What does a network administrator do? A behind the scenes look

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Knowing what a network administrator is doing is just the beginning of your search for an IT career. You also need to understand what it takes to become one.

You have always had a solid understanding of how computers work and are available to your family to deal with the technological problems - even imagined - ("Did you try to connect your first printer, mother?"). But now is the time to start thinking about your future career, it seems natural to consider a career in info technology. Under the authority of IT roles, one role stands out in particular: the network administrator.

But what does a network administrator do? Despite your general technological knowledge, there is a lot about this role that you may not be familiar with.

What exactly is a network administrator?

A network administrator is answerable for keeping an organization's computer network up to date and operating as intended. Any organization that uses many computers or software platforms needs a network administrator to coordinate and connect the different systems. It sounds simple enough, but there is another everyday IT job you can answer for: system administrator.

So is a network administrator the same as a system administrator?

what does contact your network administrator mean, In short - not really? But the lines can be blurred depending on the work environment. Sometimes IT careers can take a page from the rules anyway who the line is? - "If titles don't matter and roles are created!" Although this is a bit excessive, in many smaller organizations, the terms "network administrator" and "system administrator" are often interchangeable because they cover the same tasks. That being said, the changes between network and system administrators become much clearer in large organizations. The best way to make a difference between the two is to analyze the kind of work I do - so let's dig deeper.

 

What are the service roles of network and system administrators?

As I said, the roles of a network administrator vary considerably, depending on the organization in which they work.

Here are some examples of network and system administration tasks

  •         Configure network hardware, such as servers, routers, and switches
  •         Modernization and repair of computer networks
  •         Network troubleshooting
  •         Assistance of network architects in designing network models
  •         Implementation and modernization of software
  •         Administration of servers and their operating systems
  •         Implementation of security measures and necessary testing
  •         Managing storage on the cloud and physical network

What is the salary and employment prospects of the network administrator?

It is excellent to take the opportunity to work with computers and technology, but the pleasure alone does not pay the bills. Fortunately, the career prospects for network administrators are very stable.

The commitment of network and system administrators is expected to increase by six percent by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 1 is equal to the national average for all occupations. The BLS notes that though demand for network administrators and technology professionals remains generally high, there is the potential for technologies such as cloud computing and automation to reduce demand. As with most technology positions, you will need to keep abreast of technology changes and continue to develop your skill set to maximize your employability.

 

In that sense, you are probably asking yourself: How much does a network administrator earn? The BLS reports that the average annual salary for network administrators in 2017 was $ 81,100. 1 It is important to note that there are many variables at play when it comes to pay, such as education, location, and experience. But in common, network administrators can expect to get a comfortable salary.

 

What skills or characteristics do the best network administrators possess?

Of course, network management positions will require substantial technical proficiency, but there are more jobs than knowing your stuff. Here are some of the most common non-technical skills that will benefit you as a network administrator:

Analysis and critical thinking

Network administrators need to explore and solve problems logically and consistently. "[The ability to take the concepts you learned in school and understand how other concepts work and affect is the essence of being a network administrator," says Brad Meyer, systems administrator at TechnologyAdvice. Even if you don't know the solution yet, he thinks critical thinking will help you get there.

 

Time management

Network administrators manage multiple projects, people, and problems simultaneously. This means that it is essential to be organized now and look to the future to prepare for what is to come. It's like spinning boards - with little practice, a network administrator can keep everything balanced.

 

Interpersonal skills

Network administrators work with many people, from network engineers to help employees and end-users, explains IT consultant Eric Jeffery. He says that to bond the early among different groups of people, patience, and understanding are needed.

 

A unit of learning more

The IT field is no stranger to change - and new technologies can even put well-established network administrators behind the eight ball. This means that the best network administrators have a passion for learning, as they adapt to changing technological requirements. This desire to absorb more is also essential for the most mundane of everyday tasks - you will inevitably find problems you have never seen and the only solution is to start looking for potential answers.

 

Where do network administrators work?

Network administrators are needed for almost any industry. To demonstrate this, we use post-analysis software from Burning-Glass.com to examine over 108,000 network administrator posts posted last year and to identify key sectors that are hiring network administrators. Here's what I found:

  •         Computer systems design and related services
  •         Technical Consulting Services
  •         Colleges, universities and vocational schools
  •         Architectural, engineering and related services
  •         Insurance operators
  •         Healthcare

As you can see, getting a degree in Network Management means that you will have many options in choosing a field.

Do you want to become a network administrator?

Network administrators play an essential role in the IT department of any organization - they keep the technology that connects our devices running safely and with minimal downtime. Knowing what a network administrator is doing is just the beginning of your search for an IT career. You also need to understand what it takes to become one.

 

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