Transitioning from a different career into Information Technology (IT) can be a daunting task, but it’s also an exciting journey filled with opportunities for growth and advancement.

My own journey took me from Civil Engineering to IT, beginning as a personal PC technician and evolving into my current role as a Microsoft 365 Administrator.

In this article, I will discuss the essential skills required for IT professionals, with a focus on the specific skills needed to excel as a Microsoft 365 Administrator.

This journey is not just about acquiring technical knowledge, but also about enhancing one’s value to increase earning potential, a lesson I learned from Jim Rohn’s philosophy on value and income.

My Journey: From Civil Engineering to Microsoft 365 Administration

I studied in Civil Engineering, but my passion for technology led me to pursue a career in IT. Initially, I learned through correspondence courses and hands-on experience as a personal PC technician.

Over time, I found myself in a role as a Microsoft 365 Administrator when the company I’m working with for 20 plus years transitioned to Microsoft 365.

Life was relatively stable until the COVID-19 pandemic hit, causing a significant impact on the economy. With rising prices but not increasing salaries, I realized that to improve my primary income, I needed to enhance my skills and provide more value.

Jim Rohn’s philosophy resonated with me: the amount I receive is in direct proportion to the value I provide. So, to increase my income, I needed to increase my inner value by developing and improving my skills.

General IT Skills: Building a Strong Foundation

Technical Proficiency

Hardware and Software Knowledge:
Understanding the components of a computer, how they work together, and how to troubleshoot hardware issues is fundamental. This includes knowing how to install and configure operating systems, drivers, and software applications.

Networking Basics:
Grasping the principles of networking, including IP addressing, subnetting, and the functions of various network devices (routers, switches, firewalls) is crucial. Basic networking skills are essential for setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting network connections.

Security Awareness:
Cybersecurity is a critical aspect of IT. IT professionals must understand the basics of securing systems, identifying potential threats, and implementing security measures. This includes knowledge of firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and secure password policies.

Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

IT professionals are problem solvers. The ability to diagnose issues, analyze problems, and find effective solutions is vital. This involves logical thinking, patience, and a methodical approach to troubleshooting.

Communication Skills

Verbal and Written Communication:
Being able to explain technical concepts to non-technical users is an important skill. Clear communication ensures that users understand the issues they face and the solutions being implemented.

Customer Service:
Providing excellent customer service involves listening to users’ concerns, empathizing with their problems, and ensuring they feel supported throughout the troubleshooting process.

Continuous Learning

The IT field is constantly evolving. Staying current with the latest technologies, tools, and best practices is essential. This involves self-study, attending training sessions, obtaining certifications, and participating in professional development opportunities.

Specialized Skills for Microsoft 365 Administrators

As my career progressed, I found my niche in Microsoft 365 Administration. This role requires a blend of general IT skills and specialized knowledge. Here are the key skills needed to excel as a Microsoft 365 Administrator:

Deep Understanding of Microsoft 365 Services

Office 365 Applications:
Proficiency in the core Office 365 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is essential. Administrators must understand how these applications integrate with each other and with other Microsoft 365 services.

Exchange Online:
Managing email services, including configuring mailboxes, distribution groups, and email policies. This involves understanding spam filters, email encryption, and data loss prevention (DLP) policies.

SharePoint Online:
Setting up and managing SharePoint sites, libraries, and permissions. This includes understanding how to use SharePoint for document management, collaboration, and workflow automation.

OneDrive for Business:
Configuring and managing OneDrive for Business to ensure secure file storage and sharing. This involves setting up synchronization, managing storage limits, and ensuring data security.

Teams:
Implementing and managing Microsoft Teams for collaboration and communication. This includes setting up teams and channels, configuring meetings and conferencing, and managing integrations with other Microsoft 365 services.

Security and Compliance

Identity and Access Management:
Managing user identities and access controls through Azure Active Directory (AD). This involves setting up single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and conditional access policies.

Compliance Management:
Ensuring that the organization meets regulatory compliance requirements. This includes setting up data retention policies, conducting compliance audits, and using compliance tools available in Microsoft 365.

Threat Protection:
Implementing and managing threat protection services like Microsoft Defender for Office 365. This involves setting up anti-phishing, anti-malware, and anti-spam policies to protect against security threats.

Administration and Management

PowerShell Scripting:
Automating administrative tasks using PowerShell scripts. This skill is crucial for managing large environments efficiently, performing bulk operations, and automating routine tasks.

Monitoring and Reporting:
Using tools like Microsoft 365 Admin Center, Azure AD reports, and other monitoring solutions to keep track of system health, usage patterns, and security incidents. Generating reports to provide insights into system performance and user activity.

Troubleshooting:
Diagnosing and resolving issues related to Microsoft 365 services. This involves understanding common problems, using diagnostic tools, and following best practices for issue resolution.

Enhancing My Value: Developing Skills for Higher Pay

To achieve higher pay and career advancement, I focused on several key areas:

Certification

CompTIA A+ and Network+:
These foundational certifications help solidify my understanding of hardware, software, and networking basics.

CompTIA Security+:
This certification enhance the knowledge of cybersecurity principles, including risk management, threat mitigation, and security policies.

Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals (MS-900):
This certification provide a comprehensive understanding of Microsoft 365 services and cloud concepts.

Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert (MS-102):
This advanced certification validate the skills in managing and securing Microsoft 365 environments, including identity and access management, compliance, and threat protection.

Practical Experience

Home Network Security Project:
To apply my skills, I undertook a project to secure my home network. This involved assessing the network for vulnerabilities, implementing security measures, and continuously monitoring for threats. Documenting this project as a case study allowed me to showcase my practical skills to potential employers.

Freelance IT Support:
Providing freelance IT support services to small businesses allows me to gain hands-on experience in troubleshooting, network setup, and cybersecurity. This also helps me build a portfolio of successful projects and satisfied clients.

On-the-job Real-Time MS 365 Administration and Support:
In my current role as a Microsoft 365 Administrator, I provide real-time support and administration for our organization. This includes managing user accounts, configuring and maintaining Exchange Online, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams. I troubleshoot and resolve issues, implement security measures, and ensure compliance with organizational policies. This hands-on experience has significantly enhanced my technical skills and my ability to manage and secure Microsoft 365 environments effectively.

Continuous Learning

Online Courses and Webinars: I regularly participated in online courses and webinars to stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in IT and cybersecurity. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Learning, and Udemy offered valuable resources for professional development.

Professional Communities: Engaging with professional communities on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook groups provided opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and learning from industry experts.

Conclusion

Transitioning into IT from another field can be challenging, but it’s a journey filled with opportunities for growth and development. By focusing on building a strong foundation in general IT skills and developing specialized expertise in Microsoft 365 Administration, I was able to enhance my value and position myself for higher pay and career advancement.

Remember, the key to increasing your income is to provide more value. Invest in your skills, gain practical experience, and continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow. As Jim Rohn said, “Your income is determined by your philosophy, not by the economy.” By developing and improving your skills, you can increase your inner value and achieve your career goals in the IT industry.

Here’s to your success!

Jun Pasion
MS365 Administrator | Cybersecurity | Managing my own finances