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What is it like to work as a Network Systems Administrator?

I'm already enrolled into Job Corps and am going to work on completing my programs in customer service, computer technician and network administrator advanced program while earning my COMPTIA A+ and CCNA certification within three years. I am an aspiring network systems administrator for a start-up tech company. #networking #management #tech #technology #it #computers #computer-software #information-technology #computer-science #comptia #certifications #microsoft #linux #network #c+ #python #powershell #adobe #javascript #html #COMPTIAA+ #CCNA

technology computer-science management computer-software tech information-technology networking it computers javascript python network certifications html microsoft adobe ccna comptia comptiaa+ linux c+ powershell
Thank you comment icon The no. of devices connecting to the multi-dimensional mesh of network and security threats keep growing and so is the need for talented network admins. The networking technology plays a key role in IT infrastructure to connect users, customers, business units, business partners, suppliers, employees and decision makers and back office servers and storage devices for seamless access to data and information. Keep your skills and competency sharp and you will have a successful career. Ravi Singh
Thank you comment icon Yes I agree Ravi. It seems like almost every company may need network administrators so therefore the future career growth outlook must be above-average which is promising. Thank you for your reply and I will try to learn as much as I can while completing my programs and earning my certifications. Michael
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Doc’s Answer

Michael If it's a completely new network setup, as a Network Systems Administrator your main responsibilities will include physically connecting network components to each other and installing and configuring networking software and applications. Network systems administrators plan, set up, and maintain computer networks for businesses and organizations. They begin by evaluating an organization's networking needs, and then they install necessary systems, such s local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments and intranets. Over time, they monitor system performance, protect security, and troubleshoot any problems that come up. They may also implement periodic system upgrades in order to keep the organization's network up-to-date with the latest technologies. You may also have a role in designing the network if a network architect isn't available. For existing networks, you will add new users, install hardware and software upgrades, monitor system performance, allocate system resources based on usage patterns, perform preventive maintenance and identify and correct problems. Depending on the organization you work for, you might also provide tech support to other departments, train subordinates and train new staff members.

In the past, earning a bachelor's degree in computing-related subjects such as management information systems, information science or computer science was a sufficiently relevant education path to become a network system administrator. Schools have since created dedicated programs like Cisco CNNA certification or Microsoft's MCSE certifications or Sun Microsystems to stay current with technology trends. Certification programs are another popular educational option in network administration. Because of the rapid technological advancements in network systems, many professional network administrators periodically update their skills through advanced certification courses. Good communication, interpersonal and leadership skills are some other factors to be considered. With rise in global economy, companies are implementing advanced systems for operations and data storage. Demand for Network System Administrators is expected to increase due to rising demand for information security. Companies will look forward to hire Network System Administrators for optimizing their systems to lower costs and increase their productivity.

Hope this is helpful Michael
Thank you comment icon Thank you so so much John! I must say again that your in-depth response is well received and greatly appreciated! I will definitely be earning my Cisco CCNA as well as COMPTIA A+ certifications and have heard that having one or the other is incredibly useful as a Network System Administrator. I will definitely look into furthering my career and education by earning more advanced certifications and work on improving my interpersonal communicative abilities. Michael
Thank you comment icon Success is not a destination: It is a journey Michael. The happiest people I know are those like you who are busy working toward their career objectives. Doc Frick
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Thammanna’s Answer

Computer networking is very rewarding career option.It's definitely keep you busy with changing landscape of computer networking. Cisco provides free networking courses on their Cisco University try out some basic courses you can try
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Michael
Thank you comment icon Thank you Thammanna for replying to my post, I had no idea about Cisco University and now thanks to you I know about it. I will certainly take a look into it and try out a course or two. Thanks again for sharing. Michael
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Aishwarya’s Answer

Network system admins maintain computer networks for businesses and organizations.
They have to ensure stable operation of the computer networks
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AJ’s Answer

If love computers and networking them, then it is a rewarding career. Managing, fixing and networking computers require one to be in flexible with work schedule. It can at times be very long hours, call to work in emergency late hours. weekends, when solving multi-networking issues .
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your perspective. Michael
Thank you comment icon That sounds right up my alley. I am willing to work long hours and into the weekends to first get established in the networking field but hopefully as I become more seasoned, I can still have a social life. Michael
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Josh’s Answer

Along with all of the answers about technical learning for network management, don't forget that in any career, people skills and communication skills are critical. Learning how to describe what you're working on, why it's important, and what it will bring to your customers (internal or external) will give you more credibility than just someone who knows the technology but can't work with people. Work on learning things so well that you can describe them to anyone, technical or not.
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. Michael
Thank you comment icon Thanks for taking the time respond Josh! I will certainly try to remember to not only strive to be an expert in technical knowledge but also being able to explain it and show value to different people of varying degrees of technical backgrounds. Michael
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Patricia’s Answer

I am a network admin and architect for our R&D labs used by out internal developers and engineers. When I first meet with a new group of engineers, my standard, fun response is "a good day for me is if I don't hear from any of you." :-) It means the network is up and running and the engineers can do their work.

A Network admin's main job is to keep the network internally and externally working as functional and error free as possible. Part of our tasks is to monitor the network using external tools, backing up the switches to an external log server, using routing protocols to move the traffic from source to destination with minimal intervention.

Another important task is working the security team to keep the network secure.

A critical component of a network admin's job is to document the network; connection by connection, P2P by P2P.

Hope this helps!
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Carl’s Answer

Being a network administrator can be very rewarding. You are able to design, fix, manage, and troubleshoot networks that help businesses operate. Your skillset enables businesses to function. Wireless networks, local area networks, radio area network, and all enterprise level networks require individuals with network management skills to keep their organizations operational. As technology changes, so will your knowledge which means your job will always be evolving. My graduate degree is in Network Management and with the evolution of wireless technologies, the textbooks I used in graduate school became obsolete even as I was matriculating. The career is face-paced and can be stressful but rewarding. Your organization will heavily depend on you.

Carl recommends the following next steps:

Research undergraduate and graduate programs in Network Administration and Network Management
Seek out articles online that show the benefits of certifications such as CCNA and COMPTIA
Research different companies that employee Network Administrators, look at job descriptions on their website.
Compare curriculum of Network Administration/Management programs to job requirements within the job descriptions you've researched.
Thank you comment icon Loved reading this, thanks! Michael
Thank you comment icon Thank you very much Carl for your detailed feedback. I will be sure to make use of your advice and take the first steps into my future by completing my COMPTIA and CCNA certifications as well as others that can be helpful. Your response and feedback is greatly appreciated! Michael
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Andréa’s Answer

Every organization is different, but network admins often have a blend of day-to-day "keeping the lights on" tasks, larger projects (building out new networks, making major changes to existing networks), and the wildest part: fixing/troubleshooting major outages.

Andréa recommends the following next steps:

A handy skill to have when it comes troubleshooting outages is communicating well with external vendors, like telecommunications companies. The people you interact with will have different skills levels, so it's great to know how to describe your issue for any audience.
Thank you comment icon Thanks Andrea for responding. I will certainly keep in mind that I ought to be able to communicate with different people with varying degrees of technical skills. Michael
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Todd’s Answer

Hi Michael,

As someone who has done both system and network administration, it's important to stress that you keep current with the industry. As infrastructure increasingly becomes more software-based, understanding an automation programming language such as Python can be very helpful to future proof your career. There are a variety of free courses or minimal cost Python courses available.

Technology administration roles means when it's not working, you or colleagues will likely be engaged to resolve the issue. This can be at varying times during the day and night and may be stressful depending on the circumstance. It's important to keep this in mind when gauging your options. Long-term, remember your audience when explaining technical topics to the business. You want to phrase the impact or status in a way they will understand.
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avi’s Answer

not much to add for the all the answers so far , but keep in mind not matter what organization or ohw big /small / uniqe it is
the sys admin is th heart ans soul of the compnay .
" when nothing works - what are u doing all day "
"when everything word - what are u doing all day"

wouldnt trade that feeling for no other job positioning in the world !!!!
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Maite’s Answer

Sure, that you will learn and have a lot of fun with the network administrator position. It is certainly a great opportunity.
Keep in mind that the networking technologies are a key piece to provide critical services for different businesses: banking, health, security, factories for example, sharing medical records, smart cities, security, money transfer, education , .. with which you will have the opportunity to learn a lot impacting critical services on users/citizens, which is very rewarding.

As networking technologies are part of our day-to-day training, you will have the opportunity to work on innovative projects.

In addition to the technical knowledge needed, considering what this job requires, maybe there are other abilities that you can consider to work:
- Manage complex situation. Acquire ability to solve complex technical problems. A Network Administrator must be a decisive person with great ability to solve complex problems. You must be prepared to manage stressful situations and to work both in a team and individually.
- Communication. Also, a Network Administrator must be a good communicator. As an expert in its area, you must know how to explain complex issues to people who lack a technical profile.

Go for it and good luck!!!
Thank you comment icon You rock! This advice is very helpful. Michael
Thank you comment icon Thanks a lot for responding to my post Maite! I will definitely try to keep in mind that not only is technical knowledge important but perhaps the way that this technical knowledge is communicated to different people with varying technical backgrounds may be more important. Michael
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