What does a career in networking involve?

Network administrators, technicians, engineers and analysts help to ensure that companies can access, share and store information via a computer network.

Would you enjoy a career in computer networking? What qualifications would you need to start one?

In this post, we explore what a career in networking has to offer. We discuss the benefits of a networking career and uncover what each type of networking role involves. Read on as we explain everything you need to know.

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What is computer networking?

Computer networking is the process of setting up, developing and maintaining computer networks. A network is the infrastructure that makes communication possible.

Computer networks exist within a company or between different organisations. They consist of the software and hardware that allows each computer to exchange data with the others.

There are many different types of computer network. For example, a local area network (LANs) is a network that links computers in a small area, such as an office block. Whereas, a metropolitan area network (MANs) connects computers in across a large area, such as a campus.

IT professionals that work in computer networking ensure that the infrastructure of a network is set up and maintained so that all computers in a network remain connected. They also support users of the network with any problems.

Benefits of a career in computer networking

Now you understand what computer networking involves, let’s look at why you should consider a career in it.

Here are five great reasons to work in computer networking to help you discover if this vital IT discipline would suit you:

1. Meaningful work

Virtually all business activity is dependent on data being shared over a computer network. Reliable, efficient and well maintained computer networks are fundamental to the success of our economy.

Every day spent working in computer networking will feel like a day well spent. Your work will be what makes digital communication possible. Without you, business would grind to a halt.

2. Variety

Want a career that will keep you on your toes? Troubleshooting issues with computer networks offers plenty of variety and enjoyable challenges.

You’ll have a different technological puzzle to solve each day, and the opportunity to engage with users from across your business, explaining complex issues in simple terms.

3. Choice of industries

A great benefit of a networking role is the opportunity to be out in the field in an industry of your choice. You don’t have to be confined to your desk if that doesn’t suit your working style.

Almost all industries rely on a computer network to function, so take a step into computer networking and you can take your pick.

4. Good pay

Computer networking skills are in high demand, and employers pay more to those who have them.

A career in computer networking has the opportunity to earn a good wage. The average salary for a network administrator is a healthy £47,500.

5. Global opportunities

Looking for a career with employment opportunities all over the world? Look no further than computer networking.

Networking practices are universal. The skills that you develop in computer networking will qualify you to create, support and maintain computer networks anywhere in the world.

Our Cisco courses are the golden tickets you need to open all the doors in the world of networking.

Computer networking career paths

There are a number of different roles within computer networking. In this section we explain what each role involves.

Learn about the different job roles available to find out which position would suit you:

Network technician

What happens when something within a network breaks? Network technicians focus on repairing and troubleshooting.

They may choose to specialise in repairing software and hardware, and often provide technical support over the phone, helping users resolve issues.

The average salary for a network technician is £25,000.

Network administrator

Network administrators manage and configure computer networks. They mainly work on local area networks (LANs) but may also support wide area networks (WANs).

Configuring networks involves working with hardware such as routers, servers and switches. Network administrators also need to work with software, deploying updates to keep a network running smoothly.

The average salary for a network administrator is £47,500.

Network engineers

As companies grow, they may want to invest in bigger, better technology. New technology may require a new network.

Network engineers are responsible for planning and implementing new networks. These networks may need to support various forms of data. For example, wireless internet, voice or video.

The average salary for a network engineer is £52,500.

Network analyst

Is a network performing as well as it could be? It is a network analyst’s job to find out.

Network analysts review and analyse networks to see how they could be redesigned. Their job is to make recommendations to improve the function of a network.

The average salary for a network analyst is £42,500.

Information systems managers

Are you interested in a management role? Working towards a role as an information systems manager could be the right career path for you.

Information systems managers oversee the work of network technicians, administrators, engineers and analysts. They guide the direction of the team and focus on long-term network planning for the business.

The average salary for an information systems manager is £52,000.

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Which certifications do employers look for?

Keen to launch a career in networking? Having the right qualifications will make your CV stand out, but which certifications do employers look for?

It is important to choose certifications that are certified by IT industry bodies such as CompTIA and Microsoft. This ensures that your qualifications will be trusted by employers.

Learning People has created a collection of certified online courses designed to get budding networking professionals career ready. Each course in our collection is certified by a respected IT industry body, ensuring that your qualifications are globally recognised.

Study the networking collection to learn the basics of networking, security, routing and switching. Complete all of the course in our collection and you will gain the skills and confidence needed for networking career success.

Courses in the collection include*:

How Learning People can help you start your career

Online learning offers a flexible, affordable way to prepare for a career in networking in your own time. Our courses are tailored to the practical skills that the industry demands, unlike degree courses, which can be overly theoretical.

We’re committed to helping you find the right course; one that will give you the skills needed to realise your career ambitions. Contact us about one of our courses and we will offer you a careers consultation call.

On your careers consultation call, we will find out about your career goals and needs, and use this to create a personalised training package to help you succeed.

If you decide to study with us, the support doesn’t end there. Our dedicated careers service team will support you to improve your CV while you study. Choose Learning People and our passionate team will work hard to boost your career prospects.

Ready to kickstart your networking career? Contact us now.

*At time of publishing

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