Career: Network and Computer Systems Administrators

At every office -- whether business, nonprofit, or government agency -- the story's the same: work can grind to a halt when something goes wrong with the computer system. That's reason enough to keep hundreds of thousands of professionals busy making sure that those systems continue to run at their best. Network and computer system administrators, sometimes called network technicians, monitor networks and adjust their performance as needed. 

Network and computer systems administrators install, configure (set up to work in a particular way), support, and repair computer systems for businesses and other organizations.

Did You Know?

Some systems administrators specialize in computer security, protecting systems and data from cyber attacks.

Are You Ready To...?

Maintain both hardware and software
Get hands-on experience with routers, switches, hubs, and other networking equipment
Keep networks and systems safe from cybercrime
Set up printer servers
Help set up workstations
Train users
Troubleshoot problems
Work overtime during technical emergencies
Spend some evenings and weekends on call
Keep up with constantly evolving technology through continuing education
It Helps To Be...

A strong communicator who loves to analyze and solve problems.

Make High School Count

Consider taking AP Computer Science A.
Look into computer summer camps.
Compete in one of the ACM High School Programming Contests if you're a seasoned programmer.
Take as much math as your high school offers.
Make the most of your science classes. They train you to think logically.
Build communication skills in debate, drama, and speech and English classes.

Did You Know?

Data was first transmitted between individual computers in the 1950s, when MIT set up a network for monitoring the air defense of the United States.

Outlook

Government economists expect jobs for network and computer systems administrators to grow faster than the average for all careers through 2020. For the best opportunities, combine a bachelor’s degree in computer science with certification and build skills in the latest technologies.

Jobs should arise as companies use newer technologies, grow their mobile networks, and deal with concerns about information security. An increasing use of technology in the health care industry should also lead to jobs.

Compensation

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, network and computer systems administrators earned an average yearly salary of $74,270 in 2011.

 

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Source: http://docphy.com/technology/computers/career-network-computer-systems-administrators.html