6 Steps You Need to Take to Become a Network Technician

If you are a person who loves to see stability in a network, then a career as a network technician makes sense for you. In today’s digital society, working in the cloud is a necessity. That makes network technicians superheroes that provide the necessary stable connections to ensure that happens whether you are at the office or sitting at home.

To work as a network technician, you must have extraordinary computing soft skills and a solid grasp of computer network systems. Interpersonal skills, analytical skills, and problem-solving skills are also needed to have a successful career in this field. Because most network technician positions are entry-level, you will most likely work as part of a network operations team and report to a computer network administrator or manager.

What Is a Network Technician?

Network technicians, sometimes called computer support specialists, support infrastructure behind wide area networks. These are the technology professionals that keep track of the day-to-day functioning of a company’s computer network.

They may also assist with the installation of hardware and software, and often engage with customers and other network professionals to create and implement new security measures that will ensure the safety of all systems.

Data security, hacking, systems administration, troubleshooting, and even software design are common skills for computer network professionals. As dependence on digital and smart technologies grows, their specialized knowledge is essential for businesses and individuals all across the world

According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics*, jobs in this unique field will continue to grow at a faster than normal rate, with an estimated addition of 72,000 jobs over the next ten years.

Duties and Responsibilities

Employers typically require network technicians to have at least an associate degree to work in this field. Duties of a network technician might include:

• ? Prepare the client’s installation site.
• ? Install network equipment in accordance with the requirements.
• ? Use the monitor feature to ensure that procedures go smoothly.
• ? Troubleshoot network and wireless issues.
• ? Respond to client inquiries concerning network usage and function.

Clients may be internal, such as co-workers, or external, like consumers looking for tech support. A job as a network technician requires solid communication skills, technical skills, and critical thinking.

Six Steps to Becoming a Network Technician

What does it take to break into this growing field? There are five key steps that will get you there.

Pursue a Degree

You will need a Networking Technology Associate Degree for an entry-level position. This involves at least 39 credit hours of study at an accredited college. That means going to school for approximately two years.

During this time, you will explore a variety of topics, such as:

• ? Research and writing
• ? Cloud computing
• ? Workplace mathematics
• ? Windows network operating system
• ? Business information systems
• ? Network design
• ? Software and operating systems
• ? Wireless networks

You may also do an internship or capstone project to graduate. Once you earn your associate degree, you may decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree as you work in your chosen field.

Pursue Certification

To keep up with the evolving technology and network issues, you should continue to refresh your skills and knowledge through new courses of study. This is a fluid industry that changes rapidly.

Although voluntary, getting common certificates as a network technologist improves your job opportunities. Earning a certification, usually from software and hardware manufacturers, can help you stand out to a prospective employer. In certain circumstances, network technician certification may be obtained online, while in others, you may need to visit a testing facility.

Before applying for jobs, check to see if they require specific certifications. There are several common certifications worth considering.

• ? CompTIA. CompTIA offers many levels of certifications that can help you get ahead. They offer certification exams in cloud technology, Linux systems, servers and infrastructure, cybersecurity, data and analytics, and professional studies like project management.
• ? Cisco. This technology conglomerate also provides five levels of certification from entry-level to expert. The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is one certification they offer. Professionals in several technology specialties take Cisco certifications courses and exams to give them an advantage in their field.
• ? Juniper Networks. Juniper Networks offers many levels of certifications, as well. You can develop expertise in anything from cloud computing and network security to service provider routing and switching.

Pick one or more certifications that you think will advance your studies and career options to ensure you have access to top-level positions.

Get Additional Training and Hands-On Experience

Even with certifications under your belt, you will still have to spend time learning your new employer’s systems. This on-the-job training provides valuable information about the company’s IT infrastructure. Training can take several months, depending on the employer.

Throughout this training, technicians can learn about the organization’s equipment and the procedures for dealing with clients. Some technicians continue to get training during their careers in order to stay updated with technological changes.

Update Your Resume and Network

As you complete your certifications and training, make sure to enter this information on your resume and keep it up to date. This is how you tell potential employers what you know. It takes time and effort to gain this knowledge, so showcase it on your resume.

Also, spend some time networking within the industry. You might join a professional organization such as the Network Professional Association (NPA) and spend time getting to know others in your field.

You can also network online via social media. Set up a profile on LinkedIn, for example, and keep it up to date. LinkedIn and Facebook have groups that allow you to discuss industry news and job options, as well.

Get a Job

The combination of education and networking may lead you to your dream job as a network engineer. Once you get your foot in the door, you can continue moving up the ranks, either at your current employer somewhere else. This is a highly competitive field, so the more experience and expertise you have, the better your opportunities.

Consider Further Education

In the world of network technology, there is always more to learn. If you have your associate degree, consider earning a bachelor’s and even attending graduate school.

Pursuing an advanced degree will help you develop your career in the IT sector. There are master’s degree programs in computer science, and in comparison to bachelor’s degree programs, these programs often place a greater emphasis on research and individual investigation of the subject.

You can always further your education by expanding into other related fields or getting more certifications from companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple. The more you study, especially different systems, the more doors open as you pursue this rewarding career.

Start Your Journey Today

If you have a knack for technology, then maybe it is time to put it to use. Get started today with more information about the Network Technology program available at Bryant & Stratton College.

*Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.