How to become A Network Technician

• Network Maintenance  Technician
• Network Support Technician
• Computer Network Technician 
• Computer Support Expert

What do Network Technicians do?

A Network Technician would typically need to:

• Configure, implement, maintain, monitor, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade the organisational network and computer systems
• Design and install computer networks, connections, and cabling; establish and maintain the internet, intranets and extranets of the organisation
• Modify, maintain and repair current hardware, including peripheral devices; test and configure new software or hardware to suit company needs
• Inspect and fix bugs in LANs (local area networks), WANs (wide area networks), cloud networks, servers, and other data communication networks 
• Troubleshoot system failures and identify roadblocks in the network infrastructure to ensure long-term efficiency
• Install, debug, and repair network gear such as modems, firewalls, routers and switches; run diagnostic tests to identify equipment failures or find dead wires  
• Evaluate and boost network performance and connectivity; schedule upgrades and maintenance without interruption to business operations
• Monitor the everyday operations of the organisational computer network; find and fix broken hardware, such as damaged network cables or computer screens
• Create a secure network free of malware and protected against cyber attacks; undertake regular data backups to protect sensitive organisational information 
• Maintain computer databases of valuable information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and account balances, if necessary
• Provide technical assistance over the phone or via email to end consumers facing issues with hardware or software applications
• Provide comprehensive technical support and training to co-workers on computer and network usage
• Deploy new workstations; set up new accounts, logins and email addresses for new employees; collaborate with the system administration and IT support teams
• Analyse network data and usage to recommend improvements to senior management; document reports and instances for future reference
• Liaise with vendors and suppliers to get the requisite equipment for well-functioning networks and systems

Network Technicians typically work with network engineers in a standard, well-lit, clean and temperature-controlled office environment. Travel may be required to attend training seminars and conferences.

Most Network Technicians work full-time; some may have to work nights and weekends to satisfy business expectations; those employed by service centres may need to work in shifts that fulfil customer requirements 24/7.

Research suggests that flexible hours and generous telework policies appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules per the job demands.

Finding a new job may be challenging. Network Technicians can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Network Technicians are generally employed by:

• Service Centres
• IT Companies
• Corporate Offices
• Government Organisations
• Educational Institutions
• Healthcare Facilities

Professional associations and organisations, such as The Network Professional Association (NPA), are crucial for Network Technicians interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Professional associations provide members with continuing education, networking opportunities, and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Failure to maintain and troubleshoot network systems from a lack of complete understanding of the complex and diverse range of networking equipment and technologies
• Inability to maintain the network’s integrity because of failure to keep up with the latest technology and best practices
• Cybersecurity and security threats to the network from malicious attacks
• Physically exhausting work that requires lifting and moving heavy equipment, like servers and routers, and climbing ladders to install or repair network cables
• Health issues due to possible exposure to dust and gases from equipment operated on
• Pressure to identify and fix network issues as quickly as possible resulting in working overtime or on off-days
• Multiple high-priority network issues competing for time and attention
• The need for effective communication with all stakeholders, including other technicians, managers, and end-users, for efficient implementation of solutions

If your academic programme does not include a period of supervised experiences, such as an internship or apprenticeship, look for viable opportunities while you are in your final year of study or after graduation.

Aspiring Network Technicians will benefit from tasks outside the classroom that align perfectly with lessons inside it. One may hear countless stories and obtain valuable hands-on experience from more experienced professionals who can turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Summer internships, work placements, and freelance jobs offer priceless industrial experience, help build valuable contacts, and offer you an advantage over your peers when seeking entry-level employment in the IT sector. 

The experience may also help you determine whether the public, private, or voluntary sector is best suited to realise one’s ambitions. Your educational provider’s career service department can provide information about viable work placements, internships and voluntary work opportunities in diverse sectors.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experienced Network Technicians to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Although becoming a Network Technician with only a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development Test) is possible, most aspirants prefer to acquire a bachelor’s degree in computer science, network engineering, or computer engineering.

Some employers may accept applicants with an associate degree in computer science or an accredited certificate in ICT (information and Communication Technologies) Systems Support if they have practical experience in an office setting. In contrast, others may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in computer science or computer engineering. 

Recommended high school courses include mathematics, English, and Information Technology. Students with excellent grades have a better chance of realising their professional goals.

Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.

Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field.

Certification demonstrates a Network Technician’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Certification in A+, data, network, and enterprise security, cloud computing, network administration, project management, Java, and data science from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and become an independent consultant.

Programming knowledge helps maintain, diagnose, and operate network systems efficiently and cost-effectively.

Network Technicians may also need to undergo an employment background check, including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Network Technicians who may begin as Network Administrators and become Systems Engineers before eventually being promoted to Systems Engineering Managers.

The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.

Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and interesting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills along the way.

Candidates with a relevant bachelor’s degree, adequate work experience, and exemplary analytical, organisational, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Network Technician build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. It also enables the regular renewal of requisite certifications.

Seek every opportunity to gain hands-on experience, working with different types of network equipment and systems to expand your skill set and deepen your understanding of networking principles.

Attend training courses and seminars to stay abreast of evolving network technologies, industry standards, and best practices while networking with other professionals in the industry, so you can help maintain the consistency of product evolution in your job and suggest improvements to enhance the current network system.

Invest time in acquiring certifications and learning about new technologies and industry trends from reputable online resources on diverse networking topics to stay competitive and relevant in a field witnessing continual changes.

Network Technicians seeking to grow with small-scale companies may find expertise in various related tasks is a must. In contrast, those employed by large enterprises may find it helps to specialise in a specific job. Introductory project management and finance courses will help you implement systematic and cost-effective solutions to network issues.

Ensure your resume is constantly updated with your highest level of education, certifications, and relevant job experience. Include the employer’s name, your job title and the duties you performed in each position you have held. Emphasise essential abilities that helped you come this far in your professional career and will aid further career advancement.

Learn the Lingo

WAN stands for wide area network or a system of computers linked together across great distances to link remote offices or locations and enable easy interaction. LAN or local area network comprises cables, access points, switches, routers, and other components that allow devices to connect to internal servers, web servers, and different LANs via WANs.

Cabling is installing and connecting wires from one network device to another, and attaching the gadgets to a power supply. Ethernet is a protocol that enables computers and networks to interact. 

OSI model is a set of seven levels that define how data moves via the internet. VPN or virtual private network refers to a technology that facilitates access to the internet over an encrypted route and to a secure server in another place.

Hardware- and software-based routers permit users to interact with one another, connect to the internet, and enable PCs to access websites, emails, and cloud storage. TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is a collection of protocols allowing computers to communicate via the Internet.

Real or virtual switches allow computers to connect and direct data from one device to another. Firewalls are software applications placed on individual machines or the whole network to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic to confirm its validity, prohibit illegal access to a computer network, and safeguard data from hackers.

Hold Up Your End

Network Technicians are multi-talented individuals who undertake a wide range of tasks in the routine discharge of duty.

Expertise in WANs allows Network Technicians to build and manage massive networks across many buildings or cities. LAN proficiency will enable incumbents to install, configure, and troubleshoot all networking equipment while determining different IP addresses and their interaction with specific networking equipment.

Cabling skills help resolve issues with existing networks. Appropriately using Ethernet cables and connections guarantees the efficient design and repair of computer systems.

Knowledge of the OSI model helps Network technicians identify and diagnose network problems and locate solutions precisely and swiftly. A comprehensive understanding of VPN prevents the theft of sensitive data.

A grasp of how firewalls work is vital to building and sustainably deploying them. Network Technicians familiar with routers' functionality will find it easy to address problems as they arise.

Mastery of TCP/IP facilitates the installation, operation, and management of routers that use TCP/IP to link numerous computers together. Learning about how switches function helps Network Technicians install them effectively, while the ability to diagnose related issues will lead to a quick resolution.

Professional capabilities, such as organisational, time management, problem-solving, attention to detail, communication, and analytical skills, are equally significant and may be inherent or learned over time. 

Current Scenario

The employment outlook of a particular profession may be impacted by diverse factors, such as the time of year (for seasonal jobs), location, employment turnover (when people leave current positions), occupational growth (when new roles are created), size of the occupation, and industry-specific trends and events that affect overall employment.

Network Technicians will continue gaining employment as businesses invest more in technology, network infrastructure, and mobile networks. Large companies with sizeable internal communication networks, such as national supermarket chains, banks and retailers, need skilled and experienced professionals to support their expanding network.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Network Technicians have more flexible work schedules and locations. They own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Network Technician has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best.

The backbone of the Internet comprises 550,000 miles of underwater cable. Almost 200 billion emails and 3 billion Google searches will have to wait if the Internet goes down for a day.

Be it a layperson who loses internet connection while watching their favourite TV show or a customer support executive who experiences connectivity issues while addressing a client’s technical problems, they require the services of skilled and dedicated Network Technicians to save the day.

Build a reputation as a professional who always gets the job done. Communicate effectively and cooperatively with technical peers, end users, and management. Consider what your work delivers to the business, users, and customers. Ensure your resume communicates vital accomplishments along the CAR - challenge, action and results concept.