Intended Career: Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Work Description

Briefly describe what a worker in this occupation does:

Install and configure and maintain organizations' computer networks and systems

List 10 tasks/duties/responsibilities for someone in this career.

A. install operating and application hardware based on network and system needs

B. install software based on network and system needs

C. provide input on hardware for purchasing decisions

D. provide input on software for purchasing decisions

E. maintain network and computer system security

F. evaluate network and system performance

G. optimize network and system performance

H. add users to a network and assign security permissions

I. train users on network and systems

J. diagnose and resolve reported problems

Working Conditions/Work Environment

Go to the Occupational Outlook Handbook and identify the top three largest employers for this career.

A. computer systems design and related services

B. educational services

C. finance and insurance

Identify three additional aspects of the Working Conditions/Work Environment for this career.

A. employed by a variety of organizations

B. work in a variety of settings

C. often collaborate with many types of IT workers

Are there any physical or health considerations concerning this career? If so, describe.

None really listed, may work more than 40 hours per week depending on need.

Lifestyle Considerations

Does this occupation often require working hours or locations that might be a problem for me (frequent overtime, evening or weekend work, travel away from home)? Explain

It may require working overtime when needed, hours aren't consistent; hours are based on how much the duties are required

Employment Opportunities

Use the PA CareerLink, PA WorkStats, and PA CareerZone sites to answer these questions.

How many job listings for this occupation are posted within a 25-50 mile radius of my zip code?

1 within a 25 mile radius; 25 within a 50 mile radius

Is this occupation on the high priority occupation list for my Workforce Development Area-WDA (Use PA WorkStats website to answer this question).

yes

What is the employment outlook for this career? Explain

the employment outlook says that there were 11,610 people employed in PA and by 2030 it is expected to have increased to 12,220, with 820 projected openings per year

Future Advancement

What are the opportunities for advancement in this occupation?

people with this occupation may advance to become computer network architects. They may also advance to managerial jobs in IT departments.

What would I need to do to prepare for advancement in this career?

make sure all required degrees are acquired; become proficient with all skills needed

Earnings

What is the typical starting salary in this occupation?: the average starting salary is around $68,000 per year

How much do people who have been in this occupation make after 10 years?: around $73,000 per year

Rewards

What rewards or satisfactions might I find in this occupation? (Explain in 2-3 sentences)

I would be rewarded by being able to do a job I enjoy. I enjoy working with computers, so I would be motivated to do good and I'd get a good pay while doing it.

Drawbacks

What things do I find unappealing or unpleasant in this occupation? (Explain in 2-3 sentences)

One thing I find unpleasant is that most jobs in this occupation require a bachelor's degree in a computer related field which can be expensive and takes a while.

Personal Qualities or Characteristics

What personal qualities or characteristics do I have that would be helpful for being successful in this occupation? (Explain in 4-5 sentences using information from your self assessments to support your answer)

One characteristic is that I enjoy working with computers. This means I will be more motivated to work since I'll enjoy what I'm doing. A quality I have that will be helpful for being successful in this occupation is that I'm good with computers. This means I won't have many issues (if any) completing my work.

Education and Training

Type and amount of education/training required for entry level for this career:

___ On-the-job training ___ Two-year college degree

___ Apprenticeship ___ Four-year college degree

___ One or two years of vocational technical school ___ Graduate school

or community college

Related Occupations

Identify two other occupations that are related to my intended career that I could consider if this one does not meet my needs? Computer Network Architects and Computer Programmers

Write a paragraph to answer the following question:

After your research, are you considering making a change to your major? Provide three reasons why you are or are not.

I am not considering making a change to my major. I want to go into a career where I get to work with

computers. I enjoy working with computers and I feel if I have a career where I get to work with them, I will be more motivated to work well. A job in this field also pays well.