Computer Networking Jobs
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The number of computer networking jobs is growing. Knowledgeable workers are in demand if they have the necessary education and certification.
Types of Computer Networking Jobs
A survey by Robert Half International Consulting reported that computer networking is the most "in-demand" specialty in the information technology area. They surveyed 1,400 chief information officers and 32% named networking as the highest area of job growth within their departments.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, part of the U.S. Department of Labor, reports that network knowledgeable workers have become "increasingly hard to find."
Networking jobs are available in a variety of job settings including large corporations, small businesses, professional offices and government offices.
Computer networking offers an excellent career path since it involves a series of job titles, each with very different requirements and responsibilities:
- Network Administrator: The person with this job title is responsible for designing, installing and managing local area networks and wide area networks, Internet and intranet systems on a day-to-day basis. Median salaries range from $47,000 to $85,200.
- Network Systems Engineer: This person focuses on system upgrades, security testing and evaluating vendor products. Median salaries range from $55,500 to $80,400.
- Network Service Technician: This technical position is responsible for the set up, problem troubleshooting and repair of hardware and software issues. Median salaries range from $46,200 to $70,500.
- Network Programmer/Analyst: This person writes software scripts or utility programs to help with network diagnosis or monitoring. Part of their responsibility may also include evaluating and integrating new software technologies into a new or existing network. Median salaries range from $50,300 to $94,600.
- Network/Information Systems Manager: This person supervises the work of administrators, engineers, technicians, programmers and analysts. He or she provides long-range planning and strategies. Median salaries range from $91,400 to $132,300.
Education and Certification Requirements
A current understanding of the network competitive environment is key to your success in computer networking. You can gain this understanding through technical courses, college degrees and certifications.
Technical and College Degrees
If you are planning on a career in computer networking, you can benefit greatly from earning a four-year college degree. The degree may not be in "computer networking", but instead be referred to as a degree in:
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Information Systems
- Communications Science
- Telecommunications
- Telecommunications Management
- Telecomputing
Shorter term technical education programs are also available which focus on networking topics.
Certification
Many companies look for certification as a way to show that the potential employee has a current understanding of networking technology. Certifications like the Cisco Certification programs are ways to acknowledge an individual's competency. To get certified, you can either self-study or enroll in a certification course to prepare for the lengthy certification exam. The cost of taking the exam is usually between $100 and $300. Employers may reimburse employees for the cost of certification.
Popular Cisco networking certifications include:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is an entry-level networking certification.
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is an advanced networking certification in LAN/WAN technology.
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is one of the premier certifications in computer networking.
Finding Computer Networking Jobs
Even with the job growth in the field, it can be difficult to find an entry-level position. Some job seekers start their networking careers with a summer internship or a part-time job while they complete their networking studies.
Seekers of networking jobs use both online search sites and job boards to locate open positions:
Online Search Sites
Job Boards
Is Computer Networking for You?
Computer networking is a broad employment field which includes jobs with aspects from hands-on hardware installation to software programming to network analysis and management. It requires your commitment to stay knowledgeable about the network of your employer as well as the changes in technology that might affect your employer's network.
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