Network Administrator Career

It’s been two decades since personal computers started appearing in the common household, and since then, computer-related careers have continued to become more prominent.  And there’s no end in site.  One of the most in-demand careers is that of a network administrator.

A network administrator is responsible for overseeing computer networks, ensuring that they operate as they should.  A computer network is simply a grouping of computers which communicate with one another via one central unit known as the server.  The server stores programs, files and other information.  A business network could be as small as just two or three PCs or could host hundreds—even thousands.  In fact, the Internet is a network—the world’s largest.

The network administrator is responsible for configuring and managing an existing network.  He is sometimes responsible for customizing the network to a company’s needs by connecting the software and hardware needed to the network.  After the network has been configured, the administrator adds programs (for instance, e-mail) which is needed by the company employees.

While you might think that a larger network requires more work from the network administrator than the smaller network, this is not necessarily true.  In fact, the smaller network usually requires more duties of the administrator, since there’s nobody else to handle these chores.

The administrator also develops, installs and maintains emergency back-up systems which protect the business in the event of an emergency.  He also controls each user’s access to the network by setting up passwords for them and determining which programs, files and features each user is permitted to use.

A network administrator must have a strong background in computer science, math and sciences; real-world experience working with computers is also helpful.  A college degree in math, engineering or computer science is not technically required for a career in network administration.  However, realistically, it’s hard to advance without a degree.  Also, administrators should become familiar with as many network operating systems as possible, including Microsoft, Unix, Novell, etc.

Several companies that produce network software also offer training and certification in network administration. For instance, network software maker Novell offers a Certified Novell Administrator (CAN) certification for administrators who pass their training courses. A company that hires a network administrator from outside will almost certainly require such certification or proof of experience in administering a network successfully.

Network administration requires good organizational and logical thinking skills, both to set up and administer a network and to diagnose and solve problems. Administrators must be able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines when required. Because they may have to work with users who have little or no technical knowledge, they must be able to communicate complex and unfamiliar ideas easily.

The most recent statistics available for the network administrator career was published by the .S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in2004.  It showed that at the time 278,000 people were employed in the United States in the area (We can reasonably expect that by now, the number is close to 300,000).  The field is expected to grow faster than the average of all other occupational fields through the year 2014. The median income is $72,000.