Network Administrator job...

KrillBee

Golden Member
Nov 17, 2005
1,433
0
0
my cousin told me about a job opportunity at his work, where they are looking for a network administrator. in the past this place has been known to hire people without technical degrees. my cousin thought i'd be a good candidate and mentioned my name to the person who is hiring over there, and then my cousin emailed me, and asked if id be interested in sending in my resume/cover letter.

i thought about it, and told him i had very little experience with networking (outside of home networking). I have played around with computers for fun since highschool, and had 2 years of helpdesk experience at my college (and am now working in a temporary help desk position for 2.5 months) but i know nothing about large networks.

would it be really stressful to be in charge of networking for a company, with my limited experience? is it worth it, to have to be on call all the time and be of utmost importance for their steady operation? I'd probably have to read up a lot about networking too, and spend time outside of work on it. as of now i dont really have a social life, and i hope to change that. a network admin job, might make it even harder though.

I first told my cousin in an email, that i wasnt interested in a network admin job, because i had limited experience. he sent a reply back saying something to the extent of "you arent even going to try? not even send in your resume?"

i didnt respond for a few days (because i didnt know what to say) and then he sent me another email telling me that there may be a helpdesk job available as well.



well my current job will last another 2 months before i need to find another. im going to show interest in either the helpdesk or the network admin job, at my cousin's work, just not sure which. and of course ill apply for work in a ton of other places too.

 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Impossible to answer without knowing roles and responsibilities and size of company.
 

randay

Lifer
May 30, 2006
11,018
216
106
Don't do it if you're not qualified. Depending on the company, the data you will be responsible for might be worth a hell of a lot, which would probably be stressful to worry about if you have experience at a network admin.

edit: beeboobopblehgobbledygoop i am no grammar good not even gonna try and fix it.
 

Crazee

Elite Member
Nov 20, 2001
5,736
0
76
Would you be THE network administrator or one of a team? If it is a junior network admin job then go for it. If it is as the only network admin, then I would say no.
 

creedog

Golden Member
Nov 15, 1999
1,732
0
0
Dude, not to be harsh, but it sounds like you are totally unqualified for a network administrator job. You know dns? Linux/Unix? Firewalls (real ones not software ones). Vpns?

Either your cousin has no idea what your skill set is or he has no idea what a network administrator does.

Just my opinion, but I bet you I am not wrong....
 

sonoma1993

Diamond Member
May 31, 2004
3,414
21
81
If the company is running Microsoft Server 2000 or Server 2003. Working with active directory can become complicated if you never used it before.
 

Scarpozzi

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
26,391
1,780
126
Tell me about your cousin? Is he "smart with computers"? It always seems that people get the impression that someone who knows PCs can do the stressful network admin type work...

If you'd just be doing network troubleshooting for workstations, etc...that's cool. If you have to handle network security and routing and the company is of decent size (50+ users), you may have your hands full with security problems generated by the Internet and your users. It takes a lot of dedication, knowledge, and good monitoring tools to do that kind of job. I would make sure I had rights to the budget before taking a job that held me responsible for any security.
 

kevnich2

Platinum Member
Apr 10, 2004
2,465
8
76
A proper network administrator has to keep the computer and network systems running smooth and reliable for all of the employees at the company. They are responsible for keeping the servers in tip-top shape, data properly backed up and secure. They're also responsible for trying to help the employees do their job easier with newer technology as well as interfacing with middle and top level management. As the network and systems administrator for my company I'll be the first to say, it's not an easy job. Sometimes stressful but for me, very rewarding. My system runs top notch and I know I'm the one responsible for it. But like others have said, if you don't know anything about networking, running cables, managing servers, managing firewalls, VPN's, wireless technology, etc then your not qualified for the job.
 

tfinch2

Lifer
Feb 3, 2004
22,114
1
0
Unless the company is really small and only running basic server roles, it sucks being a solo admin + end-user support.
 

SecretShadow

Member
Jul 18, 2006
101
0
0
Network Administrator is a HUGE phrase that means absolutely nothing. There isn't any convention of major technology vendors that has established what being a Network Administrator is. I'm a "Network Administrator" and I am barely more than a highly skilled helpdesk tech for a 65 user network. I do have pretty good knowledge in Active Directory, DNS, routing, VPNs, backup strategies, etc.....but honestly, I don't need it. Probably an average gamer who can setup a LAN for his games and troubleshoot his own email connection problems could do my job with a little on-the-job training. The other side of the equation, Network Administrator could mean as much as someone who can setup a full network, complete with unix servers, some insane cisco firewall, play around in some e-commerce database or something all before their first cup of coffee in the morning.

My long winded point is, you need WAY more information about the position. If its more than you're capable of, I would find out if they will offer some training. Don't get in over your head without some avenue of either learning or a Plan B, because it would SUCK to walk into the CEO's office and explain why you couldn't restore lost data worth $10,000,000 to the company (not that hard of a number to reach for even a small business).
 

Goosemaster

Lifer
Apr 10, 2001
48,775
3
81
Originally posted by: creedog
Dude, not to be harsh, but it sounds like you are totally unqualified for a network administrator job. You know dns? Linux/Unix? Firewalls (real ones not software ones). Vpns?

Either your cousin has no idea what your skill set is or he has no idea what a network administrator does.

Just my opinion, but I bet you I am not wrong....

agreed.


 

KrillBee

Golden Member
Nov 17, 2005
1,433
0
0
Originally posted by: creedog
Dude, not to be harsh, but it sounds like you are totally unqualified for a network administrator job. You know dns? Linux/Unix? Firewalls (real ones not software ones). Vpns?

Either your cousin has no idea what your skill set is or he has no idea what a network administrator does.

Just my opinion, but I bet you I am not wrong....

you are absolutely correct. I dont know any of these things. maybe my cousin just doesnt understand me.
 

SecretShadow

Member
Jul 18, 2006
101
0
0
Originally posted by: KrillBee
Originally posted by: creedog
Dude, not to be harsh, but it sounds like you are totally unqualified for a network administrator job. You know dns? Linux/Unix? Firewalls (real ones not software ones). Vpns?

Either your cousin has no idea what your skill set is or he has no idea what a network administrator does.

Just my opinion, but I bet you I am not wrong....

you are absolutely correct. I dont know any of these things. maybe my cousin just doesnt understand me.

That doesn't mean you are a bad fit for what they need. Maybe they will offer a little training, maybe they have other IT people already and you are joining a team, maybe they simply don't have very much more than helpdesk needs. It never hurts to get all the information possible.
 

KrillBee

Golden Member
Nov 17, 2005
1,433
0
0
Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Tell me about your cousin? Is he "smart with computers"? It always seems that people get the impression that someone who knows PCs can do the stressful network admin type work...

If you'd just be doing network troubleshooting for workstations, etc...that's cool. If you have to handle network security and routing and the company is of decent size (50+ users), you may have your hands full with security problems generated by the Internet and your users. It takes a lot of dedication, knowledge, and good monitoring tools to do that kind of job. I would make sure I had rights to the budget before taking a job that held me responsible for any security.

my cousin is a supervisor for hardware development at a company which designs software for energy management systems.

i think i have a better idea of what the job will entail, just read the listing, and lets just say, i dont think im cut out for it, lol.
not sure if i would be the only network admin or not, but i dont really meet the requirements.



---------------

We are seeking a self-motivated candidate who has the ability to prioritize, multitask and keep multiple projects organized, on track and moving forward. The successful candidate will be energetic, outgoing, and detail-oriented, will thrive in a team environment, and have exceptional communication skills.

This position will be responsible for setting up, configuring, and supporting internal and/or external networks. Candidates will develop and maintain all systems, applications, security, and network configurations. Successful candidates must also be able to troubleshoot network performance issues; create and maintain a disaster recovery plan; provide technical support and guidance to users; and recommend upgrades, patches, new applications and equipment.

Successful candidates must have a 2-year degree (required) or a 4-year degree (preferred) in Computer Science, MIS or other technology related fields. One to three years of experience in the field or in a related area is required. MCSA certification is desired.

Required skills for this position include:

Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Platforms; Windows (2000,XP, 2003) server and workstation, Active Directory, DNS, Group Policy
SQL Server 2000 installation and configuration
Broad knowledge of client and server hardware
Broad knowledge of networking components and configuration

Knowledge of Linux or UNIX (HP-UX, Tru64, AIX) operation systems and the ability to install/configure tape backup hardware and software is preferred.

-------------------
 

isasir

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2000
8,609
0
0
Sounds very similar to what I do right now. Any idea what the pay is?

(I'm not looking to apply, I'm just curious)
 

KrillBee

Golden Member
Nov 17, 2005
1,433
0
0
Originally posted by: isasir
Sounds very similar to what I do right now. Any idea what the pay is?

(I'm not looking to apply, I'm just curious)

i have no idea, salary wasnt listed in the ad.
 

Goosemaster

Lifer
Apr 10, 2001
48,775
3
81
Originally posted by: KrillBee
Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Tell me about your cousin? Is he "smart with computers"? It always seems that people get the impression that someone who knows PCs can do the stressful network admin type work...

If you'd just be doing network troubleshooting for workstations, etc...that's cool. If you have to handle network security and routing and the company is of decent size (50+ users), you may have your hands full with security problems generated by the Internet and your users. It takes a lot of dedication, knowledge, and good monitoring tools to do that kind of job. I would make sure I had rights to the budget before taking a job that held me responsible for any security.

my cousin is a supervisor for hardware development at a company which designs software for energy management systems.

i think i have a better idea of what the job will entail, just read the listing, and lets just say, i dont think im cut out for it, lol.
not sure if i would be the only network admin or not, but i dont really meet the requirements.



---------------

We are seeking a self-motivated candidate who has the ability to prioritize, multitask and keep multiple projects organized, on track and moving forward. The successful candidate will be energetic, outgoing, and detail-oriented, will thrive in a team environment, and have exceptional communication skills.

This position will be responsible for setting up, configuring, and supporting internal and/or external networks. Candidates will develop and maintain all systems, applications, security, and network configurations. Successful candidates must also be able to troubleshoot network performance issues; create and maintain a disaster recovery plan; provide technical support and guidance to users; and recommend upgrades, patches, new applications and equipment.

Successful candidates must have a 2-year degree (required) or a 4-year degree (preferred) in Computer Science, MIS or other technology related fields. One to three years of experience in the field or in a related area is required. MCSA certification is desired.

Required skills for this position include:

Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Platforms; Windows (2000,XP, 2003) server and workstation, Active Directory, DNS, Group Policy
SQL Server 2000 installation and configuration
Broad knowledge of client and server hardware
Broad knowledge of networking components and configuration

Knowledge of Linux or UNIX (HP-UX, Tru64, AIX) operation systems and the ability to install/configure tape backup hardware and software is preferred.

-------------------

dude...NO. Don't even waste their time. Hell, I wouldn't even find myself qualified for that:eek:...at least I don;t think I am qualified for that:eek:


I mean that nicely in that you are defintiely not qualified and won;t get any brownie points
 

Feldenak

Lifer
Jan 31, 2003
14,090
2
81
Originally posted by: KrillBee
Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Tell me about your cousin? Is he "smart with computers"? It always seems that people get the impression that someone who knows PCs can do the stressful network admin type work...

If you'd just be doing network troubleshooting for workstations, etc...that's cool. If you have to handle network security and routing and the company is of decent size (50+ users), you may have your hands full with security problems generated by the Internet and your users. It takes a lot of dedication, knowledge, and good monitoring tools to do that kind of job. I would make sure I had rights to the budget before taking a job that held me responsible for any security.

my cousin is a supervisor for hardware development at a company which designs software for energy management systems.

i think i have a better idea of what the job will entail, just read the listing, and lets just say, i dont think im cut out for it, lol.
not sure if i would be the only network admin or not, but i dont really meet the requirements.



---------------

We are seeking a self-motivated candidate who has the ability to prioritize, multitask and keep multiple projects organized, on track and moving forward. The successful candidate will be energetic, outgoing, and detail-oriented, will thrive in a team environment, and have exceptional communication skills.

This position will be responsible for setting up, configuring, and supporting internal and/or external networks. Candidates will develop and maintain all systems, applications, security, and network configurations. Successful candidates must also be able to troubleshoot network performance issues; create and maintain a disaster recovery plan; provide technical support and guidance to users; and recommend upgrades, patches, new applications and equipment.

Successful candidates must have a 2-year degree (required) or a 4-year degree (preferred) in Computer Science, MIS or other technology related fields. One to three years of experience in the field or in a related area is required. MCSA certification is desired.

Required skills for this position include:

Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Platforms; Windows (2000,XP, 2003) server and workstation, Active Directory, DNS, Group Policy
SQL Server 2000 installation and configuration
Broad knowledge of client and server hardware
Broad knowledge of networking components and configuration

Knowledge of Linux or UNIX (HP-UX, Tru64, AIX) operation systems and the ability to install/configure tape backup hardware and software is preferred.

-------------------

Heh, sounds like part of my current job (except for the Linux part, we're Windows shop).
 

BornStar

Diamond Member
Oct 30, 2001
4,052
1
0
Originally posted by: KrillBee
Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Tell me about your cousin? Is he "smart with computers"? It always seems that people get the impression that someone who knows PCs can do the stressful network admin type work...

If you'd just be doing network troubleshooting for workstations, etc...that's cool. If you have to handle network security and routing and the company is of decent size (50+ users), you may have your hands full with security problems generated by the Internet and your users. It takes a lot of dedication, knowledge, and good monitoring tools to do that kind of job. I would make sure I had rights to the budget before taking a job that held me responsible for any security.

my cousin is a supervisor for hardware development at a company which designs software for energy management systems.

i think i have a better idea of what the job will entail, just read the listing, and lets just say, i dont think im cut out for it, lol.
not sure if i would be the only network admin or not, but i dont really meet the requirements.



---------------

We are seeking a self-motivated candidate who has the ability to prioritize, multitask and keep multiple projects organized, on track and moving forward. The successful candidate will be energetic, outgoing, and detail-oriented, will thrive in a team environment, and have exceptional communication skills.

This position will be responsible for setting up, configuring, and supporting internal and/or external networks. Candidates will develop and maintain all systems, applications, security, and network configurations. Successful candidates must also be able to troubleshoot network performance issues; create and maintain a disaster recovery plan; provide technical support and guidance to users; and recommend upgrades, patches, new applications and equipment.

Successful candidates must have a 2-year degree (required) or a 4-year degree (preferred) in Computer Science, MIS or other technology related fields. One to three years of experience in the field or in a related area is required. MCSA certification is desired.

Required skills for this position include:

Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Platforms; Windows (2000,XP, 2003) server and workstation, Active Directory, DNS, Group Policy
SQL Server 2000 installation and configuration
Broad knowledge of client and server hardware
Broad knowledge of networking components and configuration

Knowledge of Linux or UNIX (HP-UX, Tru64, AIX) operation systems and the ability to install/configure tape backup hardware and software is preferred.

-------------------
That's basically what I do other than Linux. Where is this job located? Maybe I could apply for it if it's in the right area. :)
 

KrillBee

Golden Member
Nov 17, 2005
1,433
0
0
Originally posted by: BornStar18
Originally posted by: KrillBee
Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Tell me about your cousin? Is he "smart with computers"? It always seems that people get the impression that someone who knows PCs can do the stressful network admin type work...

If you'd just be doing network troubleshooting for workstations, etc...that's cool. If you have to handle network security and routing and the company is of decent size (50+ users), you may have your hands full with security problems generated by the Internet and your users. It takes a lot of dedication, knowledge, and good monitoring tools to do that kind of job. I would make sure I had rights to the budget before taking a job that held me responsible for any security.

my cousin is a supervisor for hardware development at a company which designs software for energy management systems.

i think i have a better idea of what the job will entail, just read the listing, and lets just say, i dont think im cut out for it, lol.
not sure if i would be the only network admin or not, but i dont really meet the requirements.



---------------

We are seeking a self-motivated candidate who has the ability to prioritize, multitask and keep multiple projects organized, on track and moving forward. The successful candidate will be energetic, outgoing, and detail-oriented, will thrive in a team environment, and have exceptional communication skills.

This position will be responsible for setting up, configuring, and supporting internal and/or external networks. Candidates will develop and maintain all systems, applications, security, and network configurations. Successful candidates must also be able to troubleshoot network performance issues; create and maintain a disaster recovery plan; provide technical support and guidance to users; and recommend upgrades, patches, new applications and equipment.

Successful candidates must have a 2-year degree (required) or a 4-year degree (preferred) in Computer Science, MIS or other technology related fields. One to three years of experience in the field or in a related area is required. MCSA certification is desired.

Required skills for this position include:

Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Platforms; Windows (2000,XP, 2003) server and workstation, Active Directory, DNS, Group Policy
SQL Server 2000 installation and configuration
Broad knowledge of client and server hardware
Broad knowledge of networking components and configuration

Knowledge of Linux or UNIX (HP-UX, Tru64, AIX) operation systems and the ability to install/configure tape backup hardware and software is preferred.

-------------------
That's basically what I do other than Linux. Where is this job located? Maybe I could apply for it if it's in the right area. :)


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