The availability of jobs in computer networking continues to increase as more businesses connect their employees and clients to each another. Computer network technicians design, put together and maintain the networking system that businesses along a vast range of industries use. These networks give employees, and sometimes even customers, the ability to share files, Internet connections and programs. Once they build the network, computer network technicians (also known as engineers or specialists) keep it up and running, troubleshooting and fixing any problems that may occur.

A clear understanding of current technologies and terminology for local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) is a requirement for careers in computer networking. There are several ways to obtain the necessary computer networking employment education and training:

1. Pad your resume with an applicable degree for computer networking positions.

2. Articles and other publications provide up-to-date information about the technological advances relative to computer network employment.

3. Seminars and other events relevant to computer networking careers provide a better understanding of current technology.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Obtain a degree for computer networking employment

While many individuals can apply for computer networking job opportunities based on experience, those with a degree have a better chance of landing the position. Granted, developing and maintaining networks comes naturally to many people, but a degree lets potential employers know you have a clear and more precise understanding of the technologies involved.

I recommend: Take a look at the computer networking degree requirements at Regis University, where you can take courses on campus or online. The School of Technology at Westwood College Online offers degree programs for Computer Network Engineering and Computer Network Management.

Subscribe to publications that cover computer networking jobs and technologies

Many organizations offer magazines or online articles about technological advancements, latest design trends and up-to-date news for employment in computer networking. Reading these articles regularly will help you to maintain keep current on the industry and perform your job more successfully.

I recommend: Access the Network Computing online magazine portion of the InformationWeek Business Technology Network. Browse the various sections related to networking on the InfoWorld Media Group website for the latest articles and information.

Visit events that discuss advancements relevant to computer network jobs

Technology conferences, seminars and trade shows will give you a better idea of the products and technologies available to help you perform your computer networking job to the best of your ability. Many of these events will also provide you with hands-on training and continuing education opportunities that you may not get elsewhere.

I recommend: Attend a TechMentor Conference, geared toward network training for professionals that deal with Microsoft Windows. Register for the annual USENIX Symposium on Networked System Design and Implementation.

Computer networking industry employment is here to stay and it is a great career for those who like working with computers. Almost all companies require computer networking, so this means that there are many computer networking jobs available.

Unfortunately, there are also many people with the skills needed to get jobs in computer networking, so there can be a lot of competition, especially in cities like San Francisco, which have a large tech industry.

If you want to stand out among the crowds of people looking for computer networking employment:

1. Keep all training and certifications up to date. Having several different technical certifications looks great on a resume when you are applying for computer networking positions. Make sure you have the most up to date certifications available.

2. Gain experience through volunteer work if you are just starting out. Since computer network jobs are so competitive, you will need to have experience for companies to consider hiring you.

3. Read various industry magazines and websites to stay up to date on computer networking information. In technical industries, information and techniques change on a frequent basis. You need to be aware of current trends.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search for a computer networking job opening through tech-focused job boards

There's no doubt that the Internet is the best place to look when you want to find jobs related to computers. However, you may find even more success if you look for jobs only on job boards that focus on the tech industry. These sites often have better job opportunities.

I recommend: Start your search at Dice, which is a popular website for techies. Alternatively, you may want to search available openings at the networking section of Computerwork.

Find a computer networking employment agency to help you with your search

A good recruiter helps people find jobs whether they are just starting their careers in computer networking or they are seasoned veterans. These people have the connections you need to make a good match with a company.

I recommend: Computer Recruitment Services can help you find IT and networking positions within the financial sector. TEKsystems specializes in placing technical professionals into positions that are right for them.

Consider taking on freelance computer networking jobs

Computer networking careers lend themselves well to freelancing. Many small businesses prefer to higher freelance computer networkers to take care of concerns because they simply do not have the need (or budget) for a full time professional. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get your name out there to let people know about your services.

I recommend: Post a profile on Guru.com so that people can easily find you for their networking needs. You can also advertise your services on your local Craigslist board.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you interview for computer networking jobs, make sure you come off as personable. Tech professionals have a reputation for being anti-social. Being friendly may help you get the job.

Computer networking involves setting up and maintaining computer networks in companies of all sizes. While outsourcing decreases the number of networking jobs available, it remains a strong source of employment, especially for networking professionals with advanced skills and responsibilities. Getting to know some of the key terms used in the computer networking world can help set the course for a productive and successful career.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Cisco certification

Cisco is one of the most respected IT and networking certification programs available to IT networking professionals. A Cisco certification is a great asset with several levels of certification and many different career paths. It is often a requirement for networking positions.

I recommend: Learn more about certification programs at the Cisco website.

Microsoft certification

Microsoft certification is another tool that can help network professionals get ahead. Microsoft offers several certifications on server and networking technologies. The most widely known are the MCSA (Microsoft Certified System Administrator), which provides core skills for administering networks, and the MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer), which demonstrates the ability to design and implement networking infrastructure.

I recommend: Microsoft offers a list of current server certifications on its website as well as details on what each certification entails.

Novell certification

Once a major player in server and networking technologies, Novell now lags in market share. However, Novell certification in either Netware or Open Enterprise Server can add some specialization to your networking credentials and is essential for anyone working in a Novell environment.

I recommend: Information about Novell certification programs is available on the Novell website.

Degree

A computer networking related degree is a big help when seeking employment and can help prepare for certification exams. Some fields of study related to computer networking include computer science and computer engineering.

I recommend: Education-Portal provides information about computer networking jobs and links to online and traditional schools that offer degrees in this field.

Networking tools

Network professionals use hardware and software tools to set up and support computer networks. Those seeking work in this field should know how to use these tools. Some tools include crimpers to make network cables, testing equipment to find live network connections, and software tools to monitor and diagnose network problems.

I recommend: See an article on Buzzle about tools needed by networking professionals, and information on how to crimp cable. Check out Stanford University for listings of network monitoring software.

Employment websites

There are many opportunities for network technicians and engineers, from smaller local companies to technical providers to large corporations. Jobs can be found by applying in person, looking in the local newspaper and checking out online employment sites. It's possible to find even more success by using one of the many websites that cater specifically to technical professionals.

I recommend: Dice is a leading employment website in the computer networking field.