Information Technology is a thriving industry and if you're looking to improve your knowledge or start your career in IT, you’re probably looking for some great advice to guide you along your new path.
As a Network Specialist, you’re relied on to uphold the security and infrastructure of a company’s technical network. That means if there’s a suspected data breach, issues with network connectivity, or installing the latest operating systems, you’ll be called on to get things going. Pretty important, right?
Like a superhero that comes to the rescue of a damsel in distress, you will be coming to the company’s rescue in times of need - protecting against security threats and viruses, and ensuring the successful day-to-day running of the business’ computer networks.
What do you get in return? Junior Network Specialists can expect an average starting salary to be £20k, depending on where you’re working and who with; larger companies often have larger salary budgets and more time to nurture newbies to the industry. Once your career has matured, you can expect to take home anything up to £46k. No wonder you’re interested in becoming a network specialist!
Now your interest has been piqued, take a look at these 5 tips to becoming a network specialist.
STEP 1 – Plan for Success
Becoming a network specialist won’t happen overnight. To take the first few steps in your new career, you’ll need certifications that validate your knowledge and skills. Regardless of whether you’re looking to further your career in this area, or start completely from fresh, employers are looking for proof of your expertise.
If you’re starting from scratch, it’s wise to look at courses that get you certified in your chosen field. To learn all you need to become a network specialist, look for courses that certify you in areas that include CompTIA Network+, Cisco routing and switching and networking fundamentals from vendors like Microsoft. These will all stand you in good stead when it comes to applying for new roles and boost your earning potential.
Learn more about expanding your knowledge and skills with these essential tips.
STEP 2 – Keep A Clear Head
Your new career choice has an analytical approach and often means you’ll be in high pressure environments. If the company’s network is down, you’ll need to drop everything and get it sorted, sharpish. For that reason, there’s no room for you to lose your head and start flapping.
Essentially, you’ll be the hero that saves the day and restores order in the troubling times of network errors and failures – making sure you keep a clear head and persevere with the task until it’s completed will be essential.
Do you find you struggle in that type of environment? De-stress techniques could help! Take a deep breath, analyse the situation and take a moment to prioritise and put together a logical action plan can all help. You should then be able to see the solution clearly, helping you to restore the smooth running of the business!
STEP 3 – Team Work Makes the Dream Work
It’s a cliché but it’s true.
Computers can be complex little things and they sometimes like to keep us guessing! There’s bound to be a situation where you’re faced with a problem you simply can’t solve. Just because you’re new to the business doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help! Speak to your supervisor or a co-worker – it shows initiative to ask for help so don’t be shy!
It’s always best to work as a team to help each other along the way and get things up and running as quickly as possible. If you’re a lone wolf when it comes to solving problems, take your query online and do a little research to see if there is an obvious solution to the problem.
STEP 4 – Communication Is Key
Good communication is critical in this role. Your team need to know what you’re working on, especially if it’s something crucial to the entire network. It’s also important if you are working with users as they will need to know the correct way to avoid generating problems. Here you’ll need to put your people skills to good use by explaining what their user should do in language that’s clear and isn’t technical.
Remember, not everyone is a computer wizard like you and users with a more simplified understanding of computers will be grateful for the helpful advice!
STEP 5 – Every Day is a School Day
There has never been a more exciting time to be involved in the world of network technology! Getting your core certifications isn’t the end of your education – sure the bulk of your training is complete, but to keep up with trends and the latest tech means every day should be a school day!
You could opt for short courses that provide certifications, or keep your finger on the pulse with forums and tech news. Bringing new technology and processes into the business will score you points, especially if they revolutionise a tired method!
Struggle to learn something new? You won’t with these
learning techniques.
IT is a thriving industry with numerous opportunities for success. If you focus on a specific field, develop your skills, grow in your research capabilities and never stop learning your craft, nothing can stop you from succeeding!
Becoming a network specialist can be a very rewarding career move, and the knowledge and experience you’ll gain will be essential to further your career!
Think you have what it takes to become a computer network superhero?