How to Be Virtual IT Administrator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 18, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The virtual IT administrator has become increasingly important in today's world, as the need for remote working and communication systems grows. In order to maintain secure, efficient, and reliable networks, IT administrators must be able to manage systems off-site. This requires a good understanding of virtual networking, cloud computing, and remote control technologies.

As a result, companies have had to invest in more sophisticated virtual IT administration tools, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), software-defined networks (SDN), and remote monitoring software. These tools have enabled companies to save time and money, remain competitive, and reduce the risk of data breaches or other security issues.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a degree or certification in Information Technology. A degree or certification in Information Technology is essential for becoming a Virtual IT Administrator. This will help you understand the basics of the IT field and provide you with the necessary skills to be successful.
Get experience. It's also important to get some experience in the IT field. This can be done by taking on internships or even volunteering with an IT organization. You can also take courses in computer science or other related fields to gain knowledge about the IT world.
Learn about virtualization technologies. As a Virtual IT Administrator, it's important to know about the different virtualization technologies available. This includes learning about virtualization platforms such as VMware, Hyper-V, and Citrix.
Develop a portfolio. A portfolio is essential for showcasing your skills and experience to potential employers. Make sure that your portfolio includes examples of your work, such as projects that you have completed or virtual environments that you have managed.
Look for job postings. Once you have developed a portfolio and have some experience in the IT field, it's time to start looking for job postings. Look for positions that require virtualization skills, as this is likely to be the most in-demand skill for Virtual IT Administrators.
Prepare for interviews. Once you find a position that interests you, it's important to prepare for the interview. Make sure that you are familiar with the company's technology stack and that you can demonstrate your virtualization knowledge when asked.
Stay up-to-date. The IT world is constantly changing, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends. This can be done by attending industry events, reading industry publications, or taking additional courses or certifications.

As a Virtual IT Administrator, it is essential to keep up with the industrys best practices and cutting-edge technology to stay ahead and efficient. By investing in the latest solutions, staying abreast of cyber security threats, and continually developing new skills, a Virtual IT Administrator can ensure their business runs smoothly and securely. By utilizing cloud-based services, they can also reduce costs while gaining access to powerful applications, allowing them to do more in less time.

On the other hand, failing to keep up with the technology advances can cause serious problems, such as inefficient operations, security breaches, and data loss. By staying ahead of the curve, Virtual IT Administrators can maximize the efficiency of their organization while keeping the risks to a minimum.

You may want to check Virtual Network Engineer, Virtual Data Scientist, and Virtual Assistant for alternative.

Job Description

Install, configure and maintain virtual servers, storage, and network equipment.
Monitor and troubleshoot hardware and software issues.
Implement security measures, such as firewalls, encryption technologies, and authentication protocols.
Manage system backups, including scheduling and implementing full and incremental backups.
Create and maintain user accounts and access rights for virtual machines and systems.
Monitor system performance and implement performance optimization strategies.
Install and configure applications, operating systems, and software updates.
Research and recommend new virtualization technologies, products, and services.
Develop and implement virtualization best practices and standards.
Develop disaster recovery plans and ensure disaster recovery systems are operational.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expertise in Windows and Linux operating systems
Expertise in server virtualization technologies
Knowledge of networking protocols
Ability to troubleshoot, install, configure, and maintain servers
Knowledge of security best practices and implementation
Proficiency in scripting and automation tools
Experience with cloud-based services
Ability to monitor system performance and identify potential problems
Understanding of cyber security principles and practices
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills

The most important skill to have as a Virtual IT Administrator is problem-solving. Without the ability to effectively identify, analyze, and resolve technical issues, an administrator would be unable to provide the necessary service to their clients. This is especially true for virtual administrators, since they are typically responsible for managing a variety of different systems and networks that can be incredibly complex and require quick action.

If a virtual administrator is able to quickly assess a situation and craft an effective solution, then their clients can rest assured that their network is in good hands. Furthermore, problem-solving skills are essential for virtual IT administrators because they are often tasked with troubleshooting difficult problems that require detailed research and analysis. Without the ability to think critically and come up with creative solutions, a virtual administrator would be unable to provide the best possible service to their clients.

Virtual Security Analyst, Virtual Brand Manager, and Virtual Video Editor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in a virtual IT administrator role?
How would you handle a customer's technical issue in a virtual environment?
How would you troubleshoot a server problem in a virtual environment?
What strategies do you use for managing virtual resources?
What virtualization technologies are you familiar with?
Describe your experience with setting up and configuring virtual networks.
How do you go about securing a virtual environment?
What experience do you have in using remote desktop tools in a virtual setting?
How do you handle customer support requests in a virtual setting?
Describe the process you use to deploy applications and updates in a virtual environment.

Common Tools in Industry

Remote Desktop Software. Allows remote access to a computer from another location. (eg: LogMeIn, TeamViewer)
Antivirus Software. Prevents malicious software from infecting a computer. (eg: McAfee, Symantec)
Backup Software. Automates the process of backing up data and files. (eg: Acronis Backup, EaseUS Todo Backup)
Network Monitoring Software. Monitors the performance and activity of a computer network. (eg: SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, PRTG Network Monitor)
Server Management Software. Manages and updates servers from a centralized location. (eg: IBM Tivoli, Microsoft System Center)
Virtualization Software. Allows multiple operating systems to run on one computer. (eg: VMware, Parallels Desktop)
IT Asset Management Software. Tracks and manages hardware and software assets in an organization. (eg: Asset Studio, Asset Panda)
Help Desk Software. Handles customer service inquiries and requests. (eg: Zendesk, Freshdesk)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
International Association of Computer Information Systems (IACIS)
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)²
Cloud Security Alliance (CSA)
CompTIA
Enterprise Architecture Professional Society (EAPS)

We also have Virtual Recruiter, Virtual Market Researcher, and Virtual Sales Representative jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Virtualization. The process of creating a virtual version of a physical device or resource, such as a server, storage device, or network resources.
Cloud Computing. The use of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer.
Network Administration. The management of a computer network, including the setup, configuration, maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting of network devices and systems.
Security Administration. The implementation and management of security protocols and policies to protect an organizations data and assets from unauthorized access and malicious software.
System Administration. The management of a computer system, including the setup, configuration, maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting of hardware and software.
Storage Administration. The management of data storage resources, including the setup, configuration, maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting of hard drives, RAID arrays, and other storage devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Virtual IT Administrator do?

A Virtual IT Administrator is a professional who provides remote IT services and solutions to organizations, such as network and system administration, support, installation, and maintenance.

What types of services can a Virtual IT Administrator provide?

A Virtual IT Administrator can provide a wide range of services, such as system and network administration, installation and maintenance of software and hardware, troubleshooting and issue resolution, data protection and backup, user training, and more.

What types of technologies does a Virtual IT Administrator typically work with?

A Virtual IT Administrator typically works with a variety of technologies, including operating systems (Windows, Linux, etc.), network systems (LANs, WANs, VPNs), cloud computing (Azure, AWS, etc.), databases (MySQL, Oracle, etc.), and other software applications.

What qualifications do I need to become a Virtual IT Administrator?

To become a Virtual IT Administrator, you typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or a related field, as well as experience working with various IT technologies. Certifications such as the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) are also beneficial.

How much does a Virtual IT Administrator earn?

The salary of a Virtual IT Administrator can vary widely depending on experience and location. Generally speaking, salaries range from $50,000 to $100,000 per year.

Web Resources

What Does a Virtual Server Administrator Do? - ECPI University www.ecpi.edu
IT Administrator | NC State Online and Distance Education www-dev.online.ncsu.edu
How Do I Become a Virtual Server Administrator? www.ecpi.edu