-8 months to get started ,in some kind of entry role to get my foot in the feild and the type of role that I can find work in remote settings and able to earn 2-3k$

[@kainatijaz7641]

Kindly share your insights about what kind of role , area in the tech , would be suitable, what my roadmap should be starting from learning, what things and resources to learn from , how to make portfolio or gain experience and network find people or work or apply for jobs remotely , also are there part time roles or independent contractor types roles in tech if yes what are they .

[@BuggleGumbo]

To expedite the wage jump, would a BS help with that?

[@Aduyoutube]

What resources did you use to study for your cloud certificate?

[@faminenam655]

Hi there, I'm a College dropout with no clear goal in mind right now. Really want to get into IT networking. What's the best approach for this as I have no computer networking or coding background. I'm overwhelmed with all kind of certification. Where do I get started and what route should I follow. Thank u for you time

[@MadeByGPS]

For IT networking I would say get the CCNA cert.

[@jxntxn1462]

So you never got your A+ cert? Or did i miss it?

[@vinotwotimes7983]

Dope

[@showspotter]

which certification is best if you want to become a Sys Admin and are just starting out? The AWS certified developer ass. cert?

[@Stoneface_]

Yes

[@MrPotScraperz]

Bash or powershell or both ?

[@peterprotege3310]

Hi what are your thoughts on giving recruiters personal information I am from Friends and a green card holder. Some recruiters are asking for picture of ID, green card. Is this common practice or a scam? Please make a video on how to deal with Recruiters on LinkedIn or indeed. Any advice. Thanks

[@allmines1092]

There is no documentation at my desktop support gig tho

[@12012channel]

Really?

[@TheGreatslyfer]

I saw many people in LinkedIn that had so many certifications within like a year or 2, and that is kinda intimidating lol. Hopefully what you say is true and that is not a realistic timeframe for really understanding all of the technical skills/concepts in those certification courses.

[@djmill8000]

Do a video on cloud networking/ and azure functions .... also do you tutor? In school for azure cloud but having a hard time .. will pay

[@MadeByGPS]

I don't tutor. What specific topic on cloud networking?

[@djmill8000]

@@MadeByGPS struggling with the concept of azure databases... I wish you had a mentorship program, definitely would be interested

[@Princess15732]

hi, I got a Google IT professional certificate 2 years ago and I was hoping to land a entry-level user support job with that but I couldn't even get an interview. I have applied for million places but they were all looking for experience and the job market in Canada has been terrible. can you advise me a little?

[@MadeByGPS]

are you getting any calls back at all?

[@89kylestyle]

What are your thoughts on AI replacing Sysadmin?

[@JJFlores197]

I don't think it will happen any time soon. I think AI may play a larger role in certain organizations, but there will still need to be people who understand the technologies to fix and provide support.

[@Master_Rymzki]

you're a nice guy 😎👍

[@Dnariobeats1289]

I just got offered 72,000 job with only military experience and security clearance

[@MadeByGPS]

good for you

[@johnvardy9559]

Hi amazing contect,i would like to ask with LFCS could you break into???

[@MadeByGPS]

Yes plus a year in support.

[@johnvardy9559]

@@MadeByGPS thanks i appreciate it a lot.Also i am between rhce or LFCS which one is more competitive?

[@timurr253]

is age a factor when applying for the first sys admin job?

[@MadeByGPS]

Only at bad companies

[@BigRedAdventures]

Agree! It shouldn't be.

[@sunshinewolf5980]

I am a 50-year old female starting a systems administrator job 2 weeks from now.😉

[@650kdub]

Are you Windows or Linux SA?

[@MadeByGPS]

I was a Windows Sysadmin.

[@John-yg3xk]

Executing scripts isn’t hard it’s creating and writing them. I thought system admins write them.

[@japhetkiplagat8452]

how am like yuo on the way

[@giorgikiladze3215]

ქართველ ხარ თუ ?

[@JVvvv-wv7jb]

is it mandatory to learn scripting for computer system admin or network admin? I am taking programming course but I really do not enjoy it anf find it very difficult to learn C language... if i do not enjoy this do you think I should quit IT?

[@12012channel]

Not necessarily. There might be some programming/coding but it probably won't be as intensive as an actually programmer/coder. You probably won't be coding/programming all day. So,it might be more tolerable.

[@HyperionBadger]

I wish. Programming is way easier imo than Sys admin tasks.

[@Praxy23]

Hello Gwyneth I have tried to connect with you on LinkedIn and msg you but no luck as you have many msgs/requests so here I am asking as newbie fresh out of the boat canadian person who is been in retail for last 15yrs what advice would you give ? I have started taking aws saa003 course from udemy from Neil and Stephen What would you suggest me or give me some more advice ? Thank you

[@ThunderAppeal]

Mainly because the IT industry hires any idiot. Thats the long and short of it. I saved people time.

[@MadeByGPS]

Well then wonder why you haven't found a job yet ;)

[@ThunderAppeal]

@@MadeByGPS Keep your job. I dont need 'IT people' like you for my company. LoL. Edit: No, sorry. Its just a business. There I have to humiliate myself to make idiots like you feel better about yourselves, otherwise you'll cry that a 'mean man on the internet called you a bad name.'

[@MadeByGPS]

I'm not quite sure why you are upset but it's obvious that something is really getting to you, and I hope you at some point feel better. If you have any questions about getting into IT, please let me know :) Have an awesome day.

[@ThunderAppeal]

@@MadeByGPS Not angry. I'm just 'spitting facts'. More than 50% of the people can be fired, laid off gotten rid of from the IT sector and the world will barely feel a difference. I understand that if it werent for the IT world you would be someones fat, ugly house wife. So now youre just fat ugly and in IT so you are the beneficiary. The finance sector depends on the IT industry and in 2007,08,09,10 the US gov spent trillions upon trillions upon TRILLIONS upon T-R-I-L-L-I-O-N-S of DOLLARS to bail out the finance sector. Thereby making the US finance industry and by extension the middle and upper class the biggest welfare queen in the history of mankind. I'll repeat it again, the US gov GAVE the finance sector T-R-I-L-L-I-O-N-S upon TRILLIONS upon trillions of dollars, not a 'few' billion, not 'tens of billions' not 'hundreds of billions' and not just 'merely' 1 trillion, but tens of trillions upon TRILLIONS of dollars to bail out the finance sector. The banking execs got their bailout money, the finance sector execs got their bailout money. So rather than the US gov adhering to all of those notions of how 'capitalizm will save humanity' went RIGHT OUT the WINDOW. And the lying sacks of stacks of piles of shyt companies like microsfht and amazturd, and goodle and faceshit and one shit kynt worthless company after another were also beneficiaries of that HANDOUT FROM THE US GOV. And you my dear are by extension a beneficiary of that gov handout. You are a welfare queen like the rest of those exec kynts to whom you answer to. I'm just pointing out 'facts'.

[@MadeByGPS]

@@ThunderAppeal Look I'm sure you spent a lot of time researching and writing but there's no way I'm reading all that... have a good one.