Computer Network Support Specialist Career
A network support specialist works with individual entities and businesses to provide expert knowledge for existing network systems to ensure continued efficiency throughout.
Some computer network support specialists focus almost exclusively on assisting information technology employees in minimizing service disruption on local area networks and wide area networks.
Security threats and bottlenecks are often diagnosed by computer network support specialists when working for private businesses and corporations.
Computer Network Support Specialist Career Snapshot
Most computer network and support specialists work very fluid schedules, often needing to be accessed 24 hours a day because of the volatile nature of network connectivity and security threats. Extensive knowledge of network management is required, particularly for those working within an organization, because of the variety of threats and stumbling blocks that may arise at any given time. Depending on the size of the organization, duties and responsibilities may fluctuate.
Further details on a career as a computer network support specialist are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the average annual salary for computer support specialists.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
have a Bachelor’s degree while 22% have an Associate’s degree.
Computer Network Support Specialist Education
To become a network support specialist, a bachelors degree along with an adequate level of experience within the field is typically sufficient for employment. Professional certifications are also offered by some organizations, and due to the wide array of areas requiring knowledgeable specialists, college elective courses are often required when addressing specific areas of the profession.
Computer Network Support Specialist Job Duties
Working directly with clients within and outside organizations to diagnose and service disruption potential and existing problems, while using technical and layman’s terminology, is an essential aspect of a computer network support specialist’s job duties. Some lifting and transporting of computer equipment for external diagnosis may also be required.
Computer Network Support Specialist Salaries
On average, the salary of computer network support specialists is about $36,350 for the lower 10% of employees, while the top 10% have garnered an income of about $106,310 according to BLS.gov May 2015 reports. Along with the projected job outlook, this number is expected to increase considerably.
Computer Network Support Specialist Job Outlook
As more individuals and businesses begin to implement the use of online networks for the completion of daily tasks, service maintenance will continue to be of greater necessity in the years to come. Growth within the computer network support specialist field is expected to increase 8% by the year 2024.
Computer Network Support Specialist Skills & Traits
| Computer Support Specialist Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Computer Support Specialists: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Critical Thinking • Active Listening • Decision Making • Reading Comprehension • Active Learning | • Deductive Reasoning • Oral Comprehension • Problem Sensitivity • Inductive Reasoning • Oral Expression | • Circuit tester • Computer servers • Hard disk arrays • Network analyzers • Photocopiers | • Working with Computers • Using Relevant Knowledge • Getting Information • Communicating with Others • Interpersonal Relationships |
Related Careers
Computer & IT Managers
Bachelor’s Degree
Computer Programmers
Bachelor’s Degree
Database Administrators
Bachelor’s Degree
