{"id":102593,"date":"2022-02-25T12:07:04","date_gmt":"2022-02-25T20:07:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?p=102593"},"modified":"2024-05-16T08:32:00","modified_gmt":"2024-05-16T15:32:00","slug":"how-to-get-a-job-in-networking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/how-to-get-a-job-in-networking\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get a Job in Networking: Required Education and Skills"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you want to know how to get a job in networking administration, then this article may interest you. We have assembled information about the highest-paying networking jobs and networking skills you will need. With the right business connections, you can enter the job market and get a great job in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will also find valuable certifications to consider, salaries and job outlook, possible career progressions from entry-level to senior, and career advice. Read below for tips for finding a job in networking administration at your dream company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Networking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Computer networking is when two or more computers in a network structure exchange data. Networking includes communication and assisting technical support in various areas. Network engineers and administrations might work on the design, development, and maintenance of hardware and software within the network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can consider various jobs when starting a career in networking, like information security, computer programming, network management, and information technology (IT). Acquiring networking industry credentials can also help you find work in database administration, database management, system engineering, or wireless network engineering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Networking Job Outlook<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the job outlook for network and computer systems administrators<\/a> is growing at five percent, which is a slower growth rate than the average of eight percent. However, US News and World Report ranks a career in networking as the ninth-best job<\/a> in the tech industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Education Do I Need to Become a Network Administrator?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A network administrator should have at least a high school diploma or GED. Most employers in the networking industry prefer candidates with a Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Network Administration<\/a> or in a field related to computing or information science. However, this is not the only way to enter this career, and you can also become a network technician by earning other advanced certifications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I Get a Networking Job Without a Degree?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can get a job in the networking field without a degree. In fact, you can get many high-paying IT jobs without a degree<\/a>. Instead of a degree, you can acquire various IT credentials crucial to the career field that may afford you a higher-paying salary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should also look for entry-level and freelance work to gain experience in networking, for example, by getting a junior network engineer job. The job process can sometimes be long, but an effective job search is still possible if you don’t have a degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Get a Job in Networking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, bootcamps are an excellent way to become a networking professional. By attending a top networking bootcamp<\/a>, you\u2019ll be getting the same education you\u2019d receive from foundational computer science certification programs. The best networking bootcamps will enhance your technical skills, giving you practical knowledge of networking across different operating systems and hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bootcamps can be an alternative to getting a degree. This way, you can save on costs and time, as some of them can take as little as a few weeks or months to complete. Many bootcamps also offer valuable career assistance like mock interviews and technical resume writing tips<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to General Assembly\u2019s 2018-2019 Outcomes Report, 91 percent of bootcamp graduates accepted<\/a> an offer of employment in the field they studied within 180 days of graduating. This means that bootcamps are a great way to get a job in networking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Long Does It Take to Get a Job in Networking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you opt for a bachelor\u2019s degree, it can take four to five years to get a job in networking. An associate degree may take two to three years. It may also take an additional year to complete other certification programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After getting advanced certifications from networking bootcamps or online courses, it may take as little as a few weeks or months to get a job in networking, depending on your schedule, dedication, and resources. This kind of education offers intensive training in a shorter period with hands-on experience, and it allows you to enter the networking field faster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Networking Education Paths<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Network professionals’ most common education paths involve securing network administration degrees at a community college or university and then gaining more credentials from bootcamp certifications and courses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting other tech certifications like the CompTIA Server+ certification<\/a>, Linux Professional Institute LPIC-1, and Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a good option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Networking Bootcamps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A bootcamp education, along with training in technical skills certification programs, can offer you a fast track to gaining a networking career. You could graduate from these intensive programs in only a few weeks or months of study, with valuable hands-on experience in crucial technical skills. Bootcamps can also save you money on tuition and help you reach your future goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Community College<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A community college can be a cost-saving alternative to a traditional university education. Depending on what a college offers, you may study on-campus, online, or in a hybrid format. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Associate Degree in Network Administration can take about two years to complete. You can become an entry-level professional with this level of degree, although it may not afford you a high-paying salary. Some colleges also provide accelerated programs to earn your associate or bachelor\u2019s degree in a shorter time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Network Administration Degrees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Network Administration takes about four years to acquire, unless you go through an accelerated degree program. Having this degree may unlock high-paying entry-level career opportunities. It will also unlock other career opportunities and simplify the job search process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, a college education is expensive. The average annual cost of tuition for a bachelor\u2019s degree<\/a> is $19,081 for all public and private institutions, as per the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The cost will depend on the institution you choose. It is important to note it also varies for in-state and out-of-state attendance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Networking Skills to List on Your Resume<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Network and computer systems administrator skills to list on your resume are knowledge of programming languages, cyber security, and interpersonal skills. However, these are only three key skills, and there are other skills you may need to become a systems administrator<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowledge of Programming Languages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Knowledge of programming languages like Python, SQL, Bash, and Node.js are favored during the hiring process. These will allow you to perform data analysis, backend web development, scientific computing, system scripting, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cyber Security<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Knowledge of cyber security techniques and tools is essential, as you must monitor software, perform troubleshooting, and identify server vulnerabilities daily as a professional network administator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interpersonal Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A professional network administrator works with a broad range of clients and other technical departments. You may need to walk people through troubleshooting, either in person or over the phone. You will need excellent communication skills, including friendly body language, to do this.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Find Networking Jobs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"network
Networking professionals can help with in-person and remote technical support.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are various ways to enter a career in networking. Person-to-person networking, internships, and dropping a resume in person are also great ways to find your professional career opportunities. Read below to learn where else you can find networking jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Job Boards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A job board is a prominent place to start your career search, with loads of professional career opportunities listed in one place. Job postings list job requirements, salaries, and locations. Some even have company profiles with reviews by staff. Examples of popular job boards are Indeed, Glassdoor, Zippia, and ZipRecruiter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social Networks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

LinkedIn is a great network for a job search across many industries. You can create a profile with your skills and certifications for hiring managers to see at their convenience. Successful networking interactions on this site may result in you landing your dream job. You can also find job postings and job leads on other social networks like Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Company Websites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have a wish list of companies you would like to work for, then going onto a company\u2019s website to apply for your dream job may be perfect for you. You can also subscribe to receive updates on job listings in some cases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Prepare for Your Networking Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Preparing for the job interview is a good strategy for acing it and landing the job. Below are a few network administrator interview questions<\/a> you will likely have to expand on in an interview for one of these roles.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Networking Interview Questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n