How can I become a Network Administrator?

Question

I want to know what certifications that I can get while in college as well as what degree I would need to get in this field? Also what around the starting salary?

Answer 1

A degree is generally optional. I'd shoot for a BS in Information Systems with a minor in Accounting and Business Administration. The reason for that minor is that a lot of "propeller heads" in IT don't understand the business end of things and this hurts their career progression. Having some business background will help you both get a job AND progress well ahead of your peers.

Certs would depend upon what technology you want to work with. A well rounded cert package would include a Cisco CCNA or CCNP, A Red Hat RHCE or RHCA, and a Microsoft MCSE. This will give you a well-rounded background in several popular technologies in wide use today that will lilely be in wide use for years to come.