A network administrator manages computer networks by configuring hardware and software to transmit data, ensuring network integrity, availability, and security, and troubleshooting issues. They work primarily in offices but also in server rooms, usually alone but assisting other users. Demand for network administrators is expected to increase 27% by 2016, adding over 155,000 new jobs, with starting salaries between $50,000 and $75,000 per year.

1. My Career Write- Up NetworkAdministrator By Chris Cole

2. Nature of Work A Network Administrator is responsible for managing computer networks. They are in charge of configuring the hardware and the software that the network uses to transmit data. They insure the integrity, availability and security of the network and are they troubleshoot any problems such as performance issues, connectivity issues, and access to the network.

3. Network administrators generally work in an office environment, where they usually work 40+ hours per week. There is also work that has to be done in what is called the server room or data room. They usually work alone with the exception of assisting computer users. If the network they manage “crashes” then the network administrator must work as quickly as possible to restore the network regardless of the time of day the network fails. Working Conditions

4. Employment Network administrator jobs can be found in numerous settings from hospitals, banks, educational institutions and manufacturing just to name a few. In these jobs there can be as few as four computers to hundreds that make up the network.

5. Training, Qualifications and Advancement To qualify for a network administrators position one should have a strong knowledge of math science, and computer sciences and should have some experience in working with computers. Network administrators also need to have knowledge of the arrays of network operating system such as Microsoft's many operating systems and Unix. Due to the fact that computer technology is ever changing continuing education is a must. Certifications are a plus but not required by some companies and some companies require that you have certain certifications. Here are a few certifications that can be obtained, Cisco’s Certified Network Associate, Cisco’s Certified Network Security Professional, Microsoft’s Certified Systems Engineer.

6. Job Outlook for Network Administrators This field of employment is expected to increase by 27% from 2006- 2016, which is a much faster growth than all other occupations, and is expected to add 155,000 jobs over the projection decade.

7. Network Administrator Earnings In 2007, according to Robert Half Technology, the starting salary for a systems administrator was between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00/ year. The graph above shows that

8. Related Occupations Some related occupations include Network Specialist, and Network Analyst, of which the network analyst would be my second choice.