The Microsoft Active Directory—MS AD for short—allows organizations more secure control over their digital resources and online identities. It keeps track of user data and network resources hierarchically and provides a central location for the management of accounts, permissions, and critical data.
AD administration has recently become an in-demand information technology (IT) role, as the cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) is a key security and money-saving component of many enterprise IT infrastructures.
If you’re pursuing or engaged in a career in IT, mastering AD is a great way to upskill and continue to be a valuable asset in the workplace.
Below, we’ll consider how you can learn MS AD quickly and easily, whether you’re a veteran of information technology and business management or you’re just entering the field. We’ll also consider how you can continue upskilling and learning throughout your career.
Master the Basics
If you’re interested in becoming an MS AD administrator, you’re likely already engaged in an IT career. But what if you’re just starting out—still in high school or college, perhaps? The first step, then, is to master the basics.
Take any computer, IT, programming, or coding classes that are available to you—whether at school or on your own time. Many free, self-paced online courses are available. Focus on learning programming languages, cyber security, database technology, and networking. You can also learn through hobbies such as coding or building your own computer.
Next, choose a college degree course. You might start with an associate degree in information technology, management information systems, or computer science. Look for degrees that are nationally accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the Associates to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Give attention to how to list degrees on your resume, as they will provide the majority of your experience in the field so far. Include the school, graduation year, and degree received, as well as specific courses, projects, or extra curricular activities that are relevant to the needs of the job you’re applying for.
Once you’ve obtained an associate degree, you must decide whether to launch yourself into your career or pursue a more advanced degree, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in information systems.
What, though, if you’re already well along in your career and you’d like to pivot to Active Directory Administration? We’ll consider that next.
Build On the Basics
If you’re interested in an AD Admin career, you may already have a solid basis and work experience in either information technology or business administration. If so, you can leverage your past experience while pivoting into this in-demand career path.
As mentioned above, you can pursue a more advanced information systems degree to build on what you already know. If you have an associate’s degree, reach out for the industry-standard bachelor’s degree.
If you have a bachelor’s degree, devote time to obtaining your master’s. This is especially important if you hope to climb the ladder to a C-suite position. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a solid option; many programs will allow you to select a field of concentration, such as computer science, information technology, or management information systems.
Many universities now offer online programs paced to accommodate working adults so you don’t have to interrupt your work life to go back to school.
Finally, stay up-to-date on the latest Active Directory Domain Services advances by taking training courses offered by Microsoft or other trusted providers. In less than five hours, you can learn the fundamentals of AD as well as how to implement and manage crucial features.
Once you have completed a certification, you can add it to your resume. You will also receive a digital badge that you can use on LinkedIn and elsewhere and potential college credit for the course.
Other Ways to Advance Your AD Admin Career
Students can supercharge their level of experience while still in school by gaining on-the-job experience. You might pursue a part-time, entry-level job in your field or even work at your university’s information technology department. You could also join a co-op program, cycling between months of work and classes, or an internship program.
At any point in your career, building your professional network is a must. Reach out to your peers, professors, coworkers, and other professionals via LinkedIn.
Network and pursue continuing education by attending networking events, seminars, and industry conferences. Attend in-person or digital Microsoft events.
Key Takeaways
Skilled Microsoft Active Directory Administrators are surging in demand, a demand that is likely to grow for years to come. You can take advantage of this exciting career path by learning the basics now or building on what you already know.
Never stop learning and networking. Be proactive about your continuing education and get several certifications under your belt. You can take your first steps today to upskill into an in-demand MS AD admin career.
