Jobs in Computer Networking
Not only is the salary a huge plus in the field of computer networking, but the high demand for professionals in this field puts the ball in your court too. If you are a good problem solver, organized, an effective communicator, you may enjoy the computer networking field. Computer networking involves upgrading and uniting computer systems, as well as developing networks. Networks are communication infrastructures for computers that allow one machine to be able to communicate to the next.
A career in computer networking also includes installation and maintenance of server operating systems and software, network lines, routers, and switches; as well as administering IP addresses, and the creation and maintenance of user accounts. Depending on the size of the company, a computer network administrator may also be responsible for network security (including firewall, virus protection, etc.). In larger organizations, information security may be a separate role from network security.
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Work Environment
In larger companies, the team environment is typically implemented, where each member of the team specializes in a different networking area and all team members collaborate. However, in smaller companies, rather than having separate IT people or separate network administrators, oftentimes the “one man IT army” approach is used. This means there is one person or a few people, responsible for a variety of IT roles.Is this career a good fit for me?”
If you are a good problem solver, organized, an effective communicator, you may enjoy the computer networking field. Oftentimes network administrators spend a lot of their time working independently, especially if they are employed by a smaller company. However, in larger corporations, since the teamwork approach is used, network administrators work in teams.
Another important fact about a career in computer networking is that upgrades usually need to be done after hours when the systems are not in high use. So this job can involve some later hours, although this is not typically the case on a daily basis, and is dependent on the company you work for.
How to Become a Network Administrator
What steps should you take to pursue a career in this field? The first step is to obtain a four year degree in IT. There are degrees specifically designed for network administration, although having that specific IT degree is helpful, it is not essential.
Internships are also very important in this field, and typically required at some point while you’re earning your degree. These internships are beneficial because they provide “hands on” experience in the field. Oftentimes the school you attend can set up an internship for you. Or, you may be able to just contact the company you’re interested in interning with and inquire about how to “apply” for the internship. Some internships are on a volunteer basis whereas others are paid.
With the more “adanced” jobs in IT, experience says a lot, specificially experience as an administrator in whatever Operating System the employer is looking for is important. Other experience that is important to gain in order to be competitive in this field includes: routers, switches, wiring, storage, backups, virus software, IP addresses/DNS/Gateway, and knowledge of the 7 OSI layers.
Job Titles
Although there are many different names for the computer networking professional, these titles are typically used interchangeably.
- Computer Network Engineer Salary
- Computer Network Administrator Salary
- Computer Network Specialist Salary
- Computer Network Technician Salary
Day in the Life of a Computer Networking Professional
Below are examples of individuals who have careers in networking and their experiences and viewpoints about the field.
Other Computer Networking Categories
To learn more about Computer Networking careers, degrees, schools, and salaries, visit the following links/pages.
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