What advice do you have for 2 people who are already in profession fields, albeit not in the tech. industry, who would like to get into UNIX sys. admin.???

We have master's et al. degrees in an educational arena.

We are interested in your thoughts re. how to get training, experience, internships, etc.

What is the best way to transition from another profession?

Considering a fast-track certification program at UCSC-Extension in Santa Clara. Any info on this program??

Anything is helpful! Thanks in advance!!