A Brief Guide for Pursuing an IT Career as a Network Administrator

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Today’s digital age offers you limitless information right at your fingertips. It has become easier for you to explore new career options. Are you eager to become a part of this digital revolution? Do you want to enroll in a network administrator training program and start your career in the IT field? How about exploring a brief guide about pursuing an IT career as a network administrator?

Who Is a Network Administrator?

A network administrator maintains and manages a reliable and efficient communication network to ensure smooth operations in a company. 

What are the responsibilities of a Network Administrator?

A network administrator is responsible for maintaining the infrastructure and computer networks within a company. From installing and integrating new server hardware, applications to fixing problems, a network administrator ensures secure computer network operations.  

Network administrators organize and install local area networks (LANs) or wide-area networks (WANs) to support and maintain the systems.

A network administrator’s job includes troubleshooting network problems, installing new LAN/WAN equipment, and supervising IT support.

Other responsibilities of a network administrator include ensuring network availability, analyzing network structure, monitoring network performance, and more. 

What are the essential network administrator skills?

A network administrator must possess some essential technical and soft skills, like:

  • Software and hardware management
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory 
  • Network security and technical support
  • Linux
  • Windows Server network
  • SQL and more 

Some of the soft skills include:

  • Strong communication skills
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills
  • Problem-solving skills

What is the Job Outlook for a Network Administrator?

To apply for a network administrator role, you need a minimum diploma or associate degree in network administration. After your associate degree in network administration, you can opt for a Microsoft, CompTIA, or Cisco certification to increase your chances of standing out from other applicants.

According to the BLS, the demand for network administrators is expected to grow by as much as 20% percent by 2029. The forecasted growth is positive and faster than average. 

What are the Related Roles for a Network Administrator?

There are several roles with a similar skill set to a network administrator, like:  

Network Manager

A network manager manages network resources and monitors their performance within a company. The responsibilities of a network manager may include repairing and troubleshooting, installing anti-virus software, and monitoring user access. 

Computer Systems Analyst

A computer systems analyst helps design solutions for an organization. The responsibilities of a computer system analyst include identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing systems. 

IT Technician

An IT technician or a network technician conducts field visits on behalf of the company to provide customer service and support. An IT technician diagnoses technical issues and suggests the best solutions. 

Computer Network Architect

A computer network architect is responsible for designing and setting up data communication networks. The daily tasks of a computer network architect include building, planning, building, and designing WANs, LANs, intranets, and cloud infrastructure. 

How to Become a Network Administrator?

Some employers only require you to have a diploma or associate degree to apply for a network administrator position. It takes only 24 months to complete your associate degree in network administration. 

Conclusion: 

The possibilities for landing a job in network administration are vast. Almost every company maintains a computer network, from schools, hospitals to telecommunications businesses. 

After learning about the career prospects, training, and opportunities, you must be excited to start your IT career soon. With the required skills and network administrator training, you can step the best foot in the thriving IT field. 

About the Author:

This article is written by CBT College that provides a network administrator training program to prepare students for professional certifications. Contact them today at 786-724-1478 or fill this form https://www.cbt.edu/request-info/ to know more about their network administration program!