Are You Considering A Career As A Microsoft Network Administrator?

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Copyright © 2009 Frank Pines


Computer technology has become an essential part of every industry and sector, whether civic or commercial. The industry continues to expand its capabilities, making the continuous and smooth operation of the Information Technology (IT) department a crucial aspect of any large organization.

As more computer systems run on the Microsoft platform, there is a high and growing demand for Microsoft Network Administrators.

As a Microsoft Network Administrator, you will generally need to deal with both the hardware and software on computer systems - dealing with installations, optimization, and trouble-shooting.

While your annual salary may start in the mid $30,000 range, as you gain experience over time, this can double or even triple in very short order.

Most Network Administrators choose to sub-specialize. This allows one to work in a more technical capacity, and consequently advances you to the next pay level.

The most typical selections are Microsoft Product Specialist and Microsoft Systems Engineer, both of which one can earn industry recognized certificates - Microsoft Certified Professional and Microsoft Certified System Engineer. And the newest generation of certifications include the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) credentials

In the industry today, especially if you are newly entering the field, you should expect to show clients a certificate when they are looking to contract or hire you.

To become a Microsoft Network Administrator, you must first have thorough knowledge of both hardware and software. If you choose to enroll in a program, typically there are no pre-requisites and a high school diploma is not required, so there is definitely the opportunity to start from scratch and work your way up. Some people choose to learn on their own through self-study training courses, books, Internet research, and hands-on personal experience.

Whichever education path you choose, there are some basics you must learn:

1. Microsoft operating systems: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and any new operating systems that may come out. You must know the older versions in case your client uses it, but stay up to date on the new versions, where you are likely to find the most demand in installations and trouble-shooting.

2. Network cabling. This includes knowing the hardware, the different types of cables out there, and which cables are best suited for the needs of the computer network.

3. Know all about TCP/IP and how to sub-net a network.

4. Network security. Be well acquainted with all the security software out there. Know Microsoft's built-in security inside out - how to make it work and how to bypass it.

Once you have the basics down, you must learn the intricacies of system architecture.

First, you must learn business analysis, where you must assess an organization's needs and thereby design a system that will not only meet its basic requirements, but optimize its efficiency and profit making capabilities.

Next, the plan that has been created must be executed; this includes installing new software and hardware, customizing the configuration to the business, maintaining the system's integrity, updating the system when better solutions come onto the market, diagnose problems that may arise, and resolve those issues in the timeliest manner possible.

All this means that on a daily basis, you must always be prepared. This may include late night hours and weekends, as you must be available to your clients at all times in case of technical problems, which we all know constantly occur.

You must act with calm and patience; you will deal with quite a few frantic people over the phone.

You must always be vigilant, constantly monitoring the systems of all your clients, as the best problem treatment is problem prevention.

In the end, a career as a Microsoft Network Administrator requires a solid educational foundation and a commitment to continuous learning, but it also requires you to bring your "A-Game" to the job of helping your employer maintain smooth and profitable operations.




About the Author:
Written by Frank Pines of CDI Communications Inc. - CDI Communications is a leader in implementation of instructional strategies for MCSE, AutoCAD, Sap, Skillsoft, CCNA, MCTS, Cisco, MCITP, MCTS, Microsoft Office, Oracle, Crystal Report, Knowledgenet, SAP, NetG, A+ Training and Microsoft Network Security Certification. Visit CDI Communications Inc. at: http://www.netwind.com/ OR follow Frank on Twitter at: @cdicomp


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