Depth, but not width.
One of the biggest misconceptions a lot of people have about IT is the more you know, the better it is. Because I have a lot of people come to me and tell me, “Well, I know you focus on Linux system administration and system engineering, but are we going to learn a little bit about cybersecurity and DBA?” They don’t understand that being a jack of all trades in this business actually hurts you. So, knowing a lot about one particular area really helps you. In fact, the more you become a subject matter expert, the more money you will make, but knowing a little bit about a lot, the best it will do is actually get you a job. And I don’t know, a doctor’s office being the computer guy.
You want to have that powerful career where you can make the kind of money you want. So that’s why I say depth instead of width. You go deep in the knowledge, and you choose a track like you can choose Linux system administration or Linux system engineering. You choose that track and you get multiple certifications in that track. But knowing a little bit about database administration, a little bit about cybersecurity, and a little bit about coding, won’t give you the type of career you’re looking for. So that’s why I always say depth, but not width.
