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Network Administrator
What is a Network Administrator?
Network administrators can be responsible for installing, configuring, securing, administering, and troubleshooting computer systems within businesses in local area networks (LANs) or through and across cities and countries in wide area networks (WANs). They may also be called Network and Computer Systems Administrators, among other titles, depending on if their position is more specialized.
What can I do with an AAS degree in Networking Technology?
Earning an AAS degree in Networking Technology will enable you to work with hardware (physical devices), switches, routers, network systems, and network design. You will also learn computing skills and how to handle the movement of the internet through LANs and WANs. You will be prepared for entry level positions at IT help desks, businesses, financial institutions, schools, government agencies, and even hospitals. With the great reliance on computers in our time, becoming a network administrator is a solid bet.
You may also increase your visibility in the field with a Bachelor’s degree from Bryant & Stratton College. This degree will delve deeper into business principles, such as management, accounting and operations management.
Additional Training/Requirements
Once you have your AAS degree in Networking Technology, how do you show potential employers that you really know what you are doing? The answer is through certifications. Bryant & Stratton College recommends three certification tests, the CompTIA A+, Comp TIA Security+, and the CompTIA Network+. Your tuition covers one certification exam.
In completing the requirements for your AAS degree, you will have been given the tools to pass all three exams. But, you needn’t take all three. The CompTIA A+ is a basic skills exam. Taking and passing the CompTIA Network+ exam will make it clear that you also have the basic skills necessary to be a network administrator.
In addition to the Comp TIA certifications, you may also consider Security+ and Network+ certifications. Of course, you may want to tailor the exams you take to your desired career trajectory. There are industry-leading organizations that offer certification exams, upon completion of this degree, as well.
Job Responsibilities of Network Administrators
These depend in large part on where you work and whether you have landed in a specialized position. However, in general, network administrators are responsible for the daily operations of computer networks including:
- Training staff in how to properly use the hardware and software,
- Evaluating and purchasing software or hardware,
- Adding users and updating security permissions to the network,
- Installing wireless transmitters and receivers,
- Installing and configuring networking software and applications software,
- Installing storage area networks,
- Monitoring daily server traffic and system usage,
- Maintaining network logs,
- Updating network, application and security software,
- Performing scheduled back-ups and tests,
- Interpreting and solving problems when a user or an automated monitoring, system alerts that a problem exists,
- Installing patches and rebooting the entire system,
- Reading trade publications to keep up with developments in networking technology (self-education), and
- Researching software and hardware upgrades.
Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 19,800 openings for network and computer systems administrators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Demand for network and computer systems administrators should continue, along with firms’ investment in newer, faster technology and mobile networks. The continued expansion of cloud computing and the demand for upgraded computer equipment and software will support a need for network and computer systems administrators to maintain these systems.
Your employment prospects are likely to increase if you have attained a Bachelor’s degree. Again, taking the recommended certification exams will also increase your visibility to potential employers. Being up to date on cloud computing and all the latest technology is to your advantage as well.
At Bryant & Stratton College, your instruction will be via simulation lab, updated regularly, so you will not fall behind the fast pace of technology today. This is important in a competitive job market. While demand for all IT professionals is high, those with the most up to date knowledge and skills will have the upper hand.
Employment Settings for Network Administrators
According to the BLS, Network and computer systems administrators are employed by a variety of organizations and work in a variety of settings. In addition to computer systems design and related services, educational services; state, local, and private, finance and insurance, and management of companies and enterprises, top employers also include manufacturing industries, healthcare providers, and government agencies.
Network and computer systems administrators often collaborate with many types of information technology (IT) workers, such as computer support specialists, database administrators, computer network architects, and computer and information systems managers.
Most network and computer systems administrators work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Administrators may need to work evenings, nights, or weekends to monitor, maintain, or update networks and systems.
While this information may help you in determining the right career path for you, understand that job market data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook is intended to provide insight into occupational opportunities, and is not to be construed as a guarantee of salary or job title. Bryant & Stratton College cannot guarantee employment in any field.
For more insights into the Networking Technology field, please visit the Technology and Design section of our blog. Here you will gain valuable information about IT careers. Explore the website and be sure to visit the Networking Technology Degree page.
While these projections can help career-minded people evaluate potential employment fields, it is important to note that job market data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook is only intended to provide insight on occupational opportunities. It should not be construed as a guarantee of salary or job title. Neither BLS nor Bryant & Stratton College can guarantee employment in any field.
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