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There are many types and levels of System Administrators but at its most basic you will be responsible for the crucial job of maintaining the computer systems of a company. Server management features heavily in your role, and you’ll be responsible for helping install, maintain and upgrading servers as the company requires. Naturally, getting this wrong can cause widespread disruption so, smooth running is the aim.
| Additionally, you’ll be making sure that the all important flow of information and data is backed up and that your server systems data is secure and safe. Occasionally, you’ll be required to undertake some basic programming including developing programs to automate some of your company’s tasks. |
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Is it for you?
Either way you’ll need a good knowledge of the way businesses work and gain as much experience as you can in working with other employees who are employed in technical and non-technical roles.
Other technical support roles, such as Database Administrators, Desktop Support Technicians and Network Administrators, may easily transition into a System Administration role.
This is a role for which you’ll probably already have aptitude, non-techie types rarely enter this type of job, so if you can demonstrate clear thinking, enthusiasm and a wider understanding of your company’s objectives to your technical skills you’ll find yourself becoming much more important and in demand where you work.
Qualifications and skills
The route to becoming a System Administrator is quite varied and in some cases requires no formal qualification path. On the other hand, you can study for a Computer Sciences degree or other computer related courses and gain your experience of prevailing systems as you work.
Qualifications such as a Bachelor degree, with a technical subject such as engineering or computer science can, of course be taken before work but gaining yourself an internship and becoming certified in a specific server program are also good ways to begin your career.
To progress to more senior roles, a system administrator should have some knowledge of project management and have proven experience in handling complex assignments.
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Opportunities and salaries
System Administrators often promote to a more senior administrator role and then into a project management role. Strategic roles involving long term planning and company technology strategy, such MIS Manager or CIO (Chief Information Officer), may be a fit for those with the appropriate education and experience.
As you gain experience you can begin to specialise in certain areas such as security and become a highly sought after expert in your specialist field.
Salaries start in the £20k area and rise rapidly with experience to levels between £30k and £60k depending on the size and nature of your company. There is scope for consultancy roles earning anything upwards of £300 per day for experienced administrators.
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