Important Facts About This Field
| | Network Support Specialist | Network Architect | Network Administrator |
|---|
| Key Skills | Customer-service, listening, and speaking skills | Leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills | Multitasking, communication, and computer skills |
| Similar Occupations | Database administrator, customer service representative | Computer programmer, information security analyst | Computer hardware engineer, web developer |
| Professional Certification | Product certifications are requested (and sometimes required) by employers | Product certifications are requested (and sometimes required) by employers | Offered by companies like Microsoft and Cisco |
| Work Schedule | Full-time, sometimes at night or on weekends | Full-time, office setting | Full-time, office setting |
Computer Fundamentals
Basic skills learned while pursuing a computer networking career includes working with Microsoft Windows, Linux and UNIX operating systems. Valuable skills also include knowing how computers work, how to build computer systems, techniques needed to install computer components and protocol used in upgrading systems. You may also need to know how to use Microsoft Office applications to excel at word processing and making spreadsheets.
Computer Programming
Computer programming skills include understanding how to write code and develop software for computers and network systems. With programming skills, you may also be able to assist in database design, C++ programming, programming logic, fixing computer script issues and programming Cisco network systems. Since some networks incorporate the Internet and website usage, some Web authoring skills may also be needed.
Network Hardware
In addition to working with computer hardware, you also need to know how to establish, maintain and troubleshoot network system hardware. With hardware skills, you may know how to build local and wide area network systems, including how to choose and layout the proper cabling. Along with network design and installation, knowledge in router switching, server security and Internet protocol may also be necessary.
Career Options
Although a bachelor's degree education may be sufficient, you may be able to find entry-level careers with an associate's degree education. Your skills may lead to a career as a computer network support specialist, network architect or network administrator.
Network Support Specialist
As a network support specialist, you'd help fix networking problems and be responsible for regular maintenance and testing. In addition to fixing problems on-site, you may provide email or phone support. This career usually requires at least some postsecondary coursework, though you may need a bachelor's degree to work for some employers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates 7% employment growth for network support specialists between 2021 and 2031, and this career had a median salary of $62,760 as of May 2021 (www.bls.gov).
Network Architect
Unlike network support specialists who troubleshooting and maintain existing networks, network architects are responsible for creating new networks. They choose the appropriate network hardware and cabling, as well as plan the network's design. To become a network architect requires at least five years of previous work experience and a bachelor's degree. The BLS expects fast job growth of 4% between 2012 and 2031. Network architects received a median annual wage of $120,520 as of May 2021.
Network Administrator
As a network administrator, you'd have a wider variety of job duties than support specialists or network architects. For example, you might be responsible for network security, provide training, troubleshoot problems, install networking equipment and monitor the network's performance. Entering this occupation usually requires a bachelor's degree or postsecondary certificate. According to the BLS, this field will see slower than the average 3% growth from 2021-2031, and network and computer systems administrators received a median income of $80,600 in May 2021.
