Helpdesk to Sysadmin - 3 Things You Must Learn First

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/coursera-google-it
👉 Google Cybersecurity Professional → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/coursera-cyber

🧪 CompTIA A+ (Jason Dion)
👉 Core 1 Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-core1-course
👉 Core 1 Practice Tests → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-core1-practice
👉 Core 2 Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-core2-course
👉 Core 2 Practice Tests → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-core2-practice

🌐 Network+ (Jason Dion)
👉 Full Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-netplus-course
👉 Practice Tests → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-netplus-practice

🔐 Security+ (Jason Dion)
👉 Full Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-secplus-course
👉 Practice Tests → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jd-secplus-practice

📡 CCNA & Networking
👉 David Bombal CCNA Course → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/bombal-ccna
👉 Jeremy’s IT Lab (free CCNA) → https://links.jakehulberg.dev/jeremys-it-lab

🧰 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: jake@jakehulberg.dev
Website: https://www.jakehulberg.dev

⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.