System administrator is a professional responsible for maintaining a company’s computer network. This one profession is quite similar to a network administrator. In some companies, these two professions carry out the same responsibilities.
The network administrator is more responsible for ensuring the communication system within the company continues to run smoothly.
Meanwhile, the system administrator is a job that is responsible for overseeing and correcting any malfunctions in computer systems, such as hardware and software.
Want to know more about the system administrator profession? Come on, see the explanation below.
System Administrator Overview
System administrator manages, maintains, and operates the server system. In addition, system administrators also install and repair computer systems or servers.
According to Robert Half, a system administrator is a job that is responsible for the smooth running, configuration, and maintenance of a company’s computer systems.
So, in conclusion, a system administrator will be responsible for the smooth functioning of the server by managing, maintaining, installing and configuring certain things.
Remember, the system administrator must also ensure that the server is always smooth and safe.
The system administrator is a profession that plays a vital role in maintaining computer systems in companies. Therefore, with many complicated tasks, a system administrator must equip himself with qualified computer knowledge.
Required Skills and Education Overview
System administrators must have knowledge and experience in information technology, especially in supporting systems, from hardware troubleshooting to software troubleshooting.
Even in their profession, system administrators also have certifications for specific specializations. The scope of this system administrator’s work varies greatly depending on the size of the organization or company.
This system administrator usually enters the department or division of technology and information in the company’s organizational structure. However, they also have to work closely with the entire team in the company.
They have to monitor the performance of every computer system in the company.
Job Description and Responsibilities
The duties of a system administrator are certainly influenced by the policies of their respective companies. Broadly speaking, the work of a system administrator is closely related to servers and their support.
According to Robert Half, a system administrator is a job that is responsible for the smooth running, configuration, and maintenance of a company’s computer systems.
Of course, a system administrator in a company will be in the IT department.
However, they also have to work closely with the entire team in the company. The reason is they have to monitor the performance of every computer system in the company.
1. Designing and identifying company needs around computer systems
2. Perform hardware and software installation
3. Maintain and improve existing systems, so that network performance remains optimal
4. Run system performance reports for the wider team and organization
5. Determine the cause of the network error and take the necessary steps to correct it
6. Identify threats and respond to issues related to the system.
7. Coordinate and provide support for firewalls and network systems
8. Perform backups and restores
10. Upgrading the appropriate computer system to meet the needs of the company
11. Perform performance tuning of computer systems
12. Perform system configuration documentation
13. Perform software and hardware audits
14. New account setup and the active directory administration
15. Manage user administration, both internal and external (customers)
16. Build and promote system designs and solutions in best practices to meet company goals
17. Provide training on how to use software related to employee and company activities
18. Documenting requests from end-users
Education
As explained above, the system administrator is a profession that plays a vital role in maintaining computer systems in companies. Therefore, carrying out this profession requires several special qualifications that must be possessed.
Reporting from Indeed, here are some requirements needed to become a system administrator starting from education, training, and certification.
1. Majors and Internship
Becoming a system administrator requires at least a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, and other related fields. Most companies really want employees who already have a scientific background in the work of system administrators.
Apart from having to have a degree, of course, work experience in this field is also a must. One way that can be done is by doing an internship while still in college.
Internships can be one of the easiest ways to improve skills in this field. You can also find internship opportunities easily through Glints, you know.
2. Training
The provision of knowledge to become a system administrator can be obtained from more than formal education. You can also participate in several pieces of training to deepen your knowledge about the responsibilities of this profession.
There are also many training and courses regarding network systems or programming languages that can be followed quickly. So, there are many ways you can improve your skills in this one area.
Apart from that, another reason why you should take training is that network technology changes all the time. So that you can become a reliable system administrator, of course, you must always keep abreast of the latest developments in the IT world.
3. Certification
Certification can also be a plus point in the eyes of a recruiter when you apply for a position as a system administrator. Indeed, this is only sometimes the main requirement, but some companies choose candidates who already have certification.
Several types of certification are required by a system administrator, for example, CompTIA A+. This certification covers basic IT skills in various devices as well as skills in operating them.
Then, you can also get the CompTIA Network+ certification. This certification is used to verify that the candidate has the skills to design, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless devices.
Finally, CompTIA Security+ is a certification known as a benchmark for computer network practices and operational security. Apart from those mentioned above, other types of certification can be taken to support this profession. For example, certifications that focus on cybersecurity or cloud computing.
System Administrator Salaries
A system administrator’s salary can depend on the location, experience and the type of systems they manage. Here is a list of system administrators’ salaries around the world.
- Annual average system administrator salary in India – ₹692,255
- Annual average system administrator salary in US – $82,925
- Annual average system administrator salary in UK – £25,634
- Annual average system administrator salary in Canada – CA$59,961
- Annual average system administrator salary in Australia – AU$68,685
- Annual average system administrator salary in Singapore – S$44641
- Annual average system administrator salary in UAE – AED 84,014
- Annual average system administrator salary in Saudi Arabia – SAR 92,37
Tops paying comapnies for System Administrator according to Glassdor:
1. Google $183,384/year
2. Brocade $178,370/year
3. Nvidia $172,741/year
4. RealNetworks $168,555/year
5. Ebay $167,289/year