The Linux Foundation offers many resources for developers, users, and administrators of Linux systems, including its Linux Certification Program, which is designed to give you a way to differentiate yourself in a competitive job market.
To illustrate how well the certification prepares you for the real world, the Linux Foundation is featuring some of those who have recently passed the certification examinations. These testimonials should help you decide if either the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator or the Linux Foundation Certified Engineer certification is right for you. In this installment, we talk with Jorge Tudela Gonzalez de Riancho.
How did you become interested in Linux and open source?
My first contact with Linux took place at the University, we used it in some Labs, but I didn’t become interested till my first job as Unix/Linux system administrator.
Regarding Open Source: Along with my current job as a Cloud Solution Engineer, I have started to use many open source tools and technologies, and I have become a true Open source believer!
What Linux Foundation course did you achieve certification in? Why did you select that particular course?
I got the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS). I chose it because I was already familiar with all the domain and competencies of the exam, I just wanted to test my Linux knowledge.
What other hobbies or projects are you involved in? Do you participate in any open source projects at this time?
I don’t participate actively in any open source project at the moment, but that is one of my 2016 year resolutions! I’m a sports lover (especially triathlons)…it is not all about technology and work. But sometimes I spend time at home getting my hands dirty with my raspberry-pi 🙂
Do you plan to take future Linux Foundation courses? If so, which ones?
Yes, I would like to the take Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE) and also, any other LF courses related to Open Stack or SDN/NFV.
In what ways do you think the certification will help you as a systems administrator in today’s market?
It’s important to prove your knowledge and skills, so I guess the certification makes the difference when it comes to find a new job.
What Linux distribution do you prefer and why?
Although I have experience working with Debian & derivatives, I prefer RHEL & derivatives.
There’s not really a strong reason behind that, just that at my first job, all of our Linux boxes were RHEL 🙂
Are you currently working as a Linux systems administrator? If so, what role does Linux play?
I work with Linux every day, but not as a typical System Administrator. I’m a Cloud Solution Engineer, so I work with many different technologies like Docker and OpenStack. But Linux is key; it is the base where most of our software stack runs.
Where do you see the Linux job market growing the most in the coming years?
The future of Linux is exciting! I believe IoT platforms of any kind and Automotive Grade Linux industry will enjoy an exponential growth in the coming years.
What advice would you give those considering certification for their preparation?
For experienced professionals, I recommend that they prepare the environment for the exam, and follow the instructions, It’s not a difficult exam if you work daily with Linux.
On the other hand, for newcomers, apart from having a look to open/free resources, I just encourage them to set up a Linux environment at home and get their hands dirty!!
Read more profiles:
Linux Foundation Certified Engineer: Francisco Tsao
Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator: Gabriel Canepa
Linux Foundation Certified Engineer: Michael Zamot
Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator: Ariel Jolo
Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator: Nam Pho
Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator: Steve Sharpe