Hello, I am currently a second year university student studying amongst other subjects Unix.
I am interested in pursuing Unix into a future career, specifically as a network administrator.
I was wondering if you can provide information on how to pursue a career in Unix, i.e. what general paths would be worth while to pursue and any other advice you may wish to share.

The best way to learn this Unix stuff is to do it. A lot of companies are looking for people with a few years of Unix/AIX/Linux experience. Learn as much as you can in school but the best way is to DO IT!!

Find some hardware and build out a few different systems. Keep in touch with the job board sites (monster, computerjobs) and see what they are looking for exactly. That should narrow down a scope for your study path.

Good luck

SeaCros

Yeah I have been learning a lot 'bout general Unix commands in lectures and I seem to be getting the hang of it, as you said it just takes practice (going over the commands again and again).

Is there a lot of competition in the business, or is it a pretty friendly area?

Thanks for the help anyway.

Hello, I am currently studying a Unix module in my second year of university and I find it extreamly interesting.

I have learned about basic Unix commands and though I am aware that I still require practice I would like to know how to go about persuing a career in Unix?

Any advice would be much appriciated.

The unix job market is quite different to the windows one in that qualifications are usually treated as a positive point but the actual subject of the qualification is largly irrelevant - it's more of an indication you can study and learn. The windows makret is generally interested in seeing a list of certifications and quals to get your foot in the door.

Unfortunately, this means that it's quite difficult to get into an interview for a good unix job. As well as knowing your stuff, you need to find the opportunity to show it. Without getting lucky or knowing someone, you might well have to work your way up from a lowly sys-admin or operator.
The job markets that put more weight on certs are easier (for those that have the certs) to get to the interview stage where they can sell themselves.

Skills that are sought after in a unix engineer that might help get you onto the interview list:

• Experiance: Ok so that's not going to be much of an option for you but try to get some part time work (even free work) to give you exposure to unix in the 'real world'.
• Understanding that Unix isn't DOS and Linux is not identical to all other Unix'es.
• Hardware: Do you want to get into this? If so, start learning what's what and the various platforms and their architecture. You don't have to know the latest stuff but being in a position to appreciate how something new works will be very vaulable to employers.
• System V vs BSD vs The hybrids - understanding the differences - try and get some time on several different unix's. Irix, Solaris, Digital Unix (AKA Tru64), AIX and HPUX would be a good start.
• A solid understanding of server security: Get the hang of the basic concepts of security under unix - both at the network level and at the filesystem level. Learn how to user the multi-user nature of unix to seperate all the different subsystems from each other to minimise the damage of a security breach.
• Knowing the commands is nice but knowing a wide range of ways to find the syntax for a new or unknown command quickly is better.
• The phrase "No, I'm not familiar with that one but I'm keen to learn about it!"
• Documentaion - Most engineers are crap at it, try not to be like most engineers

Does anyone else who has recently entered into a career in UNIX after leaving University have any suitable tips??

If anyone has recently entered into a career in UNIX would they please give me any more advice that they have?

All advice is appreciated.
Thanks.