Network Adminstrator

Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:

• Create electronic data backup to prevent loss of information.
• Implement security measures for computer or information systems.
• Install computer hardware.
• Resolve computer network problems.
• Resolve computer software problems.
• Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
• Identify information technology project resource requirements.
• Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.
• Collect data about customer needs.
• Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.

Typical Working Conditions

• Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
• Using e-mail.
• Sitting.
• Working with a group or team.
• The freedom to determine tasks, priorities, and goals.
• Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
• Meeting strict deadlines.

Tools & Technology used by Network Administrators

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Most Important Skills for Network Administrators

• Evaluating a System or Organization—Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
• Reading—Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Solving Complex Problems—Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Troubleshooting—Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Listening—Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Making Decisions—Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Monitoring Performance—Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Programming Computers —Writing computer programs for various purposes.
• Speaking—Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Thinking Critically—Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Most Important Knowledge Areas for Network Administrators

• Computers and Electronics—Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Customer and Personal Service—Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Engineering and Technology—Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• English Language—Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Telecommunications—Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
• Mathematics—Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Education and Training—Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• Administration and Management—Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Clerical—Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Design—Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Interests
Different careers may be a good fit for your personality or interests. This career is:

• Realistic—Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative—Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Low indicates 25% of workers earn less and 75% earn more. Median indicates 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more. High indicates 75% of workers earn less and 25% earn more.

Source: ONetOnline

Demand
This career is seeing high growth compared to other careers. There will be a 5% growth new for Network Administrators to meet market demand between 2018-2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

This career is best for those with at least an Associate’s degree, and most professionals earn a Bachelor’s degree. This career does not require a license, but certifications can help you move ahead.

View the local post-secondary education options for this career from Central Lakes College.

Spotlight on Central Lakes College

• Why consider CLC?
• Virtual Campus Tours: Brainerd Campus, Staples Campus
• Learn more about the CLC Honors Program.
• Attend CLC, and you may never need to buy a textbook.

If you have a physical, mental, developmental, or cognitive condition that requires educational support, learn about support options at CLC.

Helpful High School Courses
Examples of helpful classes that help you prepare for this career:

• Algebra I and II
• Analytic Geometry
• Electronics
• Graphic Arts
• Journalism
• Keyboarding
• Multimedia
• Network Systems
• Pre-Calculus
• Technical Writing
• Trigonometry
• Web Page Design

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise