Also called:
Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), Local Area Network Administrator (LAN Administrator), Network Administrator, Systems Administrator
In the Air Force:
Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Operator; Airborne Mission Systems Specialist Craftsman, E-3; Airborne Mission Systems Specialist Superintendent; Bomber/Special Electronic Warfare and Radar Surveillance Integrated Avionics Journeyman, B-2; Cryptologic Analyst and Reporter Journeyman; Cyber Defense Operations Helper, Knowledge Operations; Cyber Intelligence Helper, Analyst; Cyber Warfare Operations Manager; Cyberspace Warfare Operations Commander; Space Systems Operations Superintendent
In the Army:
AVENGER Crewmember (USAR/NG only); Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Crewmember; Cyber Network Defender; Cyber and Electronic Warfare Officer; Field Artillery (FA) Weapons Locating Radar (WLR) Specialist; Information Protection Technician; Joint Fire Support Specialist; Network Systems Engineering; Satellite Communications Systems Operator-Maintainer; Signal Operations Support Specialist
In the Coast Guard:
Electronics Specialty; Electronics Technician; Information System Technician; Information Systems Management; Intelligence Specialist
In the Marine Corps:
Aviation Data Analyst; Basic Information Operations Staff Officer; Cryptologic Cyberspace Analyst; Cyberspace Warfare Chief; Data Systems Chief; Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) Planner; Intelligence Data Engineer; Manpower Information Systems (MIS) Analyst; Satellite Transmissions System Operator; Tactical Air Operations/Air Defense Systems Technician
In the Navy:
ADP Systems Security Officer; Aviation Maintenance Administrationman; Communications Specialist; Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance); Cyber Threat Emulation Operator; Electronics Technician, Submarine, Communications; Information Systems Officer; LCS-1 (Freedom Variant) and LCS-2 (Independence Variant) Operations Specialist for ASTAC/TADIL/GCCS-COP; Navy Interactive On-Net (ION) Operator (Windows); Staff Communications Officer
As a critical part of almost every organization, computer networks require the oversight of an information technology —or IT—professional. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks. They start by ensuring an organization’s needs will be met by a system before setting it up, then install hardware and software, and make ongoing upgrades and repairs as needed. Their domain includes local area networks, wide area networks, and other data communication systems. These IT professionals have frequent interaction with other IT staff, and with non-IT staff as well. Most network and computer systems administrators work full time. Organizations depend heavily on continuous service from their computer networks, so when issues arise, administrators may work overtime hours. Network and computer systems administrators need a combination of communication skills— to describe problems and their solutions to non-IT workers— and problem solving and computer skills to actually break down and resolve network issues. Although some employers require only a certificate or an associate’s degree to enter the field, most require a bachelor’s degree in a major related to computer or information science. Because this occupation includes a focus on working with computer hardware and equipment, a degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering is usually acceptable as well.
What they do:
Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.
On the job, you would:
Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
customer service
administrative services
Communications
telecommunications
Basic Skills
reading work related information
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
People and Technology Systems
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
read and understand what is written
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
order or arrange things
Math
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Analytical Thinking
Dependability
Integrity
Cooperation
Independence
You might use software like this on the job:
Web platform development software
Django
Microsoft ASP.NET
Data base user interface and query software
Blackboard software
Transact-SQL
Network monitoring software
Remote monitoring software
Wireshark
bachelor's degree or associate's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
In the military:
see titles from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy.
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