System administrator (Systeembeheerder)
Information on this skill...
A system administrator is responsible for the day-to-day management of ICT systems and the maintenance of the ICT systems. Especially within larger organizations, which often use ICT systems, the presence of a system administrator is very important nowadays, because ICT systems must not fail. An ICT system does not only relate to the online nature of computers, because under the heading "ICT system" actually covers everything that has to do with computers, such as the modems, the hardware, the software, the firewalls, the routers and the cabling. A better name for ICT system is therefore perhaps IT infrastructure. It is the system administrator who is responsible for the IT infrastructure and its operation. Keeping the IT infrastructure secure is also part of the tasks of the system administrator. Other activities of a system administrator can be access control (who can do what), making backups, replacing hardware and installing updates. The system administrator profession can be an independent profession within organizations, but this usually only concerns the larger organizations. In short, the work of a system administrator can best be described as the day-to-day management of computer systems. As described earlier, a system administrator is not only dealing with hardware, because most system administrators are also responsible for managing software. Answering possible technical questions is also generally part of the work of a system administrator. The profession of system administrator must also be seen as fairly general, because a system administrator can also be specialized in certain ICT activities.
In most cases, a system administrator is a real techie who will have a lot of knowledge regarding computers, programming and the IT infrastructure. As a system administrator, you will therefore regularly have to deal with colleagues who encounter certain problems that need to be solved by the system administrator. Think, for example, of updating programs, replacing monitors, replacing hardware and connecting computers. A system administrator therefore has an important supporting role within companies because not everyone is an ICT expert. Because ICT is so important for organizations nowadays, there can also be several system administrators who are responsible for different activities. This of course depends on the organization and the size of the RELEVANT IT infrastructure. If there are many computers, keeping track of all software and hardware can already be a day job, so there can be multiple system administrators. It is conceivable that a system administrator can also be regarded as a system developer, but this does not have to be the case.
WHAT DO SYSTEM ADMINISTRATORS DO
System administrators ensure that employees can use their computer and the systems they need in a secure manner. Within most organizations, system administrators are also responsible for policies related to the IT infrastructure and its use. For example, it may be policy that certain unsafe websites are excluded from employees so that no viruses can be brought in. Access control also plays an important role when we talk about safe use. To prevent misuse of data, it is necessary that only the right people are allowed to access information. A system administrator can therefore also be regarded as an information security officer and as a security specialist. This does not always have to be the case, because within larger organizations there are also different ICT employees, who are responsible for specific tasks.
VARIOUS ACTIVITIES OF A SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR:
- Answering technical questions
- Managing and maintaining systems
- Securing computer networks
- Implementing updates and making backups
- Informing employees
- Installing computers and peripherals
- Setting passwords
- Maintaining contact with suppliers
- Solving technical problems
WHAT DOES A SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR
In order to be able to work as a system administrator, it is best to choose a course for the MBO course Employee Management ICT or the HBO-HBO-ICT course. In addition, there are also plenty of courses in the field of system administration. The MBO programme Employee Management ICT and the HBO programme HBO-ICT will usually take four years to complete. During the programme, attention is paid to various topics such as network infrastructures, management, organisation, business administration, computer law and the management of systems. In addition, there are also plenty of external training institutes where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an independent entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR CAN BE EMPLOYED
A system administrator can work for different companies in a variety of industries. Most larger organizations nowadays have to deal with computer systems, so a system administrator is actually working everywhere. Think, for example, of banks, insurers, law firms and webshop owners. The substantive work of a system administrator can differ per organization, because organizations can also have to deal with very complex computer networks. It is also conceivable that a system administrator works as a civil servant, because the government also has a lot to do with computer networks. As a system administrator, it can also happen that you work in the field service. In that case, a system administrator can in many cases be regarded as an ICT service technician.
COMPETENCES SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR
The most important competence of a system administrator is the general professional knowledge of ICT. In addition, communication can be regarded as an important competence, because a system administrator has to deal with employees and managers who have technical questions. Because a system administrator has a lot to do with technology, a system administrator must also be seen as an all-round technician and mechanic. Another important competency is stress resistance, as managing computer networks can in some cases demand a lot from a system administrator. Generally important words are vigilance, securing, controlling, flexibility, monitoring, collaborating, analytical, performing, service, planning and organizing.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR
The labour market perspective of a system administrator is generally good if you have the right training. In fact, a system administrator can work anywhere nowadays, because many organizations use computer networks and computer software. Getting work as a system administrator will therefore not be a problem in most cases. However, in general only the larger organizations use system administrators. The growth opportunities of a system administrator cannot simply be indicated, because the career opportunities can differ per organization. In addition, the level of education plays an important role in possible career opportunities.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR
There are no specific employment conditions for this profession, because you can work for many different types of companies or governments. The salary as a system administrator in paid employment will usually fall into the higher salary scales, because in most cases you will have at least hbo-educated. A system administrator earns between 3000 and 4500 euros gross per month, depending on education, age and responsibilities. However, the salary can vary greatly per organization and depending on your responsibilities.
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