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Network administrator

Network administrators connect different devices together to form fast and efficient networks. They are often responsible for maintaining the links and solving any problems which may occur with the network.

Size ranges from local area networks (LANs) linking a few PCs through a server in a small office, to wide area networks (WANs) connecting hundreds of workstations across several sites.

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Typical requirements of the job include:

consulting with clients to specify system requirements and design solutions
budgeting for equipment and assembly costs
assembling new systems
maintaining existing software and hardware and upgrading any which has become obsolete
working in tandem with IT support personnel
providing network administration and support.

Typical employers of network administrators

publishers
software developers
government
the financial industry
manufacturers
retailers
construction firms

Since almost all industries are now heavily computer-dependent, network administrators are needed in most companies.

Qualifications and training required

Network administrators will need to understand how to connect devices to form a fast and efficient network. It helps if you have experience of networks running on specific network operating systems like Microsoft NT or 2000, or UNIX. There are a number of valuable qualifications such as Microsoft certified system engineer (MCSE) status or Cisco certified internetwork expert (CCIE).