Comparison: Network Administrator vs. Similar Jobs

If you’re interested in a career in IT, then a role as a network administrator is one of many potential options to explore. As a network administrator, you can play an important part in an organization’s IT team, keeping systems running smoothly and troubleshooting problems as they arise. In many cases, you only need an associate’s degree in networking technology or a related field to get started in network administration.

 While a network administrator is one pathway, it is far from the only role possible  with a Networking Technology Associate Degree. From roles in network engineering, IT, engineering, and beyond, there are many possibilities to explore. With a better understanding of different career options and what they entail, you can decide which path is best suited to your unique interests and goals.

What Is a Network Administrator?

Network administrators are IT professionals who install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot computer systems for businesses in local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs). Businesses, schools, or even government agencies typically hire these tech gurus to handle all aspects of their networking systems. Still, it is also not uncommon for network administrators to act in a freelance role, working with private clients and taking on a workload that suits them.

Network Administrator Role and Responsibilities

The exact duties and responsibilities of a network administrator can vary from one job to another. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), however, the basic duties of a network administrator include:

• Installing operating systems and hardware/software to suit a company’s networking needs.
• Handling upgrades and network maintenance, as needed.
• Providing recommendations on hardware/software upgrades to organizational decision-makers.
• Troubleshooting and resolving problems on networks and systems.
• Assigning security permissions to protect sensitive information.

Network administrators are also often expected to collaborate with other IT professionals, such as system administrators, to keep things running smoothly.

Education and Skills Required

The education needed to break into network administration can vary by employer. Where some employers may prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree in the field, an associate’s degree in network administration, information technology, or a related field is often suitable for entry-level roles.

Regardless of education, network administrators need to possess a variety of technical skills and soft skills to thrive in the field. Analytical and problem-solving skills are among the most important, especially when it comes to being able to look closely at all a network’s parts to pinpoint and resolve issues promptly.

 In addition, because network administrators often work alongside other IT professionals, they also need strong communication and collaboration skills.

Comparing a Network Administrator and Network Careers

Working in network administration can be a challenging yet rewarding career, especially for those who enjoy creative problem-solving and working with the latest technology. However, there are a lot of other avenues you can explore with a network administration or related degree, including roles in network engineering and network security.

Network Administrator vs. Network Engineer

 Where network administrators tend to focus more on the overall management and operation of an organization’s WAN or LAN networks, the work of network engineers is centered on the actual design and building of these networks. More specifically, network engineers are responsible for designing network infrastructures from the ground up and planning for the scalability of these networks based on an organization’s changing needs.

This type of work can be ideal for those who are less interested in the ongoing management/maintenance of networks and more interested in the hands-on work involved in establishing networks for clients. Ultimately, choosing between network administrator vs. network engineer roles depends on whether you prefer ongoing network maintenance or having a hand in designing networks.

Network Administrator vs. Network Security

While working as a network administrator requires some cybersecurity knowledge, such as assigning security permissions to users, a network security professional focuses entirely on the crucial aspect of running a computer network.

Rather than troubleshooting and configuring computer networks, security professionals are primarily responsible for protecting these networks from cybersecurity attacks, including data breaches and unauthorized access. Network security professionals may monitor web traffic to watch for signs of attacks, take proactive measures to improve network security, and respond to attacks in progress. As part of their work, these professionals may also recommend to decision-makers what security measures be implemented to eliminate vulnerabilities.

Comparing a Network Administrator and IT Professional

Because network administration is a subset of IT, those with the skills and education to work as network administrators may also do well in other IT roles. Examples include an IT manager and IT technician.

Network Administrator vs. IT Manager

If you’re interested in a role with a scope broader than solely working with computers and technology, then a career in IT management may be right for you. Compared to network administration, which focuses more on the maintenance and management of networks, IT management encompasses the ins and outs of an organization’s entire IT department. In addition to handling IT maintenance and troubleshooting, IT managers may also have responsibilities like:

• Managing and overseeing IT budgets.
• Evaluating and recommending new technologies, software, and hardware.
• Researching and implementing company-wide IT policies.
• Collaborating with other departments and professionals, including system and network administrators.

Network Administrator vs. Network Technician

IT technician is another job those with network administration backgrounds may wish to explore. Like network administration, IT technician work requires an in-depth understanding of the complex systems that make up an organization’s information technology department. However, IT technicians’ work tends to be much narrower in focus, often handling very precise hardware/software issues and other tasks.

IT technicians also tend to be more customer-facing and may be responsible for providing direct support to users as part of their jobs. This kind of role can be an excellent choice for those who like working with others and helping solve problems.

The network administrator vs. network technician comparison often comes down to the scope of responsibilities, with administrators handling broader infrastructure concerns while technicians focus on specific tasks.

Comparing Network Administrator and Engineer Jobs

Although related, network administration and network engineering are two distinct fields. Typically, engineers are more focused on the design, building, and execution of network systems and infrastructures. Within the realm of network engineering, there are a few different roles to consider. With a better understanding of the differences between network administration and various engineering roles, you can decide which path may be best for you.

Network Administrator vs. Infrastructure Engineer

Rather than focusing on troubleshooting network issues and keeping networks running smoothly, infrastructure engineers are responsible for designing and executing the servers, networks, software, and hardware that make up an organization’s entire infrastructure. With this broader focus, infrastructure engineers must understand how IT networks operate while working closely with network administrators, technicians, and other IT professionals.

Network Administrator vs. Support Engineer

Similar to an infrastructure engineer, support engineers in IT are typically more responsible for broader management and troubleshooting. They typically work with users to provide real-time troubleshooting and diagnostics for technical issues. At the same time, they may have other responsibilities ranging from documenting support tickets to escalating more complicated issues to other support experts.

This type of work tends to be ideal for those with a network administration background because it requires strong problem-solving skills and creative thinking.

Network Administrator vs. Technical Support Engineer

Another related support role to consider is that of a technical support engineer. These professionals are similar to support engineers, who work specifically on software, hardware, and network issues. Technical support engineers need to have a strong understanding of the inner workings of networking systems and excellent customer service and problem-solving skills. Compared to a network administration role, working as a technical support engineer requires a lot more direct interaction with clients.

Comparing Network and System Careers

As you explore career options in network administration, you may also come across such roles as network administrator and systems analyst. While these may seem very similar to network administration jobs, there are some important distinctions.

System Administrator vs. Network Administrator

Where network administrators are focused on maintaining and managing networks, system administrators typically work more closely with the inner components of computer systems. This may include computer software, hardware, and operating systems. They tend to be less concerned about network components, like routers and switches, although they do sometimes need to work alongside network administrators to ensure smooth operation. The system administrator vs. network administrator distinction can be subtle, but it’s important to understand how each role supports IT infrastructure differently.

Network Administrator vs. Systems Analyst

Another possible role worth exploring, if you have a background in network administration, is a career as a systems analyst. Companies or organizations hire these professionals to assess their computer systems and recommend upgrades or other changes to improve overall performance. Systems analysts need to meet with business owners and other decision-makers to assess and better understand their needs. From there, they can recommend network upgrades, changes to computer systems, and other measures to help organizations get the most out of their IT operations. This type of work can be great for those with strong technical knowledge and those who enjoy working with others.

Start Your Technology Journey Today

Whether you’re weighing interest in database administrator vs. network administrator work, or anything in between, having the proper credentials can prepare you for a rewarding career in computers and networking technology.

Questioning the best place to get started? For many, an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Networking Technology is a practical launching point for network administration and similar roles. In Bryant & Stratton College’s AAS Networking Technology program, you’ll enjoy the flexibility of online and on-campus formats, as well as plenty of  practical  experience to prepare you for the realities of working in the field.

Connect with us today to learn more about the tech programs we have to offer, or take the next step in completing your online application for admission.