Careers in Networking Many careers require basic network competencies. Networking professionals with titles such as Network Engineer or Systems Administrator must be comfortable designing or maintaining networks of all sizes. There is also no end to positions where basic networking knowledge is an asset. According to educators at Brigham Young University – Idaho, understanding key routing and switching principles is essential to a solid foundation in any IT career. This networking course is a requirement for their core computer information technology certifications in computer programming and web design (BYUI, 2016).
POSITIONS AND ASSOCIATED SKILLS Titles for networking professional positions appear to be an unreliable description of the applicant’s duties and knowledge requirements. They are often arbitrary and place undue dependence on the size of the office or network to be administered. In a small company, for example, the Systems Administrator may be the only IT professional on staff, and this role would be filled by a generalist who has the skill set to build the network from the ground up and maintain it. A company with more information technology needs may separate out…show more content… It is preferred that applicants have either the CCNA or Network+ certification. Some of the skills appropriate for Network Engineers are network support, network management and administration, firewall installation and administration, switching and routing, and Cisco networking. Network Engineers are in high demand globally, and large cities with technology companies such as San Francisco and Seattle offer the highest wages (Payscale, 2016). Career advancement includes increased earnings based on experience, as well as promotions such as Information Technology Manager, Project Manager, and Senior Systems Engineer. With additional certifications, steps to Security Engineer or Network Architect become
