Systems Administrator Careers Information
As anyone who has tried to get two gadgets to work together knows, it can often be a frustrating experience, fraught with glitches and incompatibilities. Imagine the difficulty, then, for a large business or government organization that relies on many diverse technologies working seamlessly together in order to run.
Systems Administrator Careers & Degrees
- Colorado Technical University - Undergraduate: Undergraduate - Online
Post University: Online- Bachelor Degree: B.S. in Computer Information Systems
- Bachelor Degree: B.S. in Computer Information Systems - Database
- Bachelor Degree: B.S. in Computer Information Systems - Software Development
- Bachelors: Computer Information Systems
Grand Canyon University: Online
- M.B.A. and M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge)
- M.B.A. and M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (dual degree)
- M.B.A.: Health Systems Management
- M.S. in Nursing with an Emphasis in Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge)
Systems administrators are charged with overseeing an organization’s technological systems and making sure they work for, not against, those trying to use them. With their unique blend of technical training and business know-how, they help organization work as efficiently as possible.
Systems administrators work closely with other IT professional computer network and database administrators to name a couple as well as management. Once they are able to see the big picture as it were, how information is used and traded around the organization, they make suggestions on how to streamline the process. These may include changing database structures, improving software, and/or network servers.
Systems administrators are also often in charge of information security. Though particular departments may have their own methods, it is again up to the systems administrators to make sure data is secure as it travels throughout the organization.
Systems Administrator Careers Path
Most systems administrator positions require a Bachelor’s degree, though some entry-level positions may be offered to those with an Associate’s degree or two-year vocational degree. For those with a Bachelor’s degree, computer science and information science classes will be helpful as will business-related courses.
Systems administrators may also earn certification from product vendors, which, while not required, can be used as proof of expertise. All systems administrators should expect to take continuing education courses throughout their careers so they may stay abreast of technological changes.
Systems Administrator Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Excellent oral and written communication skills, analytic mind, problem-solver, multi-tasker, detail oriented, very organized, works well with others, self-motivated, able to see the big picture.
Systems Administrator Interview
A day in the life of a systems administrator career is as varied as interesting. Read More from a Systems Administrator…
Systems Administrator Careers: Salary Expectations
The average salary for a systems administrator is $66,310 a year, with the middle fifty percent earning between $51,690 and $84,110. Those with more experience may be able to move into supervisory roles or even management positions and thus earn more money.
Systems Administrator Careers: Job Outlook
The job outlook for systems administrators is very strong in the coming years. As more businesses and government agencies increase their reliance on technology, they will need qualified individuals to make sure all their systems are fully integrated, working smoothly together as an aid to business, not a hindrance.
Though people from many computer related backgrounds may be able to find work as systems administrators, those with the best education and/or experience working in business management settings are likely to secure the best positions.
Slightly off the Footpath
Source: bls.gov/oco/ocos305.htm

