Trying to break out of helpdesk and into a sysadmin role? I’ve been there. In this video, I break down the 3 essential skills that helped me move up fast — no fluff, just real tools and strategies that work in 2025.
👇 Here’s what we cover:
How to read logs like a pro (Event Viewer, WinMTR, gpresult)
DNS and DHCP: the hidden causes of most user issues
PowerShell automation and how scripting changed everything for me
Whether you’re at an MSP or in-house, these skills will set you apart from every other Tier 1 tech. Start doing the job before you have the title — and people will notice.
🔗 My Recommended IT Resources (affiliates help the channel at no extra cost)
🎓 Coursera Certificates
👉 Google IT Support Professional → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/courser...
👉 Google Cybersecurity Professional → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/courser...
🧪 CompTIA A+ (Jason Dion)
👉 Core 1 Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-core...
👉 Core 1 Practice Tests → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-core...
👉 Core 2 Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-core...
👉 Core 2 Practice Tests → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-core...
🌐 Network+ (Jason Dion)
👉 Full Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-netp...
👉 Practice Tests → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-netp...
🔐 Security+ (Jason Dion)
👉 Full Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-secp...
👉 Practice Tests → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-secp...
📡 CCNA & Networking
👉 David Bombal CCNA Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/bombal-...
👉 Jeremy’s IT Lab (free CCNA) → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jeremys...
🧰 Hands-on Labs
👉 AZ-104 Microsoft Labs → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/az104-labs
📚 Books I Recommend (Amazon)
👉 CompTIA A+ (Mike Meyers) → https://amzn.to/401Qkdf
👉 Network+ All-in-One (Meyers) → https://amzn.to/44ylMky
👉 Security+ SY0-701 (Gibson) → https://amzn.to/4ko9GAq
👉 CCNA – 31 Days Before → https://amzn.to/44jKiY8
🎥 My Setup
👉 Mic → https://amzn.to/4lciFWC
👉 Camera → https://amzn.to/46vdsEX
👉 Lens → https://amzn.to/4lFJFhk
👉 Laptop → https://amzn.to/4nzqDuA
✅ Tools Mentioned:
• Event Viewer
• gpresult /h
• DNS Manager + DHCP Console
• PowerShell (New-ADUser, Export-CSV, etc.)
• WinMTR
• VS Code
• ChatGPT (to help build scripts and learn)
💬 Comment below:
What’s your best advice for going from helpdesk to sysadmin?
0:00 Intro
0:21 LOGS & DATA
2:06 DHCP & DNS
4:35 Scripting & AUtomation
5:43 BONUS: Basic Networking
7:09 Outro
💬 Comment your thoughts below and I'll respond to every one!
📲 Work With Me / Sponsor a Video:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.jakehulberg.dev
⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.