E-mail, instant messaging, wireless connectivity, video conferencing. It’s easy to take for granted how effortlessly information boomerangs from one computer to another – until, of course, it doesn’t. When all systems are not go, it’s most likely a network administrator who comes to the rescue.
Christine Carter, assistant program manager for TechTeam, visits her clients regularly to troubleshoot problems and to teach networking basics. She also is on call in case anything goes wrong.
Steve Delahunty also consults with clients and leads teams of information technology (IT) consultants at Booz Allen Hamilton.
Some network administrators, who also may be called computer systems administrators, work for just one company — designing, installing and maintaining the company’s computer systems and how they communicate. This usually involves managing the local area and wide area networks. Network administrators manage projects, plan and strategize, troubleshoot, manage network security and often supervise other IT staff. Some network administrators work for telecommunications companies and Internet service companies that provide access to the Internet.
If looking for work in this field, a professional certification may get you in the door, Carter says. These can include vendor certifications from Cisco and Microsoft, for example. Many employers prefer a bachelor’s degree or the certified network professional (CNP) designation developed by the Network Professional Association. The certification has prerequisites, such as proof of work experience and vendor certifications awarded.
Several computer science majors help prepare network administrators, but sometimes just a bachelor’s degree and experience help. Delahunty has a degree in engineering. “I started working in the IT field for a defense contractor and then worked my way into networking as a focus area,” he said. He went on to earn several certifications and a master’s in business administration and is working on a second master’s in information technology now.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts growth of 23 percent through 2018 for network administrators. Initiatives such as electronic health records will increase the need for networking.
For a network administrator position, an aptitude for technical skills helps. Analytical skills also are a plus. “Network administrators like figuring out how things work,” Carter said. Delahunty said that solid project management skills are important, but can be learned through experience and training. “Strong interpersonal and writing skills are a major differentiator in our field,” he said.
“The reason I entered this field is because it was always evolving and changing,” Carter said. “I knew I would never be bored, and it’s true.” Both she and Delahunty love solving problems and empowering others to help solve them, too. They cite few drawbacks, although Carter says some nights can be long. “If people can’t get to their e-mail, you have to be there to get the network back up.”
In 2008, the median salary for network administrators was just over $66,000, according to the BLS. Those who work for school systems make less, and network administrators who move into company management make more.
Internships can help. Delahunty suggests hands-on experience with technology even in a home lab. “And network with your peers through professional organizations, related forums and seminars and conferences,” he said.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
