CourseFinder logo – Australia’s leading course comparison site

Select Industry

Courses by Study Type

Career Advice

How to Become an IT Systems Administrator: Australian Careers in IT

7 Courses

Icon
How to Become an IT Systems Administrator: Australian Careers in IT
How to Become an IT Systems Administrator: Australian Careers in IT

Displaying 7 of 7 courses

Filters

Clear all

Icon

Location

Icon

Industry

Show more...

Icon

Study Mode

Show more...

Icon

Payment Option

Show more...

Icon

Qualification

Show more...

Icon

Course Provider

Show more...


On this page

What is a IT Systems Administrator?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a IT Systems Administrator?

The career of an IT Systems Administrator is both dynamic and rewarding, offering individuals the opportunity to play a crucial role in maintaining and optimising an organisation’s IT infrastructure. These professionals are responsible for the installation, configuration, and management of computer systems and networks, ensuring that all components work seamlessly together. With the increasing reliance on technology in various sectors, the demand for skilled Systems Administrators continues to grow, making it an excellent career choice for those interested in technology and problem-solving.

In their day-to-day responsibilities, IT Systems Administrators engage in a variety of tasks that include troubleshooting hardware and software issues, performing system backups, and implementing security measures to protect sensitive data. They also monitor system performance, making adjustments as necessary to enhance efficiency and reliability. This role requires a proactive approach, as Systems Administrators must anticipate potential issues and address them before they escalate, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.

Collaboration is a key aspect of the IT Systems Administrator’s role, as they often work closely with other IT professionals and departments to support various projects and initiatives. They are tasked with preparing and maintaining documentation, policies, and operational procedures, which are essential for effective communication and training within the organisation. Additionally, Systems Administrators are involved in planning for future network needs, making recommendations for upgrades and enhancements that align with the organisation’s goals.

Overall, a career as an IT Systems Administrator offers a fulfilling blend of technical challenges and opportunities for professional growth. With the right education and experience, individuals in this field can enjoy a stable and lucrative career while contributing to the success of their organisation through effective IT management. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the role of the Systems Administrator, making it an exciting path for those passionate about technology and innovation.

Icon

Career snapshots For IT Systems Administrators

The role of a Systems Administrator is crucial in maintaining the integrity and performance of an organisation’s IT infrastructure. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals in this field remains strong, making it an attractive career choice for many.

  • Average Age: 41 years
  • Gender Distribution: 18% female
  • Hours Worked: Average of 41 hours per week, with 90% working full-time
  • Average Salary: Approximately AU$77,088 per year
  • Unemployment Rate: Relatively low, with a stable demand for skilled workers
  • Current Employment: About 14,700 individuals are employed as Systems Administrators
  • Projected Growth: Expected annual employment growth of around 2,100 positions

As organisations increasingly rely on technology, the role of Systems Administrators is set to expand, offering numerous opportunities for career advancement and specialisation. This profession not only provides a stable income but also the chance to work in diverse industries, including professional services, public administration, and education.

Source: ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

What will I do?

IT Systems Administrators play a crucial role in maintaining and managing an organisation’s computer systems and networks. They ensure that all systems operate efficiently and securely, providing support for both hardware and software issues. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, from troubleshooting technical problems to implementing system upgrades, making them essential to the smooth functioning of any IT environment.

  • Troubleshooting and Support – Diagnosing, resolving, and repairing server-related hardware and software malfunctions, including workstations and communication infrastructure.
  • Documentation Maintenance – Preparing and maintaining documentation, policies, and instructions, as well as recording operational procedures and system logs.
  • System Design and Monitoring – Ensuring that the design of computer sites allows all components to fit together and work properly, while monitoring and adjusting network performance.
  • Network Needs Assessment – Continually surveying the current computer site to determine future network needs and making recommendations for enhancements in server and network implementation.
  • Backup and Recovery Management – Performing operational establishment and preventive maintenance of backups and recovery procedures, enforcing security and integrity controls.
  • System Security Management – Accepting responsibility for processes and procedures associated with system security and disaster recovery planning.
  • Vendor Liaison – Liaising with security vendors, suppliers, and service providers to analyse, recommend, install, and maintain software security applications.
  • System Upgrades and Testing – Testing database systems and upgrades, debugging, tracking, reproducing, logging, and resolving identified problems according to approved quality testing scripts.

What skills do I need?

A career as an IT Systems Administrator requires a diverse set of skills that blend technical expertise with problem-solving abilities. Professionals in this field must be proficient in managing and maintaining operating systems, server hardware, and software applications. Key skills include troubleshooting server-related issues, ensuring system security, and performing regular backups to safeguard data integrity. Additionally, strong documentation skills are essential for maintaining operational procedures and system logs, which help in tracking performance and facilitating future upgrades.

Moreover, effective communication and collaboration skills are vital, as IT Systems Administrators often work closely with other IT professionals and end-users to address technical challenges. A solid understanding of network management and the ability to assess future network needs are also crucial for recommending enhancements and ensuring optimal system performance. Continuous learning and adaptability are important traits, given the rapid evolution of technology and the need to stay updated with the latest industry trends and best practices.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong understanding of operating systems (Windows, Linux, Unix)
  • Proficiency in network management and administration
  • Experience with server hardware and software troubleshooting
  • Knowledge of database management systems
  • Ability to implement and maintain security protocols
  • Familiarity with backup and recovery procedures
  • Excellent problem-solving skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Attention to detail and organisational skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Adaptability to new technologies and systems
  • Experience with virtualisation technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V)
  • Understanding of cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure)
  • Ability to prepare and maintain documentation and operational procedures
  • Project management skills for system upgrades and implementations

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

Career Outcomes