If you are wondering whether this is the right time to invest in a computer science degree, clear all the doubts from your headthe answer to that question is a resounding yes!
With businesses of all sizes adopting newer and more sophisticated computer and mobile technologies, the demand for qualified information technology professionals should only increase. One of the key information technology functions is computer networking.
An integral part of any business, computer networks allow users within an organization to share information and resources. They also facilitate effective communication between members of an organization.
Computer NetworkingCareer Opportunities
There are various job titles that fall under the umbrella of computer networking, each with its own special role. If you are interested in a computer networking career, here are some careers you can consider:
Network Architects or Engineers: Network engineers or architects belong to the higher echelons of the computer networking community. They are responsible for designing an organizations computer networks, which include LANs, WANs, VPNs, IVRs, Intranets, access to the Internet, and other such tools of communication. A bachelors degree in computer networking or a related field is necessary to enter this profession. However, some employers look for candidates with graduate degrees to fill this position.
Network Administrators: They are responsible for configuring, installing, and supporting an organizations computer systems. In addition to that, network administrators also have the task of monitoring networks, evaluating their performance, and determining system requirements and user needs. A bachelors in networking degree may be your best bet to enter this profession, even though it may suffice to complete an associates program or earn a professional certification to secure an entry-level position at some companies.
Computer Systems Administrators: The role of network administrators and computer system administrators often overlap, but the latter are specifically responsible for maintaining the efficiency of an organizations computer network. They make sure that the computer systems are working properly, troubleshoot problems reported by users, and recommend improvements to the system. Computer systems administrators also require a bachelors degree in computer networking or a related field. Alternatively, an associates degree and professional certification may qualify individuals for entry-level positions.
Computer System Analysts: In a nutshell, the job of a computer system analyst is to use technology tools to help organizations achieve their business goals. For this purpose, they design and develop new computer systems or modify and expand the existing ones to complete additional tasks. After the design and development stage is complete, system analysts direct and supervise the implementation of the new systems and ensure their optimum performance. To pursue the position of a computer system analyst, candidates should look to complete at least a computer science degree or a bachelors degree in other technical fields like information science, applied mathematics, or engineering.
Systems Security Specialist: One of the biggest threats to an organizations computer system is from cyber-attacks. As they become more vicious and prevalent, the need for specialists who can prevent these attacks has been rising. Systems security specialists are in charge of maintaining the security of an organizations information. Their work includes installing security software, monitoring networks for security breaches, responding to attacks, and educating users about the importance of maintaining computer security. For this job, a bachelors degree in a computer-related field may be necessary.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a much faster than average growth in the employment of all the above occupations through 2018. And just one degree can qualify you to pursue any of these dynamic and promising computer-related careers.
With businesses of all sizes adopting newer and more sophisticated computer and mobile technologies, the demand for qualified information technology professionals should only increase. One of the key information technology functions is computer networking.
An integral part of any business, computer networks allow users within an organization to share information and resources. They also facilitate effective communication between members of an organization.
Computer NetworkingCareer Opportunities
There are various job titles that fall under the umbrella of computer networking, each with its own special role. If you are interested in a computer networking career, here are some careers you can consider:
Network Architects or Engineers: Network engineers or architects belong to the higher echelons of the computer networking community. They are responsible for designing an organizations computer networks, which include LANs, WANs, VPNs, IVRs, Intranets, access to the Internet, and other such tools of communication. A bachelors degree in computer networking or a related field is necessary to enter this profession. However, some employers look for candidates with graduate degrees to fill this position.
Network Administrators: They are responsible for configuring, installing, and supporting an organizations computer systems. In addition to that, network administrators also have the task of monitoring networks, evaluating their performance, and determining system requirements and user needs. A bachelors in networking degree may be your best bet to enter this profession, even though it may suffice to complete an associates program or earn a professional certification to secure an entry-level position at some companies.
Computer Systems Administrators: The role of network administrators and computer system administrators often overlap, but the latter are specifically responsible for maintaining the efficiency of an organizations computer network. They make sure that the computer systems are working properly, troubleshoot problems reported by users, and recommend improvements to the system. Computer systems administrators also require a bachelors degree in computer networking or a related field. Alternatively, an associates degree and professional certification may qualify individuals for entry-level positions.
Computer System Analysts: In a nutshell, the job of a computer system analyst is to use technology tools to help organizations achieve their business goals. For this purpose, they design and develop new computer systems or modify and expand the existing ones to complete additional tasks. After the design and development stage is complete, system analysts direct and supervise the implementation of the new systems and ensure their optimum performance. To pursue the position of a computer system analyst, candidates should look to complete at least a computer science degree or a bachelors degree in other technical fields like information science, applied mathematics, or engineering.
Systems Security Specialist: One of the biggest threats to an organizations computer system is from cyber-attacks. As they become more vicious and prevalent, the need for specialists who can prevent these attacks has been rising. Systems security specialists are in charge of maintaining the security of an organizations information. Their work includes installing security software, monitoring networks for security breaches, responding to attacks, and educating users about the importance of maintaining computer security. For this job, a bachelors degree in a computer-related field may be necessary.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a much faster than average growth in the employment of all the above occupations through 2018. And just one degree can qualify you to pursue any of these dynamic and promising computer-related careers.
