What does a Computer System Administrator do? A Computer System Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the organization’s computer network. This may include dealing with any malfunctioning within the computer hardware and software, as well as updating the equipment to be safe.
What are the main responsibilities of a Computer Systems Administrator?
As a Computer Systems Administrator, you will be expected to perform various duties, such as:
- Identifying and fulfilling the needs of the organization concerning the computer systems
- Monitoring and maintenance of the network for maximum performance
- Determining the causes of errors and taking the necessary steps to fix them
- Upgrading the existing computer system to meet the needs of the organization
- Answering any questions that are related to the computer system
- Training employees to use computer systems, hardware, and software products
- Being aware of all up-to-date trends, changes, and updates in technology
A Computer Systems Administrator is responsible for the correct functioning of the data and email storage, as well as for the connectivity between the employees’ workstations and the central network. Sometimes the job also requires managing telecommunication networks so to connect employees outside of the office.
What are the main requirements for a Computer System Administrator position?
Most commonly, a bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering or any relevant field is required. Any additional courses, training, and certifications, as well as experience in networking systems, programming languages, or design, can be helpful, but it is not a necessary requirement for most employers.
As the tech scene is constantly and rapidly changing, it is most important that administrators always stay up-to-date with the latest technologies, standards, and developments.
How to be successful as a Computer Systems Administrator
To be a successful Computer Systems Administrator, you should possess:
- Good problem-solving skills – as you will be responsible for troubleshooting and repairing network problems, you will have to be able to quickly find and resolve the errors.
- Good communication skills – you will have to communicate any issues or problems with different members and employees of the organization, including the ones without tech knowledge.
- Ability to multi-task – working on more than one task at the same time is common for a Computer Systems Administrator.
Anything else you need to know regarding a Computer Systems Administrator job
As a Computer Systems Administrator, you will often have to work under pressure and overtime, including evenings and weekends, in case of an issue that has to be dealt with quickly. You should be comfortable with quickly changing priorities and rapidly evolving technologies and aim to always be on top of your game in order to optimize your performance.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is expected that the employment for Computer Systems Administrators will grow by 6% by 2026.
