It's the Network
With the IT revolution in full swing, one thing is clear--a computer is only as useful as the network it's attached to. New advances in cable modems, wireless Internet, and fiber optics are making networks faster by the day. As a result, the need for network administrators to oversee, develop, and maintain computer networks is greater than ever, and expected to grow.
Opportunities
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of systems administrators and other related fields is expected to grow by as much as 27% between now and 2014. As is the case with most high-tech jobs, those who stand the best chance of employment will be those with a college degree. Lucky for you, many colleges and universities offer degree programs in computer networking.
What You Will Learn
Apart from the basics of Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) programming, your degree training will include coursework in systems architecture. Courses on coding, error detection, and data flow will prepare you to maintain a smooth machine. Other programs provide training in account maintenance, backups, restoration, system configuration, resource allocation and monitoring, network management, and peripheral administration. If you find your main talent is in networking, you can get a bachelor's of science degree in information technology with a specialization in network management.
Degree in hand, you'll be prepared to show off your training to prospective employers. Though competition is tough, rewards are high. Average median earnings for systems administrators approached $60,000 in 2004. So don't wait. With just a few clicks, you could be on your way to a rewarding career in computer networking.
Source
"Computer Support Specialists and Systems Administrators," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
