A Guide to Building a Computer Networking Career

What Is Computer Networking?

A computer network is a group of connected computing devices that communicate and share information with each other. Nearly all modern businesses and organizations rely on computer networks to deliver information to customers, employees, clients, and other stakeholders. Computer networks link millions of users and devices, making it easy to transmit data quickly and securely.

Keeping these networks running smoothly is crucial to the functionality of many industries, which is why skilled computer network professionals are typically in high demand.

A bachelor’s degree in network engineering and security can prepare you to enter this fast-growing field. In this degree program, you’ll learn how to design, install, maintain, and manage the vital computer networks that help companies operate effectively. A network-related IT degree may also help you develop foundational skills in computer science, cybersecurity, network infrastructure, and data administration. You could then apply this diverse skill set to a number of tech jobs.

This guide discusses common computer networking careers as well as the skills and education you’ll need to excel on your professional path.

Computer Networking Careers

The type of computer networking job that best aligns with your career goals depends on your unique experience, interests, and talents. Below is a list of rewarding IT careers that a computer networking degree can prepare you for.

Network Support Specialist

Network support specialists analyze, troubleshoot, and maintain computer networks and provide guidance for users on a daily basis. They couple their skills in running networks with customer service and one-on-one assistance.

Network Technician

A network technician is responsible for setting up an internet connection, establishing different types of networks, and connecting them to enable a reliable transfer of information. Network technicians should have a firm, hands-on understanding of hardware like switches, routers, network cables, and more.

Network Administrator

A network administrator manages new networks, upgrades existing networks, and evaluates and resolves network issues. Network administrators help govern user access to private or sensitive data and ensure that different types of networks remain secure.

Field Service Engineer

Field service engineers typically share a similar skill set to that of network technicians. These engineers travel to their clients’ locations to install, update, and repair network equipment and systems.

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts examine an organization’s technological infrastructure to determine its effectiveness. They also devise ways to improve these systems by collaborating with clients, researching trends, and running software and hardware tests.

Server Administrator

A server administrator oversees server and network performance. This responsibility includes auditing server performance and making sure that computer servers can handle an organization’s web traffic and data.

Network Security Analyst

Network security analysts protect clients’ software and hardware technology from cyberattacks by identifying and installing security programs like firewalls and virtual private networks (VPNs). These analysts also develop organization-wide strategies, policies, and procedures meant to combat different types of cyberthreats.

Network Engineer

Network engineers manage the foundation of a company’s IT networking system by designing, building, and maintaining various kinds of networks. Network engineers may lead teams of network specialists and often help innovate network automation.

Wireless Engineer

Wireless engineers are responsible for building and optimizing wireless internet connections. Their job usually involves setting up Wi-Fi, cellular, or satellite networks and ensuring that they meet the needs of users.

Network Architect

Computer network architects build data communication infrastructures for businesses and organizations. They create layouts for communication networks, assess software and hardware requirements, research new networking technologies, and coordinate with leaders and stakeholders to document network-building processes.

Computer Networking Skills

Although there is a wide variety of computer networking jobs, many of them call for the same core skill set. Like in most computer science or IT careers, a solid knowledge of mathematics is essential. Some of the most common types of math used in computer networking include linear algebra, probability, and statistics. In addition to nurturing their math skills, networking professionals should acquire an understanding of the following:

• Scripting and programming languages
• Network security
• Spreadsheets
• Data and software management
• Web development
• Computer networking and communication tools
• Network troubleshooting

Important soft skills for a computer networking career include strong communication, abstract and analytical thinking, and attention to detail. An online bachelor's degree in network engineering and security from WGU can grant you the educational foundation you need to thrive in this ever-evolving industry.

Types of Computer Networks

You should become familiar with several types of computer networks before you begin or advance in your career. The most common include:

• Local Area Network (LAN): connects computers within a limited area, such as in a school, home, or office.
• Personal Area Network (PAN): connects a single user to a handful of devices, including computers, smartphones, and printers.
• Home Area Network (HAN): connects multiple devices within a home.
• Wide Area Network (WAN): covers a large geographical area, usually with a radius of more than one kilometer.
• Campus Network: uses a collection of LANs to connect a set of buildings that are close together.
• Backbone Network (BBN): connects multiple networks together, allowing them to communicate with each other.
• Global Area Network (GAN): connects users and devices to each other around the world.

Steps for Starting a Computer Networking Career

Consider the following steps if you’re just starting on the path to a computer networking career:

• Earn your degree. Most employers prefer that you hold at least a bachelor's degree for a role in computer networking. There are several options for courses of study. You can opt for a bachelor's degree in network engineering. Or, if you want to pursue a more advanced networking career, you might earn a relevant master’s degree in computer science or computer networking.
• Earn industry certifications. Certain certifications like CISCO CCNA, ITIL Foundation, or CompTIA certifications can be vital in equipping you for a future in computer networking. These certifications demonstrate to employers your understanding of the most in-demand network software and hardware. Certifications are also a great way to boost your résumé and can even be earned before you complete a degree program.
• Apply for jobs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 13% increase in job growth for network architects from 2023 to 2033, meaning that now is a good time to look for work in computer networking. The more connected the world becomes, the greater the demand will be for qualified computer networking specialists. The pay is promising, too. According to the BLS, network and computer systems administrators earned an average annual salary of $95,360 in May 2023, while network architects earned an average annual salary of $129,840.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Computer Networking?

Computer networking refers to two or more computers that are connected together so that they can share information.

What Do You Learn in a Network Engineering and Security Bachelor’s Degree Program?

Most network engineering and security bachelor’s programs cover fundamentals in information technology, network management, spreadsheets, programming, data management, operating systems, web development, business of IT, and cybersecurity.

How Much Do Computer Networking Professionals Make?

The BLS states that the average annual salary for network and computer systems administrators in May 2023 was $95,360. The lowest 10% earned less than $58,680, while the highest 10% earned more than $148,710. Many other types of computer networking professionals earn a similar income.

Is Computer Networking a Good Career?

Based on the demand for various kinds of computer network experts and increasing reliance on the cloud in networking operations, computer networking could be considered a good career.