![[Featured image]: A system administrator working on a computer.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6GMOOXc2BxfEq80cCFr9kZ/dff98b7d9566958e7b6aad4da3157a20/GettyImages-185291596.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
System Administrator vs. Network Administrator: Navigating Your Career Choices
Explore what sets a system administrator apart from a network administrator and the necessary steps to get started in either role.
March 18, 2025
Article
IT
Learn more about the skills and certifications you need for a career in IT support, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more.
![[Featured Image] A cybersecurity analyst stands before a large computer screen displaying complex code in a technical workspace, monitoring threats with an SIEM system.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/3UILnn6N5GJ7LDg8COKDYY/a1a6bbf0880f076739bbbf889c37af18/GettyImages-1483272796.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] A smiling technical support analyst speaks through a headset and looks at his computer monitor and equipment to troubleshoot a client's IT issues.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/79poeJfWW1wWxy1ffedAWB/5affddcc1ca3550d7ab20f07a3de5576/GettyImages-2186957414.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Explore popular IT courses
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing Architecture, Peripheral Devices, Technical Support, Technical Support and Services, Cloud Services, Cybersecurity, Computing Platforms, Hardware Troubleshooting, IT Service Management, Cloud Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Troubleshooting, Encryption, Data Storage, Software Development Life Cycle, Professional Networking, Information Technology, Cloud Computing, Interviewing Skills, Computer Hardware
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Version Control, Cloud Services, Debugging, Puppet (Configuration Management Tool), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Bash (Scripting Language), Configuration Management, Test Automation, CI/CD, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Computing, Technical Communication, Scripting, Network Troubleshooting, Web Services, Python Programming, Restful API, Computer Programming
Status: New AI skills
Skills you'll gain: Computer Networking, Package and Software Management, Network Security, Network Troubleshooting, Systems Administration, Cloud Infrastructure, IT Infrastructure, TCP/IP, File Systems, Microsoft Windows, Network Architecture, Routing Protocols, Desktop Support, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Cybersecurity, Encryption, Security Controls, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Software Installation
![[Featured Image] A company's risk management team is meeting to ensure a smooth transition with their operations.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/EwVfzE5D3Dob6mvA2wG8t/7a2e57c53e9c062dd5cb8a432d1a4c4f/GettyImages-607477465.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] Two product support engineers are answering calls from clients with software and hardware issues.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/3T23GwhGG5oNHGNjk3JKtW/17dd078fd47e1d8a6aa7f1b8df542832/GettyImages-2152996452.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] A risk manager is in a warehouse helping a team member get their risk management certification.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4KLtKpnEQE5zjiYhc3yi1c/4374f9b6f0459616834a9d7de810b2c2/GettyImages-2185269061.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] Two network engineers working together in a server room](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4SwYA8s1roj1nCAjaLCRMK/3ba16a2a353f79094f104b21c333eddb/GettyImages-1332104905.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] A network administrator oversees both hardware and software in a server room.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/16vDEVcdiSwJEcNkY9INio/921b0175cbd41335fc58261849740a26/GettyImages-175436240.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] A network architect meets with a team to determine business needs.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/68AMBpBbgMrVhkxZCHY32J/4c6e4210a177e78f63cc40725fbc3e2b/GettyImages-2161896248.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] Cybersecurity professionals engage in coding to implement multi-factor authentication.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/3CZvZngg6RJ5hGrL2xx7TS/90b8b434b4118e96f8d1e126084bf4bc/GettyImages-2149809194.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] An information technology consultant meets with clients in the server room to discuss IT services.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/1mK6nShvsbJ9pgDFPiBUpJ/580ba95e787329e018c20e0c2713ffec/GettyImages-1010852078.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] Two cybersecurity specialists look at a tablet and discuss the differences between Comptia A+ vs. Security+ certifications.]](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/1w0or2MPEY9Xd7FUlEfh5Q/eb33593adac9f259892045b34b5f61cf/GettyImages-2099371597.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
The world of IT offers a variety of career paths in diverse industries. An IT professional can specialize in cybersecurity to keep computers and businesses safe, cloud computing to make information easier to access, or in help desk roles to assist in the everyday functions of an organization. With so many options and opportunities available, it can be tricky to know where to start. On Coursera, you'll find expert resources to support your goals, whether you're just starting out or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore information technology topics, including:
