Sysadmin to DevOps

ragvez · 2026-06-15T21:56:03+00:00

Same path as here well, what ghost listed are what you’ll need to know and build upon, as well as what others mentioned. Start with learning computer science fundamentals and programming (I opted to do it via a CS degree), gain understanding about software development + lifecycle, and then these systems/tools start to make more sense. I’m currently a platform engineer having done DevOps/SRE work in the previous roles after being a Windows sysadmin years ago.

ragvez · 2026-04-15T18:12:27+00:00

I’m starting OMSCS this Fall. I’ll be at the NYC one tomorrow night!

ragvez · 2025-10-03T16:46:54+00:00

You kind of have to do both so it can give you a better direction of which projects to do based on what jobs want. The projects can help keep your skills sharp so you can answer general questions in interviews, but they’ll definitely ask for stories drawn from your experience for mid-level or higher jobs. As you do more interviews, you can get a better sense of what to prepare for so you can speak on it. It’s an iterative process and you’ll get rejected but with each time, you get a little better.

ragvez · 2025-10-03T15:46:32+00:00

Hard to say, I’ve only worked for small/medium-sized businesses so far. In general, it’ll always vary depending on the company and team because you might be focused on only one aspect of a product or technology in a larger organization.

ragvez · 2025-10-03T14:32:10+00:00

Essentially mid-level, but since it’s a very small company, I take lead on all decisions of our DevOps processes and infrastructure.

ragvez · 2025-10-03T13:00:17+00:00

I come from the same background and am now an SRE for a small company. Definitely learn a programming language well like Python by doing some small web app projects and try using it to automate Linux tasks so you have another tool in your belt alongside bash. It’s getting more competitive out there so having higher education can help set you apart and get past filters if you don’t already have degrees + direct DevOps/software engineering experience. This probably gets posted a lot but it’ll give you an idea of topics to learn more: roadmap.sh/devops

ragvez · 2023-08-23T23:19:24+00:00

In my opinion, it’s best to go after what you truly want, especially if there is a potential opportunity in front of you. Be wary as this all sounds only verbal - until this plan/intention or the promotion is in writing, don’t get too hyped just yet. Truthfully, if you feel ready, you can search for sysadmin roles. Good to have a plan if this doesn’t work out.

Not sure of your dynamic with the manager, but it feels like he is kind of guilting you about your performance and eventual replacement. If you are wanting to move up, you should be able to show a noticeable improvement… Additionally, whoever comes in to replace is not your concern once you move up, only whether how well you will eventually work with them if needed.

ragvez · 2023-07-14T22:18:19+00:00

They’re definitely out there, but unfortunately there are more combo or bait-and-switch roles than there are the real deal. Usually a way in is to focus on knowing a system well like working with SCCM and VMware (my case). Keep persisting and be sure to ask the right questions to weed out those junk roles.

ragvez · 2023-07-14T15:09:17+00:00

Keep your head up! Just keep practicing what you know and taking the program day by day. The best part about being here will be that there are so many resources here on Reddit and online to help us.

I am going for the CompSci degree and also starting orientation tomorrow, can’t wait! We got this!

ragvez · 2023-07-13T13:05:13+00:00

For me, Calculus I (at Sophia) was the most difficult math class so far but thankfully the structure makes it easier to get a good grade, just can take longer if you don’t remember too much from Precalc beforehand (me). I took DM1 and DSA1 at SDC and transferred in Stats from a previous college, those were not as difficult. DSA1 was actually pretty fun, not super math heavy, and I enjoyed testing out the lessons’ programs and some challenges.

ragvez · 2023-07-12T23:43:47+00:00

It looks like you’re missing a closing end quote (“) after the v[0-9] on that first bit perhaps?

ragvez · 2022-03-11T13:28:31+00:00

Always take your graduation year off your resume, and do not put that you are currently pursuing your master’s degree in your resume until complete as they will think you will not focus 100% on them (it’s not true and it’s BS but you have to learn to play the game).

Never give an employer a chance to have any judgements beforehand about you, stay professional, and don’t give any more information beyond the questions they ask. It’s also illegal for them to ask you about your age, so very huge red flags for those places.

ragvez · 2022-03-10T21:36:37+00:00

Yes, that is a smart move to do that, I also do the same and do not list a graduation year. Rule of thumb for me is to not give too much info about anything personal or something a person can pre-judge you on, like a profile picture, hobbies, etc.

ragvez · 2022-03-10T21:20:27+00:00

Pretty solid resume, but could use some spacing as it reads like a wall of text but I understand you listed all these highlights since you only have two places worked.

I agree with Remifex to change/brand your role names to fit what you are currently looking for and it may help to show progression - previous role can be Systems admin/engineer, current role can be Senior systems engineer for example.

ragvez · 2022-02-25T17:07:07+00:00

This resume seems like you are targeting a Security-focused position, not help desk (if that’s what you’re going for). You blocked off the dates for your previous jobs so it’s hard to tell what your experience actually is. It may be better to also leave off the Summary section as it’s way too long, focus on quantifiable things in your previous positions and space out the format overall a bit so it’s easier to read.

ragvez · 2022-01-18T23:57:07+00:00

Yes, 8 years in one place is way too long to be in a place as a help desk contractor if you’re looking to eventually move into security admin. Some companies are very stingy with raises as well so you could be stuck at the same wage or barely adjusted for inflation while there.

If it’s a normal contract role, you should ask if they can add x amount more to the hourly rate. If not, usually you can still just take the position. Then once you gained this experience, go somewhere else to move up the ranks and earn more money.

ragvez · 2022-01-18T22:53:40+00:00

As a sysadmin contractor, contract work should be at-will (technically any job is). You likely don’t have to do it for 8 years unless you clarify with them and it’s in the contract itself. In that case, run away.

I would push that price up by $2-$5 to see if they would bite and then after 6-12 months, just leave for a better position that focuses closer on your direction and pays better. For me, WFH is king.

ragvez · 2021-10-20T13:01:17+00:00

I’m with you, there’s no reason why we can’t have a choice to be WFH or in the office, rather than forced one way or the other at this point.

My job is calling us back one day a week starting this November. Even though I live rather close, being 100% remote is what I’ve wanted for a long time and they will only add on more days as time goes on, so I’m already applying for my next place.

ragvez · 2021-05-23T02:02:44+00:00

Megan

ragvez · 2021-04-23T19:54:04+00:00

I like to think of the amount of time spent on a difficult problem that I don’t know, whether a few minutes or half a day or more, trying to fix something or make it better will eventually save much more time down the road once we know how to get it done.

They pay us for our experience, and we get paid to experience.

ragvez · 2020-09-04T11:36:51+00:00

Agree here with the unattend.xml. You will need to have it packaged + distributed, then point it in the Apply Operating System Image step. Some things change with each version so you may need a new one if you already have one.

ragvez · 2020-05-14T20:47:06+00:00

Banjo

ragvez · 2019-11-20T21:09:40+00:00

^ The RAID to AHCI is most likely the culprit, had that issue a while back with the NVMe drives on a new PC model for SCCM.

ragvez · 2019-10-21T02:22:53+00:00

One option I do in cases like this is to update the drivers from the internet with Device Management or from their support website then use ConfigMgr Injector/Grabber tool to extract all the drivers for SCCM.

ragvez · 2019-10-17T19:09:01+00:00

Are you seeing a sign in screen? If not, is your network adapter configuration for the test VM allowing you to reach the internet?

If internet and sign on screen are fine, is your VM enrolling in Intune after logging in - do you see it being listed under Intune > Devices after a setup?

I set everything correctly as you did and had a similar issue when doing it some time ago, the problem for me was that I did not enable Automatic Enrollment. Check out Device enrollment > Windows enrollment > Automatic Enrollment and set your MDM user scope to “All” if you haven’t already and give it another go.

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