Information technology (IT) administrators manage the day-to-day operations of IT systems to ensure that the systems run effectively. IT administrators work with IT managers to make sure that the computer system provides sufficient computing power to deliver the desired level of business performance.
IT Management is different from management information systems. The latter refers to management methods tied to the automation or support of human decision making. IT Management refers to IT related management activities in organizations. MIS is focused mainly on the business aspect, with a strong input into the technology phase of the business/organisation.
A primary focus of IT management is the value creation made possible by technology. This requires the alignment of technology and business strategies. While the value creation for an organization involves a network of relationships between internal and external environments, technology plays an important role in improving the overall value chain of an organization. However, this increase requires business and technology management to work as a creative, synergistic, and collaborative team instead of a purely mechanistic span of control.
This is one of the fastest growing career options with thousands of jobs currently listed across Australia, with remuneration matching qualifications and experience. The average weekly pay is cities for this work is $1,932.00.
The below concepts are commonly listed or investigated under the broad term IT Management:
- Business/IT alignment
- IT governance
- IT financial management
- IT service management
- Sourcing
- IT configuration management
- IT infrastructure
Personal requirements for an Information Technology Administrator
- Aptitude for technical activities
- Good communication skills
- Able to quickly understand complex problems and devise effective solutions
- Willing to maintain and update own knowledge of IT content
- Able to work independently
- Able to direct and oversee the work of others
Education & Training for an Information Technology Administrator
To become an IT administrator you usually have to complete a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You can also become an IT administrator by studying information technology or computing at university with a major in systems administration, network engineering, network security or software development. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.
The nationally recognised Certificate III in Information Technology is the perfect course for analytical thinkers who are keen to enter a booming industry. Depending on your campus location, you can specialise in cyber security, game design, networking, support or web design. Available through TAFE NSW this course is currently available at 94 campus locations across NSW and online. Fee Free if Eligible for JobTrainer.
This course offers:
- Nationally Recognised Training
- Traineeship Allowed
- On campus, Combination, Online, Virtual classroom on campus, Virtual classroom off campus
- Full Time, Part Time
- Study Online
- Fully government-subsidised
- JobTrainer
The nationally accredited Advanced Diploma of Information Technology (IT Strategy and Organisational Development) combines your love for IT with your interest in organisational development. Implement strategic ICT business plans and complete projects from start to finish as an ICT manager. This course is currently available at 1 TAFE NSW campus location across NSW.
Duties & Tasks of an Information Technology Administrator
IT administrators:
- Talk with managerial, administrative and technical staff to determine information needs, data flows and systems definitions
- Establish and control systems' access and security
- Coordinate protocols for operation within multi-user IT networks that provide voice, data and text transmission
- Check systems in order to optimise performance and initiate recovery action after system failures
- Implement regular housekeeping procedures, including data backup
- Manage the distribution and retention of data on various storage devices
- Coordinate system updates and replacement of outdated versions
- Maintain data dictionaries
- Provide day-to-day advice to users on data structures and terminology
- Provide assistance with testing new equipment and systems
- Prepare technical reports on the operation of systems
- Prepare systems' cost estimates and cost-benefit analyses
- Coordinate the work of support staff
- Provide training in systems use and access.
Tasks
- Testing database systems and upgrades, such as debugging, tracking, reproduction, logging and resolving all identified problems, according to approved quality testing scripts, procedures and processes.
- Continually surveying the current computer site to determine future network needs and making recommendations for enhancements in the implementation of future servers and networks.
- Troubleshooting and providing service support in diagnosing, resolving and repairing server-related hardware and software malfunctions, encompassing workstations and communication infrastructure.
- Implementing and administering database documentation, guidelines, policies and procedures.
- Performing the operational establishment and preventive maintenance of backups, recovery procedures, and enforcing security and integrity controls.
- Ensuring that the design of computer sites allows all components to fit together and work properly, and monitoring and adjusting the performance of networks.
- Liaising with security vendors, suppliers, service providers and external resources; analysing, recommending, installing and maintaining software security applications; and monitoring contractual obligations, performance delivery and service level agreements.
- Accepting responsibility for the processes, procedures and operational management associated with system security and disaster recovery planning.
- Designing and maintaining database architecture, data structures, tables, dictionaries and naming conventions to ensure the accuracy and completeness of all data master files.
- Preparing and maintaining documentation, policies and instructions, and recording and detailing operational procedures and system logs.
Employment Opportunities for an Information Technology Administrator
IT administrators can work in IT-specific industries and other industries requiring IT expertise. With experience, there are opportunities for self-employment or starting your own business.
Specialisations
Database Administrator
A database administrator makes sure that the underlying technologies provide users with flexibility in the management, access, retrieval, sharing and configuration of the large amounts of data held by many systems. IT professionals such as senior programmers and analysts will often advance to this position after they have gained some experience with relevant database software solutions.
Network Administrator
A network administrator provides operational support and management of a diverse area, covering networks involving the internet and private networks, through to large communication networks within various industries.
Systems Administrator
A systems administrator maintains and tunes large operating systems that may be acquired from external system developers in the form of mainframe, desktop or mid-range systems.
Database Administrator
A database administrator makes sure that the underlying technologies provide users with flexibility in the management, access, retrieval, sharing and configuration of the large amounts of data held by many systems. IT professionals such as senior programmers and analysts will often advance to this position after they have gained some experience with relevant database software solutions.
Information Technology Administrator
Information technology (IT) administrators manage the day-to-day operations of IT systems to ensure that the systems run effectively. IT administrators work with IT managers to make sure that the computer system provides sufficient computing power to deliver the desired level of business performance.
Network Administrator
A network administrator provides operational support and management of a diverse area, covering networks involving the internet and private networks, through to large communication networks within various industries.
Systems Administrator
A systems administrator maintains and tunes large operating systems that may be acquired from external system developers in the form of mainframe, desktop or mid-range systems.
Information courtesy Australian Government Apprenticeships Guide (Your Career), TAFE NSW, Australian Open Colleges, Australian Careers HQ and The Good Universities Guide, Australia.
If you're not sure what you want to do as a career, visit Careers NSW Interactive Explorer and explore the whole world of ideas available, at: careers.nsw.gov.au or explore the fee free options available through TAFE NSW at: www.tafensw.edu.au/jobtrainer
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Scientist in the laboratory at CSIRO's Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Geelong, 12 February 2009. Photo: Frank Filippi, CSIRO
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