Network Technician, Email Specialist, Network Support Specialist, Network Administrator, Linux Support, Server Administrator, Network Analyst, Senior Network Engineer, Windows System Engineer, Senior System Administrator, Linux Administrator, IT Manager, Unix Administrator, Enterprise Operation Manager, IT Project Manager

Network Administration

Computer jobs, including Network Administrators, are expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations through 2016. Employment of Network Administrator jobs are expected to increase much faster than average as Information Technology becomes more sophisticated and organizations continue to adopt and integrate these technologies. Employment growth will be driven by the very rapid growth in computer networking and data processing services, which is projected to be the fastest growing industry in the U.S. economy. In addition, thousands of Network Administrator job openings will arise annually from the need to replace workers who move into managerial positions or other occupations or who leave the labor force.

The demand for computer networking to facilitate the sharing of information, the expansion of client/server environments, and the need for Network Engineers to use their knowledge and skills in a problem solving capacity will be major factors in the rising demand for Network Technicians, Network Engineers, and IT Managers. Moreover, falling prices of computer hardware and software should continue to induce more businesses to expand computerized operations and integrate new technologies. In order to maintain a competitive edge and operate more cost effectively, firms will continue to have a demand for Network Administrators who are knowledgeable about the latest networking technologies and able to apply them to meet the needs of businesses.

Click on the “More Information” buttons below to view job descriptions, education/credential requirements, and salary ranges for the Network Administration area of the Information Technology industry!

Essential to a career in any computer related field is a well-grounded understanding of computer hardware, operating systems, and application fundamentals. Upon this base, a Network Administrator must add knowledge of networking hardware and software. A Network Administrator can also be responsible for the maintenance of computer hardware and software that comprises a computer network. This normally includes the deployment, configuration, maintenance and monitoring of active network equipment.

When starting your career in Network Administration, there are essentially five levels of career advancement: Level 1- Network Technician or Network Support Specialist. Level 2- Linux Support or Network Administrator; requiring at least two to five years of experience in the Computer Networking field. Level 3 - Senior Network Engineer or Windows System Administrator; requiring five+ years of experience. Level 4- IT Project Manager or IT Manager. Most employers are looking for someone with eight+ years of experience to fill these roles. The final Level in the Networking field is Level 5. At this stage a candidate should possess fifteen+ years in the field to be considered for the position of Chief Information Officer (CIO) or Chief Technology Officer (CTO) - and this is only a portion of what your IT career could consist of. As you continue to advance in your technology career, the paths available to you begin to branch out and your career in IT can become limitless. (You can see the wide-range of IT job titles in our Career Growth section.)

Once you begin your IT career, you will find that your increased knowledge in Information Technology is priceless, highly respected, and rewarding. It will enable you to choose from an enormous amount of positions in high demand. Once you start to advance in your networking career, you may decide you want to be involved in other areas of the Information Technology industry, such as: Database Administration, Web Design and Development, Security, or Programming.

IT Career level -

Here is where your career path in the Network Administration field starts. With an entry level Networking job as a productive Network Technician or Network Support Specialist, you will be able to use your computer networking skills and increase your knowledge of the Information Technology industry.

Network Technician	Email Specialist
Computer Operator	Network Support Specialist

Click on the “More Information” button in the lower right corner to view job descriptions, education/credential requirements, and salary ranges for the Network Administration area of the Information Technology industry.

In the section below, you will find the next level in Network Administration; this information will help you understand the growth potential in the Information Technology industry.

IT Career level -

At this IT career level, you should have two to five years of work experience in the Network Administration area. Your knowledge as a Network Technician is necessary if you are to advance to the Network Administrator or Server Administrator levels in your Network Administration career.

Network Administrator	Linux Support
Server Administrator	Network Analyst

IT Career level -

At this IT career level, companies are looking for an individual with five+ years of experience in Network Administration. To advance to this level, you will possess comprehensive knowledge of network design and the operation of networked computer systems. It will also require strong interpersonal skills, as the position generally requires the worker to interface with vendors, suppliers, front line employees, and management personnel.

Senior Network Engineer	Windows System Engineer
Senior System Administrator	Linux Administrator

IT Career level -

At this level, with eight+ years of experience in Network Administration, you are now eligible for a departmental management position. To receive a promotion to this level a candidate will possess effective verbal and written communications skills and effective presentation skills, all geared toward coordination and education, ability to negotiate and defuse conflict, ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from clients, customers, and the general public.

IT Manager	Unix Administrator
Enterprise Operation Manager	IT Project Manager

IT Career level -

At this level, with fifteen+ years of experience in Network Administration, you are now eligible for an upper level management position. To receive a promotion to this level a candidate will possess effective verbal and written communications skills and effective presentation skills, all geared toward coordination and education, ability to negotiate and defuse conflict, ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from clients, customers, and the general public.

Chief Information Officer	VP of IT Services
Chief Technology Officer	VP of Network System

Click on the “More Information” button in the lower right corner to view job descriptions, education/credential requirements, and salary ranges for the Network Administration area of the Information Technology industry.

You can also advance into other areas: Database Administration, Web Design and Development, Security, or Programming.

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