Systems administration is a great career option for individuals with talent, good analytical skills, and problem solving abilities. As more and more organizations rely on networks and computer systems for their day-to-day activities, the role of the systems administrator is becoming even more crucial.
Systems administrators look after the maintenance of computer systems in organizations. As part of their primary responsibilities, they mainly manage servers, nodes, standalone computers, racks, computer networks, and other hardware. They also perform routine administrative tasks such as backing up data, writing routine network administration related programs, and undertake routine trouble shooting responsibilities.
Educational Qualifications
Although systems administrators do not need formal degrees, a four-year college degree in computer science or MIS (Management Information Systems) is an added advantage. Most systems administrators are self-taught. Knowledge of a broad range of business issues is necessary to work in corporate environments.
Graduate degree programs in Systems Administration are available at quite a few universities across the United States. These universities include Rochester University of Technology, New York, and Florida State University, Florida. Industry certifications are extremely popular with individuals aspiring to become system administrators, or wishing to upgrade themselves in the subject.
For example, Sun Solaris certifications are popular with systems administrators who wish to upgrade their knowledge on Sun Solaris Servers. Other popular certifications are the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Red Hat Linux, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and others.
Employment
Aspiring systems administrators should be able to demonstrate practical skills to prove their competency and capability. Besides basic qualifications, specializing in core technologies is a sure way ahead. Most beginners start as trainees and advance to junior roles. Entry-level systems administrators perform simpler tasks like performing routine and scheduled maintenance on standalone or networked computers.
Many systems administrators move into this career after performing similar roles like database administrators, help desk specialists, and network administrators. Senior level systems administrators can also work with large projects in an extensively networked environment. Systems administrators can eventually expect to perform roles like chief information engineers and MIS managers.
System Administrators usually find employment with organizations who utilize systems in a networked environment. They usually remain present onsite to attend to networking problems, although modern technology allows remote troubleshooting as well.
Systems administrators usually work 40-hour weeks, although they might need to attend evening or weekend shifts. During system downtime, they might to stay late to restore the systems to normal state. They also may have to remain on call to attend to any unusual systems related problems.
Systems administrators need to remain constantly abreast of the latest trends due to continuous evolution in technology. They should strive to keep their skills current by attending relevant courses, programs, and seminars conducted by a variety of colleges, universities, industry training partners, and private training institutes.
Salaries and earnings
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, network and computer systems administrators held around 278,000 jobs in the 2004. Furthermore, the median annual earnings of network and systems administrators were around $58,190 in May 2004. While the top 10% earned more than $91,300 per annum, the lowest 10% earned less than $37,100 per annum.
