Guide to becoming a network admin

The answers to your question will vary from one circumstance to the next. And, not all network administrators followed the same path to their position, In my case, for example, I was the person who took the "computer bull" by the horns, so to speak,and brought our company into the computer age about fifteen years ago. I now have the role of network/computer administrator on top of another role I have with the company. I think there are many like me, those who "grew" into the position.

I don't have the credentials you have, nor do I have as wide a range of experience as many of my peers. What I do have, however, is the ability to apply Information Technology / Computer Technology to the company's business plan to make it more productiveand profitable. And I believe that’s the key to success, and the best way to get your foot in any door. If you can show that you can improve a company’s product, process or profit, you’ll have more than one offer from which to choose.

Look at this article titled, “Career Planner: Network administrator”.

http://home.techies.com/Common/Content/2001/CareerPlanner/netadmin.html

It’s a very general - yet very informative – article that discusses jobdescription, useful background experience, typical projects, necessary training, salary, and much more. There are also further links that may prove quite helpful.

From what you’ve described about yourself and your experience, I would have to think that you could easily get into a network administrator’s role, especially at a smaller company. But at a larger one you’d most likely have to start in a more junior position and make yourself ready to move up as openings become available.

Knowing how to apply the technology to improve the company’s product, process or profit. That’s the key.

Best of luck,

Maxwell

I was in your position 5 years ago. In fact, my position wasn't even as good as yours. I was a PC/Network tech at a state agency. I had no ceritfications and no degree. Everything I learned was on the job. But the job I was doing WAS a network admin. So when I decided to leave, that was exactly how I presented myself. My resume' never refered to me by title as a network admin, but in my job description, I described myself as performing all the admin duties, which was true. I also looked at the admin jobs I was applying for, and made sure that I used their language in my resume', making it look like I was a perfect fit. Again, I did the work, so it was true. Within a month, I had a job as a network admin. Do you feel like you can handle theadmin position? If so, go for it. Don't say you are an admin, but stress your admin experience and training. You're actually in a great position, because it sounds like you have what it takes to do the job, and when thay ask why you're leaving, you can be honest and say that you are ready to advance in your career, but there are no opennings at your current firm. Sounds like you've got it made.
Good Luck.

The Jr. Admin. title still exists... but it takes persistence in order to get in. A lot of companies will help you to learn and grow, especially the larger companies where it's impossible to know everthing about every application. It will depend alot on your taking the initiative and volunteering to help where troublespots are indicated and where you may have a chance to learn and grow.

Oftentimes, at least for me, my full network admin positions grew out of a lower position and my obvious willingness to help in any and all issues that were problem areas. They saw that and when others left, I was promoted. Not everyone finds the perfect position and their place in that position is not guaranteed anyway.

It's a combination of factors abd events and growth and their (the supervisor's) willingness or ability to see that potential is a factor too. The economy is not great right now, but keep your eyes on a lookout. You have more certifications than I do, and experience comes with time.

The secret:

Find things that need to be done that nobody wants to do, do it, get good at it, become the authority, and then everybody starts coming to you as the solution, and then things kinda jump off from there. It takes time.

You may want to consider doing short term contract work for a few years. That's how I got my break, and that's how I was able to increase skills/pay, etc. After each 3 month, 6 month, or 1 year assignment I was able to get another assignment of increasing responsibilities, skills, and pay.

-'s to contracting - I had to move around the country; Job instability, you won't be given major projects, you pay your own benefits, you only get paid for whatever hours you work, you pay for your own training.. Hotel rooms and restaurant food - you'll grow to hate both. Airports - you'll grow to hate them too.

+'s more money, more well rounded experience, it's a lot easier to find work than a permanent job, you can grow in your career faster, and if you build yourself a good reputation you can do fairly well for yourself. You can see lots of neat places and meet lots of great people. The frequent flier miles are nice too.