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Career Exploration

Computer Network Support Specialists

Also called: Network Specialist, Network Technical Analyst, Network Technician, Systems Specialist

What they do:

Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

On the job, you would:
  • Back up network data.
  • Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
  • Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics
  • product and service development

Communications

  • telecommunications
  • multimedia

Business

  • customer service
  • management

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • use rules to solve problems

Conventional

People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.

  • Cooperation
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Operating system software

  • Microsoft Windows Server
  • UNIX Shell

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Network monitoring software

  • WildPackets OmniPeek Network Analyzer
  • Wireshark

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $68,050

Education

Bachelor's degree or associate's degree is usually needed.