Professional Documents
Culture Documents
A Guide To Building A Computer Networking Career
A Guide To Building A Computer Networking Career
(tel:866.225.5948)
Tuition & Financial Aid
(/financial-aid-tuition.html) Request Info APPLY NOW
(https://inquiry.wgu.edu/#!/inquiry? (https://inquiryv4.wgu.edu/?
Student Success (/student- step=1) step=letsGetStarted)
experience.html)
Keeping these systems running smoothly is crucial, which is why skilled network engineering professionals are in high
demand. In fact, there are currently 55,000 open computer networking jobs, and 24,000 of those are for entry-level
positions, according to LinkedIn.
https://www.wgu.edu/blog/guide-building-computer-networking-career2205.html#close 1/7
2/21/23, 12:25 PM A Guide to Building a Computer Networking Career
This guide will go over common computer networking careers as well as the skills and education you’ll need to excel on this
professional path.
Network support specialists analyze, troubleshoot, and maintain computer networks and provide guidance for users on a
daily basis.
Network Technician
A network technician is responsible for setting up an internet connection, establishing different types of networks, and
connecting them.
A network administrator sets up new networks, upgrades existing networks, and evaluates then fixes any issues that
arise.
Similar to a service technician, field service engineers travel to a client’s location to demonstrate, install, or repair
products and systems.
Systems analysts examine the technological infrastructure of a company and determine how effective it is at meeting the
organization’s goals. They’re also in charge of repairing, maintaining, and improving these systems in order to ensure their
security and efficiency.
A server administrator oversees servers, networks, workstations, and junior IT staff for an organization with high web
traffic. They’re the first and final person responsible for how a business’s servers are running.
Network security analysts protect a company’s technology from cyberattacks by identifying and installing programs that
safeguard its data.
Network engineers manage the foundation of a company’s IT networking system and design, build, and maintain those
networks for optimal performance.
Wireless Engineer
Wireless engineers are in charge of making sure an internet connection is stable in any given area. They also design,
install, and test wireless networks.
Computer network architects build data communication for companies. They create layouts for a communication
network, explain to management how it will work, keep information security at the forefront of the design, upgrade
hardware, research new technologies, and more.
Scripting
Network security
Spreadsheets
Data management
Web development
Computer programming
Computer networking and communication tools
Local Area Networks (LAN): connects computers within a limited area, like a school, home, or office.
Personal Area Networks (PAN): most commonly used for one individual to connect a handful of devices like a computer,
smart phone, or printer.
Home Area Networks (HAN): connects devices within a home, including personal computers, tablets, TVs, smartphones,
and printers.
Wide Area Networks (WAN): cover a larger geographical area, usually with a radius of more than a kilometer.
Campus Network: a set of connected LANs most commonly used by government agencies, universities, or small
corporations to network a set of buildings that are close together.
Backbone Networks (BBN): connect multiple networks together, allowing them to communicate with each other.
Global Area Networks (GAN): a worldwide network, such as the internet, that connects networks all over the globe.
https://www.wgu.edu/blog/guide-building-computer-networking-career2205.html#close 3/7
2/21/23, 12:25 PM A Guide to Building a Computer Networking Career
Or, if you want to pursue a more advanced computer network career, consider earning a master’s degree, such as data
analytics (https://www.wgu.edu/online-it-degrees/data-analytics-masters-program.html).
3. Apply for jobs. Given the projected 5% increase in job growth (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-
technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm) from 2020 to 2030, it’s a good time to be looking for a job
in computer networking. The more connected the world becomes, the greater the demand for qualified computer network
professionals will be. The pay is promising, too, as the average computer networking professional makes $80,600
(https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm#tab-
5), according to the Bureau of Labor Statics (BLS).
What Do You Learn in a Network Operations and Security Bachelor’s Degree Program?
Many degree programs will cover subjects such as IT fundamentals, networks and security, spreadsheets, scripting and
programming, data management, operating systems, interconnecting network devices, leadership and management, web
development, the business of IT, and cybersecurity.
(/blog/network-diagrams-defined-IT-project-management2201.html)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (/BLOG/CATEGORIES.HTML?CATEGORIES=INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGY)
https://www.wgu.edu/blog/guide-building-computer-networking-career2205.html#close 4/7
2/21/23, 12:25 PM A Guide to Building a Computer Networking Career
(/blog/computer-science-degree-worth-it2204.html)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (/BLOG/CATEGORIES.HTML?CATEGORIES=INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGY)
Share this:
(/blog/8-artificial-intelligence-jobs2006.html)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (/BLOG/CATEGORIES.HTML?CATEGORIES=INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGY)
Stay up-to-date with the latest articles, tips, and insights from the team at WGU
https://www.wgu.edu/blog/guide-building-computer-networking-career2205.html#close 5/7
2/21/23, 12:25 PM A Guide to Building a Computer Networking Career
Email
Enter your email to subscribe
Address:
Subscribe
Most Popular
Categories
Business (/blog/categories.html?categories=business)
Career Development (/blog/categories.html?categories=career-development)
Career Services (/blog/categories.html?categories=careerservices)
Featured Faculty (/blog/categories.html?categories=featured-faculty)
Future of Higher Education (/blog/categories.html?categories=future-of-higher-education)
Information Technology (/blog/categories.html?categories=information-technology)
Northeast Spotlight (/blog/categories.html?categories=northeast-spotlight)
Nursing & Healthcare (/blog/categories.html?categories=nursing-healthcare)
Online University Experience (/blog/categories.html?categories=online-university-experience)
Student Success (/blog/categories.html?categories=student-success)
Teaching & Education (/blog/categories.html?categories=teaching-education)
https://www.wgu.edu/blog/guide-building-computer-networking-career2205.html#close 6/7
2/21/23, 12:25 PM A Guide to Building a Computer Networking Career
COLLEGE OF
INFORMATION COLLEGE OF
COLLEGE OF TEACHERS TECHNOLOGY HEALTH
BUSINESS COLLEGE ONLINE PROFESSIONS
(/online-business-
ONLINE (/online-teaching-
ONLINE (/online-it-degrees.html) (/online-nursing-health-
ONLINE
degrees.html) degrees.html) degrees.html)
Want to see all the degrees WGU has to offer? View all degrees (/online-degree-programs.html)
(https://www.wgu.edu)
Master's Degrees
(/online-nursing-
health-
degrees/masters-
programs.html)
https://www.wgu.edu/blog/guide-building-computer-networking-career2205.html#close 7/7