Computer Systems Administrator

QUALIFICATIONS

Low: An Associate Degree with/or Professional Courses and Allied Certification Courses like IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Certification, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), and Certified Information Systems (CIS).
On the Job Training (OJT), Apprenticeships, IT Workforce Job Training or Experience.

Medium: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology with majors in MIS, Math including calculus, linear algebra, geometry, differential equations, etc.; ITIL, CIS, CCNA, MCSA, or MCSE certifications will be a big plus.

High: Post Graduation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) or a Master’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology. ITIL, CIS, CCNA, MCSA, or MCSE certifications or an MBA, especially in MIS will be an added advantage.

ANNUAL AVERAGE SALARY
(Credits: www.payscale.com)

PROJECTED GROWTH
(Credits: www.bls.gov)

System Administrator is an excellent career, in which employment is projected to grow at a steady 4 percent from 2019 to 2029.

SKILLS/ TRAITS NEEDED

The System Administrator must be detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent structured logical thinking, written and verbal communication, creativity, planning and strategy, time management, prioritization, inter-personal & soft-skills, and must be constantly updated with the latest IT trends in networks, database, and security, with in-depth computer systems architecture and administration knowledge, and be self-organized and proactive to address new IT initiatives.

WORK FUNCTIONS

Computer Systems Administrators play a key role in ensuring smooth, effective, and efficient computer operations for the organization. Working closely with the users and software development team, they install and configure software, hardware, security, and networks, besides ensuring periodic and timely data backups and assist in user training. Using various software tools and utilities, they also monitor, manage and optimize system performance and troubleshoot issues. Other responsibilities include creating and maintaining user profiles/ security/ access permissions, vendor license agreement compliance, preparing a backup and recovery strategy, status reporting, besides subordinate training. They may sometimes be needed to work in shifts.