How Does
How Does a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer Spend a Workday?
Start of Day
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A Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, or MCSE, generally starts the day by checking email and voice mail. In all but the smallest of organizations, the MCSE is part of team with other systems engineers. As technical workers, they frequently communicate via email, so the start of the day email check is critical to keeping up to speed on what others are doing with the systems as well as getting status of current events. Often, users will leave voice mails assuming they get a quicker response from the MCSE, so a voice-mail check is next.
Putting Out Fires
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An MCSE is responsible for a wide array of systems. These systems are generally servers that house critical applications that are depended upon by multiple users. As such, problems with availability or performance are critical because they affect the ability of several people to do their jobs. An MCSE must respond quickly to all critical issues. MCSEs refer to this rapid troubleshooting as "putting out fires" because the problems pop up unexpectedly and must be dealt with quickly, just like a real fire.
Maintaining Systems
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When not putting out fires, an MCSE will keep current systems operating at maximum efficiency. This may involve applying patches, upgrading software or running utilities to check the health of server components. In addition, the MCSE will monitor the load placed on each server and, when possible, move components to lesser-used servers when a server becomes overburdened.
Upgrades and Installations
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An MCSE will occasionally need to upgrade or install new software or hardware. These tasks are generally managed as projects with timelines and budgets to be met. The MCSE is responsible for unboxing new hardware and getting it set up and attached to the network, as well as loading any necessary programs. In addition, the MCSE will install software upgrades or new programs on existing servers.
Meetings
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Because an MCSE is a integral part of an overall team, most MCSEs will find themselves in at least one meeting per day. The meetings range from staff meetings to budget meetings to project meetings.
Ending the Day
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An MCSE must make sure all critical issues are resolved before ending his day, particularly if the organization has extended hours of operation, which mean that people will depend on the systems even after the MCSE has gone home. Additionally, the MCSE will update fellow admins on the status of issues and systems, which requires another lengthy email session.
On Call
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With the responsibility for critical systems, most MCSEs spend at least part of the time on call. A paging system may be set to automatically inform MCSEs of system problems. Additionally, the MCSE may be paged to come in if an issue arises that requires his expertise.
eHow Article: How Does a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer Spend a Workday?
