Information & Communication Technology
IT Network Administrator
IT network administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer and telecommunications networks.
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Entry-level education
Bachelor’s degree
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Job outlook
What does an IT Network Administrator do?
Computer and telecommunications networks are critical parts of almost every organisation. Network administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.
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Work activities
As an IT network administrator, you would be responsible for:
- troubleshooting technical issues over one or more multiple sites
- setting up user accounts, permissions and passwords
- monitoring and fixing network faults
- installing new software
- identifying and troubleshooting recurring platform problems
- network maintenance
- day-to-day administration and monitoring of network use
- planning future improvements and suggesting IT solutions to business problems.
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Key skills and interests
To become an IT network administrator, you would need:
- excellent problem solving skills
- to be able to explain technical problems in a simple terms
- good teamwork skills
- an interest in and aptitude for technical systems
- good communication skills
- strong organisational skills.
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Working hours and conditions
Working Hours
You would normally work standard hours, Monday to Friday. However, many administrators work on a roster, or do overtime to ensure that the networks are operating properly. You might also need to work on weekends, when IT upgrades are often done, to cause the least disruption to the running of the company.
Conditions
Network administrators work with the physical computer and telecommunications networks of a variety of organisations and therefore are employed in many industries.
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How to become an IT Network Administrator?
Entry Level Education
To become an IT network administrator you usually have to complete a VET qualification in information technology or information technology networking. However, many employers are now showing a preference for degree-qualified candidates.
You could study information technology or computing at university with a major in systems administration, network engineering, network security or software development. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your senior secondary school certificate or equivalent. English and mathematics would be appropriate subjects to study prior to university.
Membership of the Australian Computer Society is available to those who hold, or are working towards, suitable qualifications. There is a range of membership types available, allowing progression through the various levels as a member's career develops.
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Job outlook
Employment of IT network administrators is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Demand for information technology workers is high and should continue to grow as firms invest in newer, faster technology and mobile networks. However, an increase in cloud computing could raise the productivity of network administrators, slowing employment growth across many industries.
Growth will be high at companies that provide cloud-computing technology.
Growth is also expected in healthcare as the use of information technology in this industry increases exponentially. More administrators will be required to manage the growing systems and networks found at hospitals and other healthcare institutions.
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