The system and network administrator is responsible for managing and optimizing a company’s information system and is one of the IT professionals most in demand by companies. Find out what their duties are and what skills are required to perform this job.
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As an IT professional, the systems and network administrator is responsible for managing, maintaining, and optimizing the computer systems and networks present in an organization. Its role is crucial to ensure the availability, security and performance of IT infrastructures. As a real Swiss army knife of IT, the system and network administrator is responsible for a wide range of tasks.
What are the main responsibilities of a system and network administrator?
- Manage systems: The systems and network administrator is responsible for setting up, configuring and monitoring operating systems, servers, databases and applications. He ensures the availability of all IT resources in his company. It manages user access and checks compatibility with new hardware.
- Manage the network: The system and network administrator creates, manages and configures a computer network consisting of a variety of devices such as routers, switches and even firewalls. It ensures the proper functioning of the network and ensures that all users can access it quickly. In the event of a connection problem, the system and network administrator must respond to restore access to the information system as quickly as possible.
- Ensuring computer security: The security of systems and networks is one of the main concerns of the system and network administrator. It must implement security policies, monitor threats and apply patches as necessary to protect the company from possible attacks. The system and network administrator must ensure the security and backup of data throughout the computer network and be able to ensure data recovery in the event of an attack or failure.
- Providing technical support: The system and network administrator must provide technical support to internal users by ensuring the resolution of problems related to the network, systems or applications.
- Write documentation: To ensure traceability of the various configurations and procedures, the system and network administrator must write precise materials to keep up to date the various changes made.
- Optimize performance: The system and network administrator constantly monitors evolving technologies and threats and regularly makes improvements to their network to optimize its efficiency. It does this by monitoring the performance of its system and identifying technical errors.
What are the most important skills and qualities?
The job of a system and network administrator requires various skills and qualities:
- Master operating systems, network devices, communication protocols, cabling, routing and even transmission devices;
- Master Programming Languages;
- implement virtualization solutions;
- manage cloud platforms;
- have extensive knowledge of databases;
- know project management;
- have good communication skills;
- know how to work independently;
- be strictly;
- have good listening skills;
- know how to deal with stress;
- know how to demonstrate pedagogy;
- We are constantly monitoring technological developments.
Working conditions of a system and network administrator
The system and network administrator works during normal working hours during the day. However, he may have to work evenings and weekends and be subject to on-call duty. In the event of a general breakdown, the system and network administrator must be able to handle stress and show great composure. He works with systems and network engineers and technicians.
There are different ways to get started as a system and network administrator.
Through the initial training, from the “Bac + 2” level to the “Bac + 5” level.
- BTS IT Services for Organizations (SIO), Option A Infrastructure solutions, systems and networks;
- BTS Cybersecurity, IT and Networks, Electronics (CIEL), Option A IT and Networks;
- BUT Networks & Telecommunications (RT), Systems and Cloud Development Course;
- GOAL IT, course providing communicating and secure applications;
- Master’s degree in Networks and Telecommunications, Information Systems and Network Security;
- Master in Networks and Telecommunications, Telecommunication Services, Networks and Infrastructure;
- Diploma from engineering school.
Through a specialized organization
It is quite possible to undergo training at a specialized organization to become a system and network administrator. This is the case, for example, with the training to become a system, network and cloud administrator at DevUniversity.
By passing certifications
The job of a systems and network administrator requires diverse and specialized technical skills. To ensure these skills are acquired, it is important to obtain industry-recognized certifications. We can quote:
- the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification;
- the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification;
- Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification;
- Linux Professional Institute (LPI) certification.
What is the salary of a system and network administrator?
A prospective system and network administrator earns a gross monthly salary of between 2,500 and 2,900 euros. After several years of professional experience, a system and network administrator can receive a gross salary of between 3,300 and 4,200 euros per month, depending on the size of the company and the scope of responsibility.
What are the job prospects for a systems and network administrator?
A systems and network administrator can advance to become a systems and network engineer, systems and network manager, infrastructure manager, telecommunications manager, network architect, consultant, or specialize in a specific area such as security.
Which companies employ system and network administrators?
Many structures and companies are looking for system and network administrators. Examples of this are SMEs/ETIs, administrations or telecommunications companies and digital services companies (ESN). In general, all large companies that have a mature and extensive IT fleet require this profession to configure, manage and control all the IT systems and networks they use on a daily basis.