Information Technology Network and Computer Systems Administrators

TEA Industry Cluster Computer/IT SOC Code 15‐1071 Identified by None Projected Growth (2018) 32 % BISD Magnet School Available Yes Source: Demand Occupations by Cluster, updated June 27, 2012

Description What Network and Computer Systems Administrators Do

Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day‐to‐day operation of these networks. They organize, install, and support an organization’s computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems.

Duties Network and computer systems administrators typically do the following:

 Determine what the organization needs in a network and computer system before it is set up  Install all network hardware and software and make needed upgrades and repairs  Maintain network and computer system security and ensure that all systems are operating correctly  Collect data to evaluate the network’s or system’s performance and help make the system work better and faster  Train users on the proper use of hardware and software when necessary  Solve problems quickly when a user or an automated monitoring system lets them know about a problem

Administrators manage an organization’s servers. They ensure that email and data storage networks work properly. They also make sure that employees’ workstations are working efficiently and stay connected to the central computer network. Some administrators manage telecommunication networks at their organization.

In some cases, administrators help network architects who design and analyze network models. They also participate in decisions about buying future hardware or software to upgrade the organization’s network. Some administrators provide technical support to computer users, and they may supervise computer support specialists who help users with computer problems.

Training Opportunities Linked to Those Jobs (Degree Types and Colleges/Universities) How to Become a Network and Computer Systems Administrators Network and computer systems administrators must often have a bachelor’s degree, although some positions require an associate’s degree or professional certification along with related work experience. Education A bachelor’s degree in fields related to computer or information science is most common. However, because administrators work with computer hardware and equipment, a degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering usually is acceptable as well. These programs usually include classes in computer programming, networking, or systems design.

Some positions require an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate in a computer field with related work experience.

Because network technology is continually changing, administrators need to keep up with the latest developments. Many continue to take courses throughout their careers. Some businesses require that an administrator get a master’s degree.

Certification Certification is a way to show a level of competence and may provide a jobseeker with a competitive advantage. Certification programs are generally offered by product vendors or software firms. Companies may require their network and computer systems administrators to be certified in the product they use. Some of the most common certifications are offered from Microsoft, Red Hat, and Cisco.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Administrators need analytical skills to evaluate network and system performance and determine how changes in the environment will affect it. Communication skills. Administrators work with many other types of workers and have to be able to describe problems and their solutions to them. Computer skills. Administrators oversee the connections of many different types of computer equipment and must ensure that they all work together properly. Multi‐tasking skills. Administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time. Problem‐solving skills. Administrators must be able to quickly resolve problems with computer networks when they occur.

Texas Southmost South Texas College Texas State Technical The University of Texas The University of Texas College College at Brownsville ‐ Pan American

Computer Information Computer and Information Computer Networking and Computer Science (BS) Computer Science (BS) Technology (CERT) Technologies Specialist (CERT) Security Technology (CERT) Computer Information Computer Support Specialist Computer Networking and Systems (AAS) (CERT) Security Technology (AAS) Technology (AS) Information Security Specialist (CERT)

Networking Specialist (AAS)

Computer Specialist (AAS)

Local Employers

Austin Elementary School Harlingen Malone & Shimotsu Llp Harlingen Brownsville Mineral Warehouse Brownsville Quality Data Imaging Brownsville Control Engineering Assoc Harlingen Rios Surveying CO San Benito Industrial Consultants Harlingen Sprint Brownsville Laguna Madre Christian Academy Laguna Vista Web Works Web Design Harlingen Career Options (Specific Job Types)  Systems Administrator  Network Administrator  Network Engineer  Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist)  Local Area Network Administrator (LAN Administrator)  Information Technology Manager (IT Manager)  Information Technology Director (IT Director)  Systems Engineer  Network Manager  Network Specialist

Salary Ranges

Wages for Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Pay 2011 Location Period 10% 25% Median 75% 90% Hourly $20.87 $26.52 $34.12 $43.34 $53.95 United States Yearly $43,400 $55,200 $71,000 $90,100 $112,200 Hourly $19.45 $25.43 $33.00 $41.69 $52.69 Texas Yearly $40,500 $52,900 $68,600 $86,700 $109,600 Hourly $18.69 $22.97 $27.85 $36.78 $45.47 Brownsville‐Harlingen, TX MSA Yearly $38,900 $47,800 $57,900 $76,500 $94,600

McAllen‐Edinburg‐Mission, TX Hourly $11.68 $19.11 $25.36 $30.15 $35.75 MSA Yearly $24,300 $39,700 $52,700 $62,700 $74,400

Professional Associations linked to the Careers For more information about computer careers, visit Association for Computing Machinery Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society

For more information about IT education, visit National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies

For more information about opportunities for women pursing IT careers, visit National Center for Women and Information Technology

Sources The information provided in this document was collected from the following sources:

 Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/)  O*NET OnLine (http://www.onetonline.org/)  Texas CARES (http://www.texascaresonline.com/)  CareerOneStop (http://www.careeronestop.org/)

Local Employers

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Network and Computer Systems Administrators Course Overview: Encompass entry level, Career Goal (O*NET Code): (15-1071) - Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer technical, and professional careers related to the design, development and support of systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks. They organize, install, and support an Student Name:______hardware, software, multimedia, and systems organization’s computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, Grade: ______integration services. and other data communication systems. School: ______SUGGESTED COURSEWORK EXTENDED LEARNING EXPERIENCES (Local districts may list high school credit courses here) Curricular Experiences***: Extracurricular Experiences: HS Courses: Business Professionals of America Academic Decathlon 8th School Middle Middle Future Business Leaders of America Computer Tutor English I World Geography Fine Arts SkillsUSA Language Immersion Programs Courses*: Algebra I or Geometry Foreign Language I Technology Student Association School Newspaper Biology Physical Education or Athletics Student Council 9th UIL Academic Competitions Career-Related Principles of Information Technology Yearbook Electives: English II World History Elective Courses: Geometry or Algebra II Foreign Language II Career Learning Experiences: Service Learning Experiences: Chemistry Elective Apprenticeship Boy Scouts of America 10th Career-Related Career Preparation Campus Service Organizations Digital & Interactive Multimedia Internship Community Service Volunteer Electives: Job Shadowing Girl Scouts of the USA English III United States History Elective Peer Mentoring / Peer Tutoring Core Courses: Algebra II or Pre-Calculus Foreign Language III ** Physics Professional Communications or Speech HighSchool 11th Career-Related Web Technologies Electives: COLLEGE CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES -- High School English IV Government/Economics Students should take Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), dual credit, Advanced Technical Credit (ATC), or locally Core Courses: Pre-Calculus or Calculus Elective articulated courses (Tech Prep), if possible. List those courses that count for college credit on your campus. 4th Science Elective 12th Career-Related Research in IT Solutions Electives: How to Become a Network and Computer Systems Administrators Professional Associations: A bachelor’s degree in fields related to computer or information science is most common. However, because administrators work with • Association for Computing Machinery computer hardware and equipment, a degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering usually is acceptable as well. • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society • National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies • National Center for Women and Information Technology Texas Southmost College South Texas College Texas State Technical College

Computer Information Technology Computer and Information Technologies Computer Networking and Security Career Options: Computer Information Systems Specialist (CERT) Technology (CERT) • Systems Administrator • Information Technology Specialist Technology (AS) Computer Support Specialist (CERT) Computer Networking and Security • Network Administrator (IT Specialist) Information Security Specialist (CERT) Technology (AAS) • Network Engineer • Local Area Network Administrator Networking Specialist (AAS) • Information Technology Director (LAN Administrator) Computer Specialist (AAS) (IT Director)

The University of Texas at The University of Texas - Pan Brownsville American Postsecondary

Computer Science (BS) Computer Science (BS) Career Options: • Information Technology Manager • Systems Engineer (IT Manager) • Network Manager • Network Specialist * Students must meet local & state high school graduation requirements. ** Required course for the Distinguished Graduation Plan (in addition to other This plan of study serves as a guide, along with other career planning materials, for pursuing a career path and is based on the most recent information as of 2009. All plans measures). *** Based on campus availability. Students may select other elective courses for personal enrichment purposes. meet high school graduation requirements as well as college entrance requirements.

Information Technology: Information Support and Services: Database Administrator - June, 2009