3 Steps To Follow To Start Your Career As A Network Technician
Network technicians are modern-day superheroes. They make sure that we always have a stable internet connection available. If you love computers, electronics, and technical work, then this is an excellent career to choose.
The world today is completely dependent on technology and the internet. So much of our daily life takes place online, so having a stable network is a necessity. Because of this, network technicians have become increasingly in-demand. This is a career that offers good growth potential and rewards for the right person.
If you need guidance on how to become a network technician, then follow these three steps.
Build Your Technical Skills
A network technician is responsible for a variety of technical jobs. This is a career path that relies on technical skills, so this should be the first place to focus on. Start by understanding the different roles and responsibilities of a network technician and develop your skillset to match this. (Scroll further down to find Network Technician skillset requirements.)
Network technicians work with computer hardware and software. They troubleshoot potential issues and repair damaged systems. Being able to provide in-depth technical support is a must.
Many new candidates will go through an on-the-job training process to make sure that their skills are up to scratch. Internships are also available in this industry. This can be a great way for inexperienced network technicians to build up their technical skills and knowledge.
Besides being certified, network technicians have to maintain a high level of technical skills. The skills required can also be quite diverse, and this role requires problem-solving and repairs for many different issues.
So, the first thing to do is build up your technical skills.
Get Certified
If you want to get a job as a network technician, then you will need the relevant certifications. This is a job that involves highly specialized skills and technical knowledge. So, employers look for candidates that are properly certified and equipped. Network technicians use industry-specific certifications to prepare them for the job market.
The CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA are typical certifications you’ll see on employer job positions.
Aspiring network technicians should also do a specialized network technician certificate for the best results. A program like this will cover all of the specialized skills and knowledge needed for the industry. The more certifications a candidate has, the wider the skills they develop. This will be helpful when finding a job, and it will offer more growth potential in your career.
Build Real-World Experience
The final step to becoming a network technician is to develop experience in the real world. It doesn’t matter how highly qualified you are, without the relevant experience, you will struggle to build a successful career.
This is a technical, hands-on role, so real-world experience is a must. Even a small amount of industry experience will give new candidates an edge.
Start by looking for internship opportunities. You can complete these after graduating, or you could do them during your studies on a part-time basis. Search for entry-level job opportunities and see if there are any relevant vacancies for your level of skill and experience.
Building A Career As A Network Technician - Frequently Asked Questions
A network technician is responsible for maintaining computer and network systems through various roles. Technicians need to:
● troubleshoot computer networks,
● implement new networks
● and repair computer and network systems.
They are responsible for troubleshooting any issues with software and hardware and fixing these.
Network technicians also provide technical support. They can usually do this remotely via various communication methods. The job also includes maintaining a good level of security of computer networks and making sure that networks are always up to date.
A network technician needs to be prepared for potentially difficult work schedules. For good customer support, companies need to offer network support 24/7. So, many network technicians work odd hours and may have to work nights and weekends.
Being a network technician can pay off for the right candidate. IT salaries will vary for this role depending on your location, level of experience, and certifications.
In the US, network technicians will typically earn a salary of $22.39 per hour. However, salaries can range from $7.25 to $47.80 per hour.
The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median annual wage for Network and Computer Systems Administrators is $84,810.
A network technician is a great career for any tech-savvy individual who is interested in working in an IT environment. Network technicians can be employed by companies in all kinds of industries. Often, they are in finance, hospitals, or government.
As different companies and industries rely more and more on technology, the demand for network technicians is increasing steadily. IT occupations are expected to add about 531,200 new jobs, which is a faster rate of growth compared to most professions.
A well-qualified and experienced candidate shouldn’t have a difficult time finding employment. IT professionals also receive a much higher median annual wage compared to the average annual wage for all occupations. Thus, it is good, in-demand career.
Successful network technicians should have a wide variety of skills to be able to excel in their field. First and foremost, computer-specific technical skills are necessary. This is the basis for working in this field, and developing is the first step to getting a foot in this career.
Without the relevant IT skills, network technicians will not be able to perform troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining IT networks. But network technician requirements don’t just end there, they also need the following skills.
Communication skills are also important. The job requires a great deal of live support, so technicians will need to be able to provide clear instructions. Network technicians spend most of their time dealing with people, understanding their technical problems, and communicating solutions.
Of course, anyone in this field requires strong problem-solving skills. One of the key functions of a network technician’s job is to analyze problems, find the issue, and solve them. This requires a combination of creative thinking, technical knowledge, and strong communication.
A good network technician should also be able to multitask. The role can involve many different tasks at any time, and having to deal with multiple problems at once.
The CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and Cisco CCNA certifications are the best starting point for network technicians.
You can complete further courses and certifications for a wider understanding of IT systems and networks.
Some other relevant certifications include:
● CompTIA Net+
● Cisco CCNA
Experience is really important in this field. If you are just qualifying for the role and have not got any experience yet, then doing an internship is a good idea. This allows you to gather real-world practical experience and undergo hands-on training.
For properly qualified candidates, apply for entry-level jobs to start building your experience.
Be sure to highlight any relevant work experience and relevant certifications. If you have done any short courses or training programs, be sure to include these in your resume.
Also, include your skills and personal strengths and how these align with being a good network technician.
Careers related to a network technician include a help desk clerk, an network engineer, network administrator, LAN network support, and more.
If you pursue a career as a network technician but decide to change your path, there are various other roles available. Having strong IT knowledge can open up many other doors.
Some jobs similar to a network technician include IT managers, computer technicians, senior product managers, and system administrators.
Get certified and build your resume of hands-on experience! These are the two most important things to advance your career. Developing a wider range of skills and knowledge is important, and building up a strong level of experience is necessary for career growth.
After you’ve successfully transitioned into your first networking related role, your next most likely career evolution will align with Cisco CCNP Enterprise certifications, opening more salary potential and career growth
Get in Touch for More Information on Getting Certified
A network technician is a highly rewarding job for the right tech-minded candidate. If you are interested in pursuing this career path, then get hold of us at CIAT. We offer all of the certifications and courses you need to get qualified and kickstart your career.