Network and Computer Systems Administrator
A Network and Computer Systems Administrator is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining computer systems within organizations. This role involves constructing and supporting local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), as well as managing internet systems and the necessary infrastructure. Administrators assist employees by resolving computer issues, maintaining system performance, and collaborating with security professionals to safeguard organizational data. Typically working in office environments, they balance individual tasks with teamwork, often engaging in system maintenance and technology implementation.
To enter this field, candidates generally need a bachelor’s degree in a related area, though practical experience and previous exposure to technology enhance employability. The job attracts individuals who have a longstanding interest in technology and computing, often nurtured from a young age. Daily activities encompass monitoring systems, troubleshooting issues, and updating software, while also ensuring that backup systems are in place for data recovery. Network and Computer Systems Administrators play a crucial role in diverse industries, including government, education, and healthcare, making their expertise vital for effective organizational operations.
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Business, Management & Administration, Information Technology, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Computer programming, computer science, software development
Earnings (Yearly Median): $95,360 per year $45.84 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 2% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Network and computer systems administrators design, build, and maintain computer systems for businesses and organizations. In addition to constructing local area networks and wide area networks, systems administrators support and sustain organizational Internet systems and related infrastructure. System administrators or staff traditionally handle computer problems or computer-related questions company employees pose.
Network and computer systems administrators work closely with computer security professionals and other senior administrative staff to ensure that the computing needs of a business or organization are in place and functioning properly. They also assist fellow employees with computer-related projects and routine maintenance.
Work Environment. Computer systems administrators work predominantly in business, administrative, and office settings. Those that large companies employ often have their own workspaces adjacent to facilities that house computer servers and other hardware relevant to network systems. Network and computer systems administrators are usually required to balance work conducted on their own and collaborative work with other staff members, which can include system maintenance, demonstration of hardware and software capabilities, or developing and implementing new technologies with fellow staff.
Occupation Interest. The field of computer administration traditionally attracts professionals with technological skills who have a lengthy history of involvement with and demonstrated passion for computing, be it through academic study, personal interest, or professional development. Most network and computer systems administrators develop an interest in working with and around computers at a young age and are intricately familiar with modern developments in personal and business computing. They may also enter the discipline through previous exposure to programming, software development, or any of the numerous computer science disciplines.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Network and computer systems administrators divide their time between monitoring and maintaining existing computer systems, devising new computer and network technologies with other staff, and assisting different departments and fellow employees with their computing and networking needs through maintenance, troubleshooting, and conducting training seminars.
Network and computer system administrators are traditionally the primary individuals responsible for configuring and maintaining network email systems. In addition to monitoring archival systems and implementing virus prevention programs, they are also called upon to set up network and mobile email accounts for new employees or vendors.
In addition to email systems, network and computer system administrators also maintain computer systems related to inventories, financial records, meeting logs, and other relevant data. They build, maintain, and monitor backup systems for archival data. They often work in concert with organizational computer security specialists to ensure that data can be recovered in the event of an unforeseen system failure.
Network and computer system administrators also spend a great deal of time troubleshooting and installing new programs on network computers, making updates to employee machines so productivity is not interrupted, or routing out any viruses or system malfunctions that are preventing them from accessing projects. They are traditionally in charge of the master computer and network systems from which all company computers are connected. They may be called upon to supervise access to particular network locations.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Network and computer systems administrators work primarily in computer labs and office settings. They balance a workload that is performed at their own individual workstation and the workstations of other employees.
Network and computer systems administrators work in nearly every type of industry and organization, including local, state, and federal governments, construction, medical research, publishing, education, and media.
Human Environment. Systems administration requires patience, collaboration, and explanatory skills. Network and computer systems administrators normally interact with colleagues across various departments on a daily basis, including engineers, technicians, managers, directors, and executive staff.
Technological Environment. Network and computer systems administrators must be well-versed in the entire gamut of contemporary computer systems technologies, ranging from circuitry, processors, and programming languages to all computer hardware and software relevant to their industry of expertise, including applications and database platforms.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students can best prepare for a career in network and computer systems administration by completing coursework in algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, introductory computer science, and programming. Specialized seminars or advanced placement coursework related to computer topics are also recommended.
Many high school students supplement their course load by participating in volunteer programs and summer internships where they work directly with system administration fundamentals and learn its importance in the professional world.
Postsecondary. Systems administration has evolved from a niche field to an academic and professional specialty widely studied across post-secondary institutions in the United States. Requirements for specific academic training in the field often vary from position to position and industry to industry, though a bachelor’s degree in a related field is commonplace for most entry-level positions. Several certificate-level and undergraduate programs are available nationwide.
While graduate programs specifically related to systems administration are rare, applicants with master’s level accreditation in fields such as programming, computer science, and networking are often prime candidates for senior management positions related to network and systems administration in major companies, research institutes, and universities. Basic bachelor’s degree coursework in systems administration programs includes topics such as system administration, network infrastructures, UNIX, business telecommunications, and information security.
Related Occupations
− Computer & Information Systems Manager
− Information Security Analyst
Bibliography
"Network and Computer Systems Administrators." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 15-1244 Network and Computer Systems Administrators." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes151244.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.