— YOUR NEW CAREER

System Administrator

A System Administrator is the lifeblood of an organization’s IT infrastructure, ensuring that all systems—servers, software, and networks—operate seamlessly and efficiently. These professionals are the guardians of the digital workspace, responsible for maintaining the stability, security, and performance of the technology that powers the entire organization. If you have a passion for technology, a knack for problem-solving, and a desire to make a tangible impact, a career as a System Administrator is your calling.
Career Details
$86,022*
$54,181 - $136,575*
None required, but most businesses prefer candidates with two or more years of system administration experience.

*salary data from indeed.com

— New Possibilities

Why Choose This Career?

Choosing a career as a System Administrator means becoming the backbone of your organization’s IT operations. It’s a role that combines technical expertise with strategic thinking, where every day brings new challenges and the opportunity to make a significant impact. You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that the systems you manage are critical to the success of the entire organization. If you’re passionate about technology and driven by the desire to keep systems running smoothly, this career will be deeply fulfilling.

A career as a System Administrator is a gateway to numerous opportunities in IT. With experience and certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), or CompTIA Server+, you can advance to roles such as Senior System Administrator, IT Manager, or even Cloud Architect. The role is in high demand across all industries, offering both job security and a pathway to leadership positions in IT.

There are no mandatory certifications required to become a systems administrator, but there are beneficial when starting out:

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Cloud+

— Excel In This Career

Do these traits sound like you?

Detail-Oriented

A System Administrator needs to catch even the smallest details that could affect system performance or security. A keen eye for detail ensures nothing is overlooked.

Problem-Solver

Complex technical issues are part of the job. You should enjoy troubleshooting and finding solutions to keep systems running smoothly.

Organized

Managing multiple systems, backups, and updates requires exceptional organizational skills to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently and on time.

Patient

Systems can fail unexpectedly, and issues aren’t always straightforward. Patience is essential for methodically diagnosing and resolving problems without frustration.

Resilient

The role can be demanding, especially when systems go down or during major updates. Resilience helps you stay calm and effective under pressure.

Adaptable

Technology evolves quickly, and so do the challenges that come with it. Being adaptable and eager to learn new technologies is crucial for success.

Proactive

The best System Administrators don’t just react to problems—they anticipate them. A proactive approach ensures that systems are always optimized and secure.

Tech-Savvy

A deep love for technology and a commitment to staying updated on the latest advancements is essential. You should be passionate about the systems you manage.

Service-Oriented

A strong desire to support the organization and its users drives success in this role. You take pride in ensuring that everyone can rely on the systems you maintain.

Communicative

While much of the work is technical, explaining system issues and solutions to non-technical users requires clear communication skills.

— Key Responsibilities

What You'll Be Doing

System Maintenance and Upkeep

Manage and maintain the organization’s servers, ensuring they are up-to-date, secure, and operating at peak performance.

Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution

Diagnose and resolve technical issues related to hardware, software, and network systems, minimizing downtime and disruption.

Security Management

Implement and oversee security protocols to protect systems from unauthorized access, breaches, and other threats.

User Support and Training

Provide technical support to users, helping them navigate system-related issues and ensuring they can work efficiently.

Backup and Recovery

Design and manage backup and recovery processes to protect critical data and ensure business continuity.

System Optimization

Continuously monitor and optimize system performance, implementing upgrades and improvements as needed.

— Career Growth & Opportunities

Opportunities As An System Administrator

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow 4-5% by 2030 (tealhq.com)

Network and computer systems administrators work for a variety of organizations, including computer systems design firms, schools, and financial institutions. (bls.gov)

About 16,400 openings for network and computer systems administrators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. (bls.gov)
— Your Career Path

Get Career-Ready In Weeks

Great Horizons is here for you every step of the way– from starting your first course to interview preparation as you approach graduation. We ensure you are ready for employment and ultimately—beginning your new career.
— Additional opportunities

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