What Do IT Administrators Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

IT Administrators install, configure, and support an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and may perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May monitor and test Web site performance to ensure Web sites operate correctly and without interruption. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. May supervise computer user support specialists and computer network support specialists. May administer network security measures. They also maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.

Other tasks include:

• Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
• Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
• Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks, and to coordinate computer network access and use.
• Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments need to be made, and to determine where changes will need to be made in the future.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.

We asked IT Administrators how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

70% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, IT Administrators perform data backups and disaster recovery operations. They operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks, and to coordinate computer network access and use.

A typical day for a Network and Computer Systems Administrator will also include:

• Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.
• Implement and provide technical support for voice services and equipment, such as private branch exchange, voice mail system, and telecom system.
• Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
• Load computer tapes and disks, and install software and printer paper or forms.
• Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments need to be made, and to determine where changes will need to be made in the future.

We asked some IT Administrators a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, IT Administrators also plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware. They may also coordinate with vendors and with company personnel to facilitate purchases.

On a weekly to monthly basis, IT Administrators Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes. They might also Design, configure, and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.

In addition, they Confer with network users about how to solve existing system problems.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures, and maintain control records.

To some IT Administrators, it is also their responsibility to Research new technologies by attending seminars, reading trade articles, or taking classes, and implement or recommend the implementation of new technologies.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Network and Computer Systems Administrator, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

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