How do you become an account administrator?

1 Education and certification

The minimum education requirement for account administrators is usually a high school diploma or equivalent, but some employers may prefer candidates with an associate's or bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field. Additionally, account administrators should have relevant certifications that demonstrate their proficiency in network administration and security. Some of the most common certifications for account administrators are CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

2 Technical skills and knowledge

Account administrators need to have strong technical skills and knowledge in various areas of network administration and security, such as operating systems, network protocols, directory services, encryption, authentication, access control, backup and recovery, and troubleshooting. Account administrators should be familiar with different types of network devices, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and servers, and how to configure and maintain them. Account administrators should also be able to use various tools and software for managing user accounts, such as Active Directory, LDAP, PowerShell, and Group Policy.

3 Soft skills and personality

Besides technical skills and knowledge, account administrators must also possess soft skills and personality traits to perform their tasks effectively and efficiently. Communication is a key skill for account administrators, as they need to communicate clearly and professionally with users, colleagues, managers, and vendors both verbally and in writing. They must be able to explain technical concepts in simple terms, provide instructions and feedback, document policies and procedures, and report issues and incidents. Problem-solving is also essential for account administrators, as they need to identify, analyze, and resolve problems related to user accounts, permissions, and security policies. Organization is important for account administrators to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, prioritize their workload, and meet deadlines. Additionally, they need to pay attention to detail when creating, modifying, and deleting user accounts as well as assigning roles and privileges. They must ensure that the account information is correct and consistent with security policies. Account administrators also need to monitor and audit account activity to detect any anomalies or violations.

4 Experience and portfolio

To become an account administrator, you need to have some experience in network administration and security, preferably in a similar environment and industry as your target employer. You can gain experience by working as a network technician, a help desk technician, or a junior network administrator, or by doing internships, volunteer work, or freelance projects. You can also showcase your skills and knowledge by creating a portfolio of your work, such as network diagrams, account policies, scripts, or screenshots. A portfolio can help you demonstrate your capabilities and achievements, and impress potential employers.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?