How to become a network administrator: The degrees and skills you’ll need to succeed

What do network administrators do?

Network administrators are typically responsible for local area networks, wide area networks, internet systems or a segment of a larger network. By frequently monitoring and testing these structures, a network administrator can help ensure proper operation and perform routine maintenance.

Responsibilities for network administrators can include duties ranging from the conceptual stage of network building to the overall maintenance of data communications. Once the network has gone live, a variety of tasks may need to be completed, such as:

• Administering network security measures.
• Analyzing equipment and reviewing performance records.
• Configuring, monitoring or maintaining additional pieces of software, such as email applications or antivirus programs.
• Supervising computer users and network support specialists or providing technical support.
• Training staff in computer system use.

Another frequent responsibility is to determine when hardware or software needs replacements or repair. Familiarity with the latest technologies and business needs will help to inform these decisions as administrators aim to ensure that networks are capable of providing maximum performance to all users.

The skills and knowledge you’ll need to succeed

Network administrators play a critical role in almost every organization, which is why individuals who can manage network operations on a day-to-day basis are important to a company’s success. To be effective in this role, you should possess a combination of technical and interpersonal skills.

Jason Nichols, assistant department chair and departmental teaching lead for the department of information systems at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business said these are the six most important skills a network administrator should possess:

• Adaptability: With increasing demands of AI systems and their associated implementation efforts, these professionals must be adaptable to learning new technologies and processes.
• Collaboration: Seasoned network administrators spend a great deal of time working with business stakeholders in order to understand how an organization’s infrastructure can be leveraged to support their work more effectively.
• Communication: These professionals also regularly work with other technology professionals to develop, and improve the agility and efficiency of an organization’s infrastructure.
• Information architecture: Being proficient in information architecture requires training in systems analysis and design, and a fundamental understanding of how businesses operate.  
• Organizational skills: The ability to contribute to projects through an organized and agile approach to collaborative work.
• Technical proficiency: Network administrators must be able to assist with the development and adaptation of an organization’s infrastructure and platforms in order to support the integration of these systems within an enterprise’s technological ecosystem.

System administrator vs network administrator: What are the differences?

Systems administrators and network administrators are both important positions within the IT department of an organization. Although at some companies these roles may be combined or used interchangeably, they have different responsibilities and objectives.

A systems administrator is responsible for managing the overall performance of computer systems. They ensure both software and hardware components are operating correctly to meet system goals. Systems administrators handle problems related to physical servers and other hardware or software infrastructure. Additionally, they are able to assist users with accessing IT databases, backing up information and determining data recovery procedures.

Network administrators, on the other hand, are IT specialists who focus on maintaining network connectivity and reliability. They are responsible for installing and configuring network equipment to make sure the infrastructure supports user activities. Network administrators monitor network activity and demands to detect signs of vulnerabilities or unusual behavior. Additionally, they are responsible for preventing connectivity loss, identifying the causes for connection issues and responding to outage reports.

Online degrees that prepare you to be a network administrator

Earning an online degree can provide you with the technical competencies and practical skills you’ll need to begin or advance your career as a network administrator.

ASU Online’s Bachelor of Science in computer information systems focuses on designing, developing and managing software applications and systems. In this program, you’ll learn how to embed these systems within a business and leverage their accessibility to create real value.

“Principles and techniques of systems analysis and design are emphasized throughout this program to enable rich communication and collaboration with business and technical stakeholders alike, and to ensure that an organization’s technology efficiently supports the needs of its users, and the strategic vision and objectives of the business itself,” said Nichols. “You can’t meaningfully understand these needs and objectives without solid business training.  Since this BS in CIS is a business degree, you receive this training in parallel.”

“A BS in CIS opens doors to myriad career options, from network and systems administration and beyond, so we encourage you to specialize through electives to suit your own personal career aspirations.”

The online Bachelor of Science in information technology is a multidisciplinary program that covers the foundation of technology as a whole ranging from software programs to hardware malfunctions. In courses such as IFT 103 Operating System Architecture, you’ll design and develop viable solutions, manage big data and improve the security of technology assets.

If you’ve earned an undergraduate degree and are interested in gaining advanced knowledge, check out our online Master of Science in information technology. In this graduate program, you’ll develop the ability to conceptualize, organize and develop IT projects to meet the needs of users in a multitude of organizations. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with the technical competency to seek positions in leadership or upper management.