Interview Questions
The interview was conducted at 10.30 am on 5th of August 2016
The person selected for the interview was called John Austin. He is the Network Administrator for Safaricom Telecommunications Company located in Texas.
Describe your present position and career progression for an individual to hold this type of position.
My present position at this firm entails network administration. That is to say, that I am a Network Administrator. It is my responsibility to ensure that the computer network of the organization is up to date and running smoothly. The position is very important in coordinating the several systems for most organizations that uses several software or computer platforms.
As a Network Administrator, I am tasked with the following responsibilities; Installation of computer and network systems, maintaining, upgrading and repairing computer and network systems, monitoring systems and networks to enhance performance, designing and planning the network and systems, and fixing and diagnosing potential problems or problems with the system or network and its software, hardware and systems. Additionally, I am tasked with the responsibilities of assembling new systems, consulting with clients to clarify network requirements and design solutions, proving equipment budget and the cost of assembly, and working in collaboration with IT support personnel.
In case a person is considering a career in Network or System Administrator, it is imperative that they follow a certain career path. While this career is not demand as compared to most careers in IT, it is crucial that one consider virtualization and cloud computing on their paths to success.
Describe the organization and industry where you work, such as number of employees, types of employment positions, services, and products.
Safaricom organization is a telecommunication company within the telecommunication industry. It deals with the provision of telecommunication services for various subscribers across the country. The organization employs several employees (over ten thousand employees) with various job descriptions. However, it is imperative to note that most of the employees employed by this organization are in the field of information technology (IT).
What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
Apart from the satisfactory salary, the most rewarding aspects of being a Network Administrator include the opportunity for blending my skills for computers and my love for technology. The field of computer and network systems is a fun and fast-evolving world that interact with on a daily basis. The thought of helping others through systems administration is satisfactory as it is. Network and system administrators keep systems and networks running smoothly for most organizations and fields in equal measure.
What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
Network administration comes with several challenges given that networks and systems are heavily relied on by organizations to perform their mission critical business processes and functions. As a result, it is the work of a network administrator to be vigilant and ensure that nothing interferes with the smooth operation and running of system and network. Dealing with network intrusion and attacks present some of the most challenging aspects of this job. It is a daunting task to keep unauthorized personnel from access network systems.
What would a typical day be like for someone in your position?
A typical day entails establishing network specifications; assessing workflow, information, access and security requirements, configuring router administrator such as routing protocols and interface configuration. Additionally, I establish network through evaluating network performance problems such as utilization, availability, good-put and latency.
What is the mission, vision, and values of the organization?
The organization has the mission to be the preferred telecommunication network provider across the continent. It is vision is to provide its clients with the best quality iof products and services to propel the country forward through technology.
Does your company do strategic planning and are you involved in the process in your position?
Yes. The organization performs strategic planning.
Could you summarize the general hiring process for vacancies?
After the vacancies have been announced, the applicants are shortlisted for interviews. The process for selecting the applicants for interview entails a thorough review of the resumes and applications letters as well as copies of the qualification.
How are employees recruited, trained, and retained?
The shortlisted candidates are interviewed and ranked according to their performance. Afterwards, the best performers are selected for the position and trained for three months before they are fully assimilated into the system. Retaining of employees is based on their performance in their jobs.
How would you describe the culture of the company?
The organization has embraced a multi-cultural environment which is accommodative to different backgrounds.
What characteristics do you consider important for the type of job that you have?
The position of Network Administration requires the following characteristics; analyzing and critical thinking, interpersonal skills, time management and lifelong learning.
What advice would you give an undergraduate student who might be interested in this professional career or what type of educational and community experiences would be relevant to the job?
A career in Network and Systems administration is a good choice not only for the rewarding pay but also several advantages such as constant learning and skill gathering concerning Information Technology. Undergraduate student with the interest in Network Administration should take Information Technology courses and major in Networking.
Reflection Paper
The interview process has presented me with valuable information concerning the field and career as a Network or System Administrator. I interviewed an employee who held the position of a Network Administrator at Safaricom organization which is under the industry of telecommunication. I have learnt a lot pertaining to the career in the field of Network and System administration.
While education and training on networking and system administration is significant for a successful career as a network administrator, certain skills such analyzing and critical thinking play a significant role as well. It is imperative to note that each career position is tasked with different responsibilities and roles (Coleman and David 45).
For the selected career, a network administrator has the following roles and responsibilities which he or she must accomplish: responsibilities; Installation of computer and network systems, maintaining, upgrading and repairing computer and network systems, monitoring systems and networks to enhance performance, designing and planning the network and systems, and fixing and diagnosing potential problems or problems with the system or network and its software, hardware and systems (Coleman and David 47).
Furthermore, the network and system administrator is tasked with the responsibilities of assembling new systems, consulting with clients to clarify network requirements and design solutions, proving equipment budget and the cost of assembly, and working in collaboration with IT support personnel.
Besides the skills and qualifications required for one to pursue a career in Network and systems administration there are several motivating aspects required as well. The most rewarding aspects of being a Network Administrator entail the chance for intermingling personal skills for computers and a strong liking for technology. The field of computer and network systems is a fun and fast-evolving world that interact with on a daily basis. The contemplation of helping others via network and systems administration is pleasing as it is. Network and system administrators keep systems and networks operating smoothly for most organizations and fields in equal measure.
While the selected career in Network and Systems administration has its benefits and motivating aspects, there are several challenges faced by network and system administrators in their daily process to ensure a smooth network and system operation. It is imperative to note that Network administration comes with more than a few challenges given that networks and systems are heavily relied on by organizations to perform their mission critical business processes and functions.
As a result, it is the work of a network administrator to be vigilant and ensure that nothing interferes with the smooth operation and running of system and network. Dealing with network intrusion and attacks present some of the most challenging aspects of this job. It is a daunting task to keep unauthorized personnel from access network systems.
In order for one to be a successful network or systems administrator, analyzing and critical thinking, interpersonal skills, time management and lifelong learning should be part of their skills and attributes. Additionally, it is crucial for one to consider virtualization and cloud computing on their paths to success. The process of becoming a professional network administrator and any other career include a vigorous process of recruiting, training and retaining new applicants. It is imperative for the organization to establish a structured framework to ensure that valid candidates are hired for the position.
Works cited
Coleman, David D., and David A. Westcott. Cwna: certified wireless network administrator official study guide: exam Pw0-105. John Wiley & Sons, 2012.
