Computer Networking Specialist

Become A Computer Networking Specialist

Want to put your technology skills to good use and work with people? Would you like to work with computers without being isolated for hours in a cubicle? Do you want to be one of most-sought-after people in the office? Then perhaps you should consider a career as a computer networking specialist.

Computer Networking in a Nutshell

Computer networking specialists, or networking engineers, create communication systems between two or more computers. These systems may span a few short feet, as in the case of a local area network (LAN), or extend for miles through the Internet, which is the world's largest wide area network (WAN). Wireless networks are essentially the same as LANs and WANs, except there are no wires between the hosts and servers.

Computer networking specialists busy themselves with the plumbing of their company's computers; they ensure that networks, routers and company firewalls are configured properly and running smoothly. In addition, networking specialists hook up Internet connections and troubleshoot for office personnel.

Education Requirements for Computer Networking Specialists

While education requirements vary greatly in this field, employers often seek candidates who have earned their bachelor's or associate's degree in fields such as computer science, information science, and management information systems, or in a related technological discipline.

Most vocational schools, colleges, and community colleges offer educational programs in these fast-growing fields. It is important to note that because computer technology advances so rapidly, continuous study is vital to ensure an up-to-date skill set.

Day in the Life of a Computer Networking Specialist

Computer networking specialists work in a variety of fields and office environments; they may be hired by a small firm or individual, work for the government, freelance their services to many different companies, or work for vast corporations among teams of other computer specialists.

Regardless, most computer networking specialists spend their days working with computers in a traditional 40-hour-a-week office setting, with competitive vacation and benefits packages.

Job Growth for Computer Networking Specialists

Computer technology is projected to be one of the fastest growing industries in the economy over the next decade. Because of this, employment for computer networking specialists is expected to grow faster than the national average for all occupations through the year 2014.

Get A Computer Networking Degree Today!