Unix Administrator Career Path

Overview

UNIX is the system language used by IT companies and corporates alike. UNIX administration allows interaction between operating systems and associated software. Those who anticipate a career in this field, need to have a specialized qualification.

Unix Administrator Career Path Requirement

Good trouble shooting skills, reasoning, dedication and good logic are required in order to become a UNIX administrator. This position involves a lot of responsibility and is a position sought after by many people in the IT industry. Several training courses facilitate specialized training in this field.

Potential candidates should have strong mathematical abilities. Logic and proper reasoning are essential components for a person in this position. It is unnecessary to have degrees in engineering or to have a B. A. 

In order to be competent in UNIX administration. Accredited training from a suitable learning institution is all that is required.

The training available for this position offered at learning institutions will improve your practical knowledge as well as theory. You will be able to network with other people involved in UNIX at these courses. Making contacts for future job prospects can also be done at these courses. The Internet is a great resource to keep you updated with developments in the area of UNIX.

Successful completion of your training allows you to take the certification exam or apply for a job although you do not have a certificate. The training often carries more weight than a certificate does.

Career Knowledge

The position of UNIX administrator is key in any company. Continual updating of skills and knowledge is critical for the person holding this position. This is often paid for by your employer and makes for a good incentive to expand your knowledge on the topic.

Remuneration for these positions is very high in this industry. Long hours and working overtime is a distinct possibility for all candidates. Most larger companies cannot afford for their technology to be offline at any point in time. Mental and physical toughness are attributes that will serve you well in this job.

The system administrator has a variety of tasks to fulfill. A good general computing knowledge is essential in order to succeed in the field of UNIX.

Responsibilities

This position comprises of six different areas of responsibility. 
- Software management is the first. This includes removing, updating, installing and testing of software. 
- Managing users and access controls involves a deep understanding of levels within a company. 
- Deleting and adding users will happen frequently. 
- The administrator will be responsible for backups, security and server management. This is a big responsibility, which, if not done properly, could result in great losses for the company. 
- Routing, host configuration and subnetting affects the company's web hosting services. This falls within the ambit of network administration. 
- Arranging for mobile users by configuring their notebooks, falls under desktop administration.

Company Role

Most large companies have specified and defined roles for employees. In smaller companies, the administrator may need to be a jack-of-all-trades. This means that position of UNIX administration will not suit a person who likes a defined role in the work place.

Unix Tips

See Also
Administration Interview Questions

Have a Unix Problem
Unix Forum - Do you have a UNIX Question?

Unix Books :-
UNIX Programming, Certification, System Administration, Performance Tuning Reference Books

Return to : - Unix System Administration Hints and Tips

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