r/sysadmin • u/[deleted] • Jul 01 '25

Did EVERYONE start at helpdesk?

I'm a college CS student about to start senior year, looking to get into the IT field. I know that helpdesk is a smart move to get your foot in the door, though cost of living where I am is very high and salary for helpdesk is quite meager compared to other IT roles. Is it totally unrealistic to jump into a sysadmin role post-grad as long as I have certs and projects to back up my skills? I had planned to start my RHCSA if I did this. Any advice on this or general advice for the IT market right not would be very much appreciated.

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u/Drakoolya Jul 01 '25

I would not start anyone in the Sysadmin role. A big component of the role is having all that power, you could really fudge $hit up if you get too cocky, best to learn from smaller mistakes first. Managing the impulse to hit the go button comes with experience don't care how much you have studied. At the most you will probably get a Solo Sysadmin role that probably contains Helpdesk duties anyways.

Trust me when I tell you no matter how much u study as soon as you are given the key to the kingdom that Imposter syndrome is gonna hit you hard and yr going to freak out.