Computer Network, Systems, and Database Administrator jobs are projected to grow much faster than all other occupations nationwide over the 2008-18, and are the highest growth occupation in Ohio. Annually, over 700 new jobs in a wide range of industries will be added in this field in Ohio, though 2018. Average salaries exceed $71,000.
A related field includes web designers, administrators and webmasters.
However, the most lucrative job title within this field is the analyst, who analyzes, designs, tests, and evaluates network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Internet, intranet, and other data communications systems. Database analysts also perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. They research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software and may supervise programmers.
How to Find the Best College for Computer Science
Common college majors for network and systems administrators are computer science, information science, and management information systems (MIS).
Certainly, an MBA is an advantage in this field. MIS programs usually are part of a business school or college and include finance, marketing, accounting, and management courses. More technical studies in systems design, networking, database management, and systems security are also common.
Colleges in Northeast Ohio that offer appropriate majors include Ashland University, Case Western Reserve University, Baldwin-Wallace College, Cleveland State University, The College of Wooster, Hiram College, John Carroll University, Kent State University, Lake Erie College, Oberlin College, Notre Dame College, University of Akron, The University of Mount Union, Alliance College and Ursuline College.
I recommend that you look closely at the course listing, and talk directly to the professors who teach them about where their recent students are working and what internship support they can provide.
Top-ranked Computer Science programs nationally, according to the hiring trends tracked by The Wall Street Journal, are offered by Carnegie Mellon University, University of California at Berkely, University of Michigan, Georgia University of Technology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and University of Maryland.
(Note: For webmasters, an associate degree or certification is usually sufficient.)
Tips for Getting Hired
Most of these professionals begin as computer support specialists before advancing into network or systems administration positions. Jobseekers can also enhance their employment opportunities by earning certifications, which are offered through product vendors, computer associations, and other training institutions.
As always, What’s Your Major? strongly recommends joining a professional association and attending local or national meetings to get a better understanding of the field and to kick off your job networking campaign. Many associations offer student member rates, job search sites, and opportunities for students to meet hiring managers at professional functions. Contact us for college and career coaching!
For additional information about a career as a computer network, systems, or database administrator, contact:
The League of Professional System Administrators, 15000 Commerce Pkwy., Suite C, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054.
Data Management International, 19239 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. #132, Lutz, FL 33548.
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), 2 Penn Plaza, Suite 701, New York, NY 10121-0701. Phone: (800) 342-6626.
Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), 1815 S. Meyers Rd., Suite 300, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-5228. Phone: (630) 678-8300. Fax: (630) 268-1384.
IEEE Computer Society , 1730 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036-1992. Phone: (202) 371-0101. Fax: (202) 728-9614.
Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP), 2350 E. Devon Ave., Suite 115, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4610. Phone: (847) 299-4227. Fax: (847) 299-4280.
National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies (NWCET), Bellevue Community College, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, N258, Bellevue, WA 98007-6484. Phone: (425) 564-4229. Fax: (425) 564-6193.
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