network administrator

What does a network administrator do? Once you get started, your job responsibilities may include:

• discussing the company's needs with colleagues and stakeholders
• designing and installing systems
• evaluating the existing system's efficiency
• repairing security holes
• backing up data with cloud technology
• upgrading the network

You don't just maintain the existing system: you make it better. You adjust the network to make it faster, safer and more efficient while remaining user-friendly. When new technology rolls out, you decide whether to integrate it into the system. Software upgrades can be pricey, so you'll use your expertise to decide whether to take the leap.

Network administrators also educate people. You'll give colleagues advice about maintaining cybersecurity, such as never sharing passwords and avoiding phishing scams. When someone has a question, you'll explain it in a way that they can understand. Periodically, you'll train new employees to operate the network safely and efficiently.

Preventing hacks, scams and data breaches is one of your most important roles. You're always one step ahead of hackers and their rapidly changing tactics. After installing firewalls and anti-virus software, you monitor the network and repair issues, protecting the network from attacks. Likewise, you only add trustworthy network users and remove suspicious characters.

You're familiar with various technologies, programming languages, operating systems, servers, software and network equipment, such as modems and routers. Networks you operate may include:

• local area networks (LANs)
• wide area networks (WANs)
• storage area networks (SANs)
• virtual private networks (VPNs)

Network administrators usually work indoors in an office environment. However, your location varies depending on your industry. You could work in a bank, warehouse, or scientific facility, each with a different layout.

Throughout the day, you'll likely visit different areas in your facility and possibly travel to other locations. While you work online, you'll also deal with hardware, modems and routers that require you to work in the office. Network administrators typically work in person, but you can ask your boss about work-from-home options.

Some network administrators work 9 to 5 jobs with 40 hours a week, but your employer might schedule you for early morning, afternoon or night shifts. Some companies need 24-hour monitoring to keep large systems active, requiring some people to work on weekends and holidays.

If an emergency happens when you're not at work, expect your employer to contact you for assistance. Sometimes, you can answer questions over the phone, but you might have to head to work at odd hours. Hourly employees usually receive overtime pay, but salaried employees are sometimes exempt.

Most network administrators hold full-time positions. However, you could start with a part-time position in a different role and gradually achieve a full-time job. If you work hard, you could work for the same company for years. Still, some network administrators move to different companies for better schedules or benefits.

Some network administrators work 9 to 5 jobs with 40 hours a week, but your employer might schedule you for early morning, afternoon or night shifts. Some companies need 24-hour monitoring to keep large systems active, requiring some people to work on weekends and holidays.

If an emergency happens when you're not at work, expect your employer to contact you for assistance. Sometimes, you can answer questions over the phone, but you might have to head to work at odd hours. Hourly employees usually receive overtime pay, but salaried employees are sometimes exempt.

Most network administrators hold full-time positions. However, you could start with a part-time position in a different role and gradually achieve a full-time job. If you work hard, you could work for the same company for years. Still, some network administrators move to different companies for better schedules or benefits.

Network administrators have a positive job outlook. If you do well, you could advance to a senior position or supervise your team. Supervisors earn higher titles that usually come with pay raises. Plus, you could seek higher jobs within the company and eventually become one of the most prestigious employees.

Most businesses with an internet platform need network administration services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be a 3% growth in this field by 2031. Once you've accumulated years of experience, you can negotiate for higher salaries. You'll highlight the fact that you can work with old, modern, and advanced technology to meet the company's needs.

Some network administrators learn that they have a talent for a specific task. If you want to switch positions, you could seek a job as a:

• cloud engineer
• Ruby developer
• cyber security engineer
• data warehouse developer
• security analyst

Seeking education or mentorship helps you prepare for your new role.

Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:

• being paid weekly
• flexibility
• always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
• many training opportunities
• a range of jobs in your area

Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a network administrator is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

Your job involves extensive Internet use, but you'll also work with physical hardware, such as modems, computers and routers. Network coordinators also work alongside team members and communicate face-to-face with colleagues. For this reason, you might not be able to work from home, but your boss may permit this under special circumstances.

Network administrators need at least an associate degree, but some employers require a bachelor's degree in a technological field. When you check job listings, you might notice that some employers require certifications. You can earn certifications by gaining education and experience and then passing exams to verify your knowledge.

Network administrators aren't IT workers, but you offer troubleshooting and technical support for your company's system. In fact, many network administrators start off as IT professionals and then move to advanced fields with higher-paying employers. You may work alongside IT workers when issues arise.

Small businesses and large corporations alike need network administrators, opening the door to partnerships with major players. You could work for machinery manufacturers, software development companies and financial institutions that make millions of dollars per year. High-paying jobs often come with other perks, such as free meals and paid commutes.

Some companies hire one network administrator, while others need a team to maintain the system 24/7. In any case, you'll work with other technical experts as well as people who work in different parts of the company, such as human resources (HR). You could advance to a supervisor position and manage other network administrators.

Applying for a network administrator job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our network administrator jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state-of-the-art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!