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Computer Network Architects

Also called: Network Analyst, Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, Systems Analyst

What they do:
Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
On the job, you would:
  • Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.
  • Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.
  • Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • computers and electronics
  • product and service development
Communications
  • telecommunications
Arts and Humanities
  • English language
Business
  • customer service

Skills

Basic Skills
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • figuring out how to use new ideas or things
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it

Abilities

Ideas and Logic
  • notice when problems happen
  • use rules to solve problems
Verbal
  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking
Visual Understanding
  • quickly know what you are looking at
  • see hidden patterns

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Integrity
  • Initiative

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Network monitoring software
  • Compaq Insight Manager
  • Ethereal
Administration software
  • Element management software
  • Lucent VitalSuite
Transaction security and virus protection software
  • CA eTrust
  • McAfee VirusScan

Education

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Average Outlook
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Salary
$77,990
per year, on average
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about computer network architects.