This is really a very important question for people like you who want to be a network administrator. And this is really a very interesting field to work. Though I don't know much about networking because I've read electronics and telecommunication engineering but I did learn a little about networking.
So first of all It's better to have a bachelor degree on computer science or any computer related degrees. This will provide you the education qualification to get a job. And I think you will also have networking knowledge from your bachelor degree. So this is very important for you to take bachelor degree be a network administrator. There are diploma engineers but they are not that much valuable as the B.Sc engineers in job market.
Next task is the most important to be a network administrator. Every where the network related employers/companies want employees to have some certifications as additional requirements. Actually now a days these certificates become compulsory because of huge competition. These are also very much helpful for you to learn the networking and network administrating. You will get a-z knowledge by doing these certification courses. And these are all short courses. I'm giving you some names:
- CompTIA A+ Certification.
- CompTIA Network+ Certification.
- CompTIA Security+ Certification.
- Cisco CCNA Certification.
- Cisco CCNP Certification.
I think these are the core certifications that you need. You can also visit itcareerfinder.com to know more about certifications.
Lastly I'm telling you about what you have to master to be a network administrator
- Configuring and maintaining the internal computer network which may be wide, large, medium or small area network.
- Managing the whole network security system such as firewall, anti-virus and anti-hacking system.
- Network connectivity and performance issues like Identifying troubleshooting and documentation with problem solving.
- Providing support on installation and maintaining hard-line telephones and other networked telecommunication devices.
- For optimal speed and availability monitoring network performance and optimize the network.
- Installation, configuring and maintaining network hardware such as routers and switches.
- Deploy, configure and upgrade network software, such as, enterprise antivirus or diagnostics programs.
- Implement and maintain emergency backup and restore systems for mission-critical network servers.
- Regulating user access to sensitive files and protocol to protect against any security breaches.
- A network administrator in small companies are responsible for end-user desktop support, and the maintenance of servers and other networked devices.
These are the points you have to master to be a network administrator. Thanks for reading.