Introduction to IT and Cybersecurity
Become a Certified Systems Administrator
By: Guest Writer
July 11, 2018
Are you looking for an IT/Cyber Security career? Do you enjoy working with hardware and software? Are you curious about connecting various devices, computers, and controlling the way they communicate with one another physically and on a network?If you have answered YES to any of those questions, then you might consider a career as a Network/System Administrator.As a network administrator, you will be responsible for installing, configuring, maintaining and optimizing the computer information networks of an organization. As such, you will have to perform various tasks such as configuring hardware, installing software, managing user accounts, monitoring the network traffic, scheduling data backups, ensuring the security of the networks, etc. Computer networking professionals help businesses run smoothly by facilitating regular communication and access to information easily, and continuously.The United States, Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for Network and System administrators will grow at an average of 6% through 2016 – 2026, and the median pay for these jobs is as high as $81,100 per year at an average hourly pay of $38.99 in the year 2017.As computer networks become essential channels to store and retrieve information, communicate with suppliers, and help smooth functioning of day-to-day operations of businesses, many companies, small and big, invest heavily in acquiring new technologies that facilitate the flow of information. The emergence of new and advanced technologies such as mobile technology, cloud computing creates heavy demand for skilled network and systems administrator who can install the software manage user accounts, troubleshoot devices etc.System Administrator Career Path: With businesses across every industry relying on computer networks to communicate with its employees, customers, and to deliver better products and services network/system administrator career path will be a challenging yet rewarding one.At an entry level, you can expect to begin your career in roles such as Network Technician, Network Administrator, Network Analyst, Network Manager, etc. With a few years of experience under your belt and completing relevant certifications, you may be eligible for specialist roles such as Cloud Networking Architect, Mobility Solutions Architect, Wireless Networking QA Engineer, Data Center Networking Specialist to name a few.How to become a Network Administrator?Network administrators are responsible for managing technology, hardware, and software, and users, so they need to have a mix of technical and people skills. Apart from problem-solving skills such as critical thinking, fast learner, time-management, patience, etc., you need technical skills in the areas of computer networking, technical troubleshooting, and more. Well, no need to worry if you don’t have a degree in engineering or science, as network administrator opportunities are open to candidates with any level of educational qualification provided you have enough work experience backed up by technical expertise, relevant certifications, practical training, etc.You need not invest four years at a college studying for a bachelor’s degree in IT, instead, you can opt for associate degrees or online courses that not only help you gain a thorough knowledge on installing, troubleshooting complex networks. Cybrary, the IT certification preparation platform offers practical lab and preparatory courses to help you succeed in industry recognized high-value computer networking certification programs.Online courses for entry-level network administratorsFor beginners with no experience of network administration basic level certifications such as CompTIA Network+ helps gain knowledge of installation and maintenance of computer networks.CompTIA Network+: This globally recognized certificate helps entry-level professionals grasp knowledge on fundamentals of network administration. If you have just begun your career as a network technician or looking for opportunities in that area, this online course will help you gain knowledge on network technologies, installation procedures, configuration process, network topologies, management, analysis, and security. Success completion of these courses will help you find a job or progress in your current entry-level position. You may look for entry-level positions such as network administrator, network technician, network installer, help desk technician and IT cable installer.Intermediate Level Network Administration certificationsOnce you have gained some work experience as an entry-level network technician on vendor-specific technologies such as Cisco or Hewlett – Packard, you may want to consider intermediate level certifications conducted by these specific vendors to improve your chances of better job opportunities.Online CCNA Certification Training: This self-paced online CCNA certification-training course helps you gain the knowledge required to advance your career as Cisco Network Administrator. Whether you are a helpdesk support specialist, a network administrator or a wireless network technician successful completion of this certification validates your networking skills and testifies that you can manage small to medium-sized networks.With Virtual Lab training courses, you can gain practical knowledge of installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of routed and switched networks. With the knowledge, you will acquire skills necessary to establish connections to remote sites with Wide Area Network (WAN), ensure the security of networks, etc.You can opt for the CCNA combo test that includes, “Accelerated CCNA: 200-125 Interconnecting Cisco Network devices,” or in two separate parts, “ICND1 v3, CCENT: 100 – 105 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1”, and “ICND2 v3: 200 – 105 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2.”The certification test measures your understanding of how different topologies interact in a secure IT network, configure and troubleshoot communication switches (VLAN and inter-switch), configure router operations on Cisco devices, identify and prevent security threats, design an incident response plan, etc.To gain an in-depth understanding of many of the topics covered in certification you may refer to these courses: Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP): No doubt, successful completion of Network Administration certification (CCNA) helps you find a job, however advanced certification such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) increases your chances of landing a better paying job. Completing CCNP testifies to your future employers that you are passionate about learning and acquiring advanced skills in networking technologies. It also helps you beat the competition, as HR teams prefer to shortlist candidates with both these certifications (CCNA and CCNP).Successful completion of Cisco networking professional is almost mandatory if you are planning a long-term career in Network administration. CCNP routing and switching certification testify that you have acquired advanced level knowledge and skills in installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex IT and communications networks. The online training equips you with the ability to Configure, maintain and troubleshoot enterprise local and Wide Area Networks (WAN), you will gain practical knowledge to work on voice, video, and wireless solutions, and ensuring the security of complex networks. Check out these additional CCNP training Programs - CCNP Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (SWITCH) Virtual Lab
- CCNP Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks (TSHOOT) Virtual Lab