Career Opportunities in Hardware

So, every time your Internet is not working or your mouse just doesn't move the way you want, you need a hardware guy to resolve your problem. Major career opportunities in Hardware available in India are:

• System Administration

A System Administrator should have thorough knowledge of hardware platforms and operating systems. System Administration often involves managing a larger server and it becomes mandatory for the IT professionals in the field to know how to resolve any technical problem with the server quickly. Knowledge of different computers like mainframes is an added advantage too.

The major operating systems a System Administrator can specialize in are:

• UNIX, e.g. Linux or HP Unix or Solaris
• Windows, e.g. Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008

Professional Certifications that can help you launch a career in System Administration are:

• Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE)
• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
• Sun Certified Solaris Administrator (SCSA)

• Network Administration

Besides being thorough about networking concepts, a Network Administrator should also have knowledge about networking hardware like routers and switches. CISCO routers and switches are most popularly used in the companies worldwide but with emergence of Juniper routers and switches, it will be a good idea to study about them too.

Some of the popular professional certifications that prepare you for Networking Administration jobs are:

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  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
  • Juniper Networks Certification Program (JNCP)
  • Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) for those who work with Microsoft .Net Framework. The latest certification available is MCPD on Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 which requires two to three years of experience in technologies covered in the exams. The three MCPD specializations are:
    • Windows Developer: for building rich client applications using Microsoft .Net framework
    • Web Developer: for building data-driven, interactive Internet and Intranet applications using ASP .NET framework
    • Windows Azure Developer: for developers building cloud-based applications hosted on the Windows Azure platform. Windows Azure Developers need to give recertification exams every two years.

• Network Security

Call them Ethical Hackers or Security Consultants, Network Security is one of the most talked about IT jobs these days. Increasing incidents of hacking government and corporate websites have resulted in loss of millions of dollars in the recent years and hence, it has become mandatory for all the organizations to keep their networks safe and secure from malicious software as well as hackers.

Network Security Specialists need to have in-depth knowledge about computer networks, operating systems, routers, and hardware firewalls. They should also know about software applications like CISCO PIX, Microsoft Forefront Technologies, Checkpoint, and Microsoft ISA Server.

• Infrastructure Support

Infrastructure support personnel mostly work with system administrators and ensure that all the computers and the network have all the components necessary for smooth and efficient performance. They often work at grass root levels and are responsible for all the hands-on work like taking backups, checking individual machines, and do away with virus infections in a system. Ideal entry-level positions for those who want to get into the IT industry, Infrastructure Support functions require knowledge of computer hardware and cabling.

Professional certifications that can help students get a job in Infrastructure Support functions are:

• A+ Certification by CompTIA: is recognized globally for assessing competency of service technicians in the computer industry. This certification program is also a good start for more advanced computer related courses such as MCSE certifications.
• N+ Certification or Network+ by CompTIA: assesses technical knowledge of networking professionals with a minimum of nine months of experience in network support or administration.

• Data Security, Backup and Recovery

Database of an organization is not only an important asset but also can be quite sensitive. And yet, it is impossible for an organization to avoid movement of data across computers and networks. Hence, it needs Data Security professionals to safeguard its interests and the interests of its clients.

Data security, recovery and backup professionals often work with network and system administrators and are in great demand these days, especially in the fields of banking and finance. These IT professionals make sure that in case of a mishap such as crashing of a hard disk or accidental deletion of data, they can recover the data for the organizations.

Systematic backup of data and data encryption are two important things to know about for the IT professionals working in Data Security and Data Recovery domains. Knowledge of different types of backup tools like IBM Trivoli, basic knowledge of encryption and decryption, and recovery techniques are important credentials for this field.

Find Hardware Courses in India Here

Source: Ruchi Shrimali (Shiksha Team)

Date: 18th May, 2011