The world is your business. We can now collaborate with different clients and partners across the globe because of the technology in place. It’s a network of computers that can create thousands of dollars almost anywhere. Thankful, yes?
But with this interconnected web of machines, it should be protected and enhanced at all costs. After all, a few minutes of downtime can mean thousands of dollars lost. That’s why network administrators are in-demand online jobs today.
Network Administrators vs. System Administrators
There are 2 common administrators for computers. There are network administrators and system administrators. For smaller companies, these roles might overlap responsibilities.
But when the company scales, the difference widens. A network administrator focuses on the connection between the company’s computers. In contrast, a system administrator delves into the maintenance of the parts of a computer.
To discuss more here’s what network administrators do.
- Identifying problems with the computer networks
- Maintaining smooth operations for the company’s networks
- Provide support and troubleshooting for users
- Assembling new systems
- Monitoring and assessing hardware and software for network upgrades
Here are the average salary ranges for network administrators, depending on your skill level.
With all the available talents online, how can you set yourself apart from the rest? Here are 6 essential skills to become a sought-after network administrator.
Technical Skills
Network administration is highly technical. You have to make sure that the hardware and software are working properly. And you can’t do that without the technical skills in network management. With this, you should be adept in specific programs like:
- SQL
- Linux
- Cisco
- VMware
- Windows Server
- Microsoft Active Directory®
And you might need to learn other programs depending on what your client uses.
Critical Thinking
Network management is complicated. Even if you know the programs to use, how do you create or maintain systems based on the capacity your client needs?
You should have critical thinking to devise ways for troubleshooting, maintenance, and improvement that will be sustainable for your clients. In this way, you can prevent and correct problems before and when they occur.
Organizational Skills
In this line of work, you should have the organizational skills for proper data backing and planning.
What you don’t measure, you can’t improve. You can’t analyze processes if you don’t have a way to organize all the performance data of your systems.
With this, your organizational skills will help in proper documentation as a basis for decisions for you and your team. You can also create manuals and procedures for those using it.
Time Management
Time is critical in network administration. A few minutes of downtime can mean losses of thousands of dollars. That’s why proper time management is essential for network administrators.
What time should be your maintenance schedules? Is there personnel ready to fix problems when it happens? Do you have a backup plan when the servers go down during a certain time?
The faster your response be, the lesser the damage it can give to your customers. That’s why time management should be one of your priorities.
Communication Skills
You are not alone in your team. You will be working with different departments to assess what’s best for your company. But remote working communication can be challenging.
How do you know what they mean when you only talk online? What if you work asynchronously? How do you communicate with them?
You should have the communication skills to get their inputs and create a resolution that will be beneficial for everyone’s needs.
Up-to-date
Technology is ever-changing. What works well today might be outdated in future months. That’s why you should be up-to-date with all the happenings in your field.
Join Facebook groups with like-minded individuals. Follow thought leaders and their blogs. And upgrade your skills if possible. In this way, you can be sure to provide relevant security for your company with the current risks and upgrades you can do.
Conclusion
Are you ready to become a sought-after network administrator? With the skills above, you are sure to be a cut above the rest. If you’re looking for opportunities in the field, you can check this link for more information. Cheers!
