As an introductory post, I'd like to inform the world of my intentions. As a "senior" system administrator, I've come across several aspects of the cyber world that are both troubling and awe-inspiring. When I compare our cyber world to what everyone else does, it blows my mind at how far and deep we can get. From an outside perspective, I think that most folks look at any computer related field and simply think, okay they click buttons for a living. Unfortunately, they fail to see just how many avenues down the computer highway are significantly different from each other. Initially, here are a couple of the analogies that come to my head when I think about comparing our fields to the real world:
-Hardware maintenance: anything related to a garage mechanic. We see those professionals using specialized tools to diagnose failures, swap out parts, and require several years of experience working on a slew of different types of physical internal components. Just as vehicles change their engines, electrical systems, and body, computers are equally diverse and require a much of the same skill sets.
-Networking: Anything related to routing cars, shipping packages, or transportation (buses, boats, airplanes, etc). A person in the transportation world has to be able to move item things from A to B. If there is a change in the route it takes, has special handling like with gas or flammable liquids, or requires other physical structures to move the item (like changes from airplane to semi-truck) then it needs these professionals to come in. The same thing happens when a network engineer has to work on VPNs/routers/switches or analysis specific types of data coming through ports.
-IT Security: Super easy -- Cops and Detectives! The mystique of cyber security is baffling because most folks here that and think of the atypical hacker in a hoodie who steals everything. Really it is a field that attempts to provide as much protection around people and assets and prevent others from "unauthorized access." Much like a cop, they inspect processes, to random searches on military bases, investigate anomalies and attacks, etc. Cyber security does the same thing by implementing logical and physical protections, inspects logs, and performs audits for an enclave.
-System Admins: These guys are your normal, run-of-the-mill, job profession. They can range from a dentist to a secretary. Some system administrators can have several specific areas that they are gurus in. Other administrators are a jack of all trades like a handyman. Their skill sets are usually built on a pile of on-the-job training. Even though most gigs require a degree, they are usually experiences with certain tools that get the job done, which correlates to the average worker. The average worker has to get into a role, learn some tools to get a job done, and then maintain x,y,z for a while.
-Project Managers: Much like the blue-collar world, most jobs require a foreman of sorts. They need someone to manage the books, plan out the upcoming work, manage personnel, and make sure tasks get completed properly. They are a vital role within their respective fields, although they do not usually perform the specialized functions required to get the actual project completed. However, they have to have a certain level of understanding with their field to make successful decisions.
There are definitely more comparisons to be made (pen testers, software developers, storage teams, etc) but ultimately, there is a large misconception that all IT folks can fix all computer related issues. Much like walking into a hospital and saying that every M.D. is able to fix every sickness, the IT community needs to work harder to convey that we specialize. I believe there are fewer jack-of-all folks in our field than there are in other fields.
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