CareerZone Pennsylvania

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

This occupation is a High Priority Occupation

Description

Install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet system or a segment of a network system. Maintain network hardware and software. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May supervise other network support and client server specialists and plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures.

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree - Degree completed after 4 or 5 years of full-time schooling beyond high school.

Interests

Knowledge

Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administration and Management	Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Engineering and Technology	Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Telecommunications	Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Skills

Persuasion	Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Negotiation	Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Mathematics	Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operation and Control	Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Maintenance	Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operations Analysis	Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Tasks

• Diagnose hardware and software problems, and replace defective components.
• Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
• Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
• Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks, and to coordinate computer network access and use.
• Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures, and maintain control records.
• Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.
• Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.
• Confer with network users about how to solve existing system problems.
• Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments need to be made, and to determine where changes will need to be made in the future.
• Train people in computer system use.
• Load computer tapes and disks, and install software and printer paper or forms.
• Gather data pertaining to customer needs, and use the information to identify, predict, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements.
• Analyze equipment performance records to determine the need for repair or replacement.
• Maintain logs related to network functions, as well as maintenance and repair records.

Wages

In 2006, the Pennsylvania average annual wage was $64,040.00. The entry-level wage was $41,380.00 while an experienced worker made $75,370.00.

Outlook

During 2004, there were approximately 10,690 people employed in this field in Pennsylvania. It is projected that there will be 13,490 employed in 2014. This occupation will have about 280 openings due to growth and about 119 replacement openings for approximately 399 total annual openings. This occupation experienced significant growth.

Colleges and Training

Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.

• Computer Technology/Computer Systems TechnologyA program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of professionals who use computer systems. Includes instruction in basic computer design and architecture, programming, problems of specific computer applications, component and system maintenance and inspection procedures, hardware and software problem diagnosis and repair, and report preparation.

For additional college information and related training about this career path, please visit:

AES EducationPlanner, PA Dept of Labor, PA Career Link, college.gov, and College Navigator

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