What Does a Network Administrator Do?
A network administrator, sometimes also called a systems administrator, is responsible for keeping an organization’s computer network up to date and running smoothly. Any company or organization that uses multiple computers or software platforms need a network administrator to coordinate the different systems.
Network administrators are responsible for regular network troubleshooting activities, and they analyze the current network structure. They develop methods and tools to be used to test and implement new LAN/WAN equipment and create projects that are designed to either add functionality required by the company or to address ongoing network failure issues.
What Education Do You Need?
Due to the growing high demand for IT professionals, network administration positions are open to individuals of all education levels. This means that you won’t necessarily have to invest four years of learning (and tuition!) in universities before getting your feet into the industry!
Many vocational career training institutions offer diploma programs that will help equip you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to successfully navigate complex networks and troubleshoot issues. The best part about career training academies is that you can earn your diploma in as little as 52 weeks! Upon completion of a formal education program, you can further distinguish yourself and increase employment and advancement opportunities by earning networking certifications, such as CompTIA’s Network+ and Microsoft certifications in Windows Server and Windows Client.
What Skills Do You Need?
If you want to excel in IT, there are a long list of skills you’ll need to acquire in order to stand out from the crowd. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that you’ll need plenty of technical skills for this position. Most importantly, you need the technical skills to troubleshoot the day-to-day network procedures, you need to have the knowledge of windows server, the scripting language such as Python and PHP, as well as the familiarity with database servers such as MySQL.
In addition, you need to have a proper understanding all types of hardware including routers, switches, wires and other essential equipment. You need to be familiar with IP addressing, networking protocols like IPv4 and IPv6, operating systems such as Windows (XP, Vista, and Windows 7), Linux and MAC OS. You also need the knowledge of various Networking Services such as directories, files, distributed applications, email, HTTP, FTP, DNS and some other common services.
How Much Does a Network Administrator Make?
According to PayScale Canada, the average salary for a Network Administrator is C$53,666 per year. The average annual total pay for network administrators range from $38,239 to $77,031, with a maximum bonus of $6,941 and a maximum profit sharing of $4,734.
Most network administrators consider becoming a system administrator, senior network administrator, or IT manager as the next step of their career. Most professionals choose to advance their career further and become IT director, IT project manager, or director of IT services.
What Is The Job Outlook Like?
A broad range of industries and organizations hire network administrators, including government agencies, academic institutions, financial firms and telecommunication companies. Due to the development for faster and mobile technologies in the marketplace as well as tightened security for corporate data, the number of opportunities in this field was projected to increase 8% between 2014 and 2024.
Network administrators can work in a variety of industries, ranging from telecommunications to security exchanges, and jobs for network administrators are expected to increase at an average rate over the next several years.
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