Businesses and organizations around the world today rely on computer networking to keep business running smoothly and their employees connected. These vital networks are in need of career professionals to ensure their efficient operation and The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts long term growth potential and great prospects for those seeking future careers in this field.
The computer networking field offers a number of different positions which require different levels of education and experience. Often there is some overlap in the position titles as companies use them in their own specific ways. The main job titles existing in networking include: Network Administrator, Network Engineer and Network Manager.
Education Requirements
There are several pathways to becoming a computer networking career professional and many enter the field having studied for a degree in Information Technology or Computer Science. However there are a number of highly regarded certification programs offered by companies like Microsoft and Cisco that offer entry level as well as expert qualifications in computer networking.
Getting Started
Many have found that the best start to a networking career as a network administrator or a network management position is to begin as an entry level IT support specialist. This provides the opportunity for hands on experience and chance to gain skills in problem solving and getting familiar with network systems.
What Sort of Work Is It?
Valuable experience is acquired in setting up, troubleshooting and repairing hardware and software of both LANs (Local Area Networks) and WANs (Wide Area Networks) and establishing internet connections. Work may involve large corporate networks or those of smaller businesses and may entail setting up servers and routers with wireless or physical connections to suit the needs of the particular organization. Other tasks require troubleshooting issues, integrating new equipment and ensuring network security by installing firewalls and antivirus programs.
Gaining experience in computer networking, learning to communicate with users, troubleshooting and handling several problems at once is all part of the job.
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