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Career Exploration

Computer Network Architects

Also called: Network Analyst, Network and Security Engineer, Network Consultant, Solutions Architect

What they do:

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

On the job, you would:
  • Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
  • Develop disaster recovery plans.
  • Monitor and analyze network performance and reports on data input or output to detect problems, identify inefficient use of computer resources, or perform capacity planning.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics
  • product and service development

Communications

  • telecommunications

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

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
  • read and understand what is written

Ideas and Logic

  • order or arrange things
  • use rules to solve problems

Math

  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem

Investigative

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Dependability
  • Persistence
  • Integrity
  • Achievement/Effort

Web platform development software

  • Google Angular
  • Spring Framework

Instant messaging software

  • Blink

Network monitoring software

  • Symantec Intruder Alert
  • Wireshark

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Average.

New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $126,900

Education

Master's degree or bachelor's degree is usually needed.