Become Your Own IT Networking Expert

Any entrepreneur will tell you that networking is essential to being successful in business. But they’re talking about the person-to-person networking, not the building of a virtual network on which to manage your business networking. Yet, the virtual kind is probably even more important, especially as your business grows and has more demands.

What is a network specialist?

A network specialist is a technology expert who manages a computer network and ensures that it has the correct network settings to fulfill a business’s needs. A network specialist can work in a variety of positions, including installing, configuring, user support, purchasing or administration, monitoring server ports, and they can work in a variety of areas, such as control operation, data recovery or security.

Many organizations and industries employ network specialists, including healthcare organizations, information technology firms, educational companies and many other large businesses that use computer networks. While most network specialists work in an office, some network specialists have positions that allow them to work from home or travel from client to client. It’s common for network specialists to work nights and weekends, especially when they need to solve networking problems, since most businesses depend on their computer network for communication and daily operations.

While hiring an IT team to help manage your enterprise network is great, it’s also exceedingly expensive. Instead, why not learn what you need to know to implement and manage your network yourself? The 2022 Cisco Certified Technician Training Prep Bundle will help you do it.

This four-course bundle focuses on several crucial certification exams for any networking expert. You’ll delve into study materials for the CompTIA Network+, Cisco Certified Technician 100-490, Cisco CCNA 200-301, and Cisco CCNP Enterprise certifications with coursework from Networkel Inc. (4.5/5-star instructor rating).

What does a network specialist do?

A network specialist uses their skills to design, maintain and implement hardware and software for computer networks. Clients hire network specialists to determine what kind of network they need, create a network budget, collect network data, optimize network capability and develop training programs. Network specialists design the physical setup of a network, such as computer placement and server location. They also help users access the network, protect network data and manage software compatibility. Other responsibilities of a network specialist may include:

• Writing network policies

• Configuring antivirus programs

• Installing cables and wires

• Managing content filtering systems

• Interpreting network data

• Collecting data on network performance

• Making sure the network is working efficiently

• Protecting a network’s security

• Fixing network problems when they arise

• Installing or removing software and hardware

• Adjusting security permissions

• Training users on how the network operates

Starting with the basics of running a Cisco network, you’ll explore switching, routing, IPv4, and IPv6, as you build foundational knowledge to take you through the rest of the bundle. In the CompTIA course, you’ll learn how to describe computer networks, their functions and components, and begin to develop your skills to work on enterprise production networks.

As you progress, you’ll learn how to scale and connect networks, explore security fundamentals, and get familiar with network automation and programmability. Finally, you’ll take the last step by training for Cisco’s advanced exams, Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services (300-401) and Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (350-401). By the end of the courses, you’ll be able to pass these highly valued certification exams on your first attempt.

How to become a network specialist

Here are the steps for how to become a network specialist:

1. Earn a degree

Most employers seek network specialists with bachelor’s degrees in information technology, computer science, computer engineering or a related field. A bachelor’s degree in one of these technology fields can provide you with knowledge and skills, such as computer network installation, network maintenance, network administration, security, network design, basic programming, routers and switches. You can also receive hands-on training, get field experience, participate in internships and even work part time while completing degree programs.

If you’re interested in specializing in a particular aspect of networking, you can earn a master’s degree. Specializing can help you qualify for niche jobs in networking and possibly increase your earning potential.

2. Get certified

Although not all employers require certification, consider earning one to become a more competitive candidate. There are many different professional organizations that offer network specialist certifications in areas like network configuration, security or troubleshooting. You can earn most network specialist certifications by completing a course, exam or series of exams, including the CompTIA’s Network+ designation and the Cisco Certified Network Associate credential. These certifications, along with many others, require regular renewal through continuing education and exams.

3. Gain experience

Hands-on experience is a critical part of becoming a qualified network specialist. On-the-job training starts with your first entry-level position and continues throughout your entire career. There are many ways to gain experience and expand your portfolio, such as building your own networking project, assisting senior specialists and volunteering for family, friends or small businesses. When you feel you’ve mastered the skills for your current position, you can opt to learn new skills, which can build your skill set and expand your portfolio.

4. Pursue entry-level positions

Many network specialists start their careers with entry-level jobs, such as technical support technician or help desk specialist. On-the-job training is an important part of learning how to be a network specialist and advancing to new positions. Some common training at the entry level includes documenting network problems, monitoring networks and offering technical support for personnel.

5. Identify your path

There are many opportunities to specialize your networking role as you gain experience. Computer networking positions can vary greatly depending on the industry, type of technology and company. Once you have entry-level experience, there are many opportunities to specialize in your field, including roles such as:

• Network administrator

• Network manager

• Network analyst

• Network technician

• Network engineer

• Network solutions architect

Consider which aspects of networking interest you most to help define your career path and target specific roles.

Skills for a network specialist

There are many technical skills that help network specialists accomplish their tasks and responsibilities effectively, but soft skills are also very important to the role. Technical skills may help a network specialist fix a problem, but soft skills may help a network specialist find the problem, communicate the problem to coworkers and work with a team to prevent problems in the future. Here are some of the most common skills that network specialists use:

• Computer networking

• Network security

• Hardware knowledge

• Customer service

• Computer systems

• Multitasking

• Interpersonal skills

• Creative problem-solving

• Communication

• Analytical thinking

• Teamwork

• Leadership