Your Computer Networking Specialist Career Guide

Are you 404 (IT slang for clueless) when it comes to what exactly a computer networking specialist is? Well, it’s easy to be confused; there are so many different paths you can take with a computer networking degree. One thing is for certain: If you’re highly qualified, there will be no stopping your growth potential.

WHAT IS COMPUTER NETWORKING?

Computer networking keeps computers connected and speaking to each other. It’s what allows people to work from home in Michigan when their companies are in California. And thanks to it, companies can have business meetings via video conferencing. Another perfect example of computer networking is the Internet—shared information being spread throughout every computer connecting to it.

COMPUTER NETWORKING SPECIALISTS ARE?

No computer system is too big or too small for a properly trained computer networking specialist. The IT department where you work will determine the scope of your duties. Computer network specialists have an incredible range of knowledge where computers are concerned, especially when it comes to networking, computer systems, and periphery systems. As a computer networking specialist, you’re one of the key people making sure the company employees are able to communicate with each other as well as their customers.

REPORTING FOR DUTY

There are so many different things a company will come to rely on when you’re around. Let’s face it, if something breaks in the networking system, the business can’t operate. You’re needed to save the day.

Some of the major things you’ll be so needed for:

• Ensuring all systems are backed up either daily, weekly, or monthly
• Setting up all tech equipment and troubleshooting when there are issues
• Software install and troubleshooting
• Phone lines install and troubleshooting
• Set up and maintain local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN)

YOU ARE SPECIAL

Computer networking specialists have quite a demanding job. Not just anyone has the necessary skills needed to keep up with what will be asked of you. Do you have what it takes?

Here are some soft skills you’ll need:

• Perpetually problem solving: This is going to be one of the top skills you'll need. And you’ll be called on this ALL. THE. TIME. Problems happen, and you’re going to need to quickly and effectively solve them, so it can be business as usual.
• No communication breakdown: You’ll be constantly chatting with fellow employees, so you have to be able to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Maven of multitasking: Company issues may come at you fast and furiously, and you’ll need to be able to give them attention, sometimes all at once.
• Analytically adept: You can take all that information that a computer spits out, evaluate it, and figure out what the heck is going on.

Not to mention, you need to be very computer savvy and know your way around all things tech related. You need to also be very up to date in the changing cloud and mobile technology, too.

YOUR JOURNEY AWAITS

You’ll find that your degree requirement will depend on where you work. Some employers will take someone with an associate’s degree plus a good amount of experience, but most will only consider someone with a bachelor’s degree. Either way, you’ll need to go to a school with an accredited computer science, network technology, software engineering, or information security program.

Bachelor’s degree: To be eligible for entrance into one of the many colleges offering a computer networking-related program, you’ll first need to have your high school diploma. In some cases, the college may allow a GED. Each college has its own minimum high school grade point average necessary for acceptance, so you’ll need to check that out on the websites of the colleges on your list. You will sign up to take courses in both basic and more advanced areas such as programming, networking, database and project management, and network design, along with your other core classes. Some programs have focus areas, allowing you to customize your degree. By taking courses geared toward this career, you will gain the knowledge and experience that would be considered hirable by most employers. To finish your bachelor’s degree, you will need to complete between 124-130 credit hours, depending on your school.