System Administrator – Best IT Jobs of 2011 Series

System administration is an excellent career for those of you who are heavily interested in the nitty-gritty of computer systems. System administrators are responsible for sustaining and managing computer systems or networks in a company. They are involved in ensuring that the system works perfectly day in and day out and must also identify problems when they arise and solve them in the best possible way.

System administrators are vital in most firms as they troubleshoot problems and ensure the workload is completed smoothly. As a career, system administration demands great dedication and meticulousness. You will always be on call and expected to handle any problems that may arise skillfully. Naturally, the dependency on the internet has ensured that system administrators are highly in demand in all firms.

Copious Computer Knowledge – Since working in the administration of a system requires the analysis of all components, a thorough understanding of these components is essential. It would help if you were well-versed in the various features and aspects of many operating systems so that you can work well no matter which operating system your company uses.

Troubleshooting Skills – A good system administrator will have excellent problem-solving skills, as problem-solving is the essence of your profession! You will be called upon frequently to solve problems of varying degrees, and it is thus crucial to do so as quickly as possible to avoid the negative repercussions. Ability to Manage Stress – System administration is a career fraught with stress as various colleagues will pull you in all directions, demanding your help. You should be able to stay calm in such situations to help solve multiple problems.

Familiarity with Security Software – Besides maintaining the basic working of the system, you will also have to protect it from the attacks of malicious hackers or viruses using firewalls and intrusion detection systems. You must be highly familiar with all possible threats and the best ways to deal with them. Patience is an exemplary system administrator; you must be patient when dealing with colleagues convinced their problems are bigger than the next person’s. In a busy office, any slight problem will be augmented by employees unfamiliar with computing.

Hence, you will have to deal with them in the best possible way without hurting their sentiments. In effect, a system administrator is the backbone of a company as he ensures that work continues without impediments. Thus, you will be greatly treasured and appreciated as a system administrator. Since system administration demands the organization of a system and its maintenance, it is a very demanding job.

A method comprises numerous elements that must be checked regularly to avert disaster! Moreover, many components will need upgrades to keep up with changing technology, which is another system administrator’s responsibility. You will thus be in charge of ensuring that the system runs at the best possible level to guarantee maximum benefits for your company.

By becoming a system administrator, you are setting yourself up for a career that will feed your technological ego to the hilt! Imagine being the only person in a building full of competent individuals who can solve that one problem that could ruin the entire company – satisfying, right? Your immense popularity will only grow with each ‘close shave,’ and you will be the one with the most contacts!