Network Support Specialist

Network Support Specialists keep computer networks running without any problems. They make sure that the network is available to everyone who needs it and that data is transferred securely. Whether in the office, at home, or on a mobile device, our increasingly connected world relies on these professionals to maintain connections.

What Network Support Specialists Do

As a Network Support Specialist you will primarily be tasked with:

• Monitor computer networks to identify any problems
• Install and configure routers and switches for network connectivity
• Troubleshoot and resolve network connectivity issues and provide support to end-users
• Maintain and update network security systems
• Plan and implement network upgrades

Education and Career Path

Becoming a Network Support Specialist typically requires at least an Associate's Degree in Computer Science or a related field. Network administrators with experience can choose to specialize in a particular area of networking, such as security or wireless networking.

There are many different ways to learn about Network Support.

While a degree program can adequately prepare you for this career, online courses can be used to pick up new skills or retool for a career change. Online courses can teach you the fundamentos of computer networking, essential concepts such as IP addressing, routing, and switching. They can also cover important topics like Windows Server and cybersecurity. These courses let you learn though lecture videos, projects, assignments, quizzes, exams, discussions, and interactive labs.

Growth and Advancement

Network Support Specialists with experience and additional training can advance to roles such as Network Engineer, Network Administrator, or IT Manager. They may also choose to specialize in a particular area of networking such as security, wireless networking, or cloud computing.

Transferable Skills

Network support specialists develop a range of skills that are also valuable in other IT roles such as:

• Problem solving
• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Customer service

Day-to-Day

A day in the life of a network support specialist might look something like this:

• Check network monitoring systems for any alerts
• Respond to user requests for support with network connectivity issues
• Install and configure new network equipment
• Troubleshoot and resolve network performance issues
• Maintain and update network security systems

Challenges

Some challenges that Network Support Specialists may face include:

• Troubleshooting complex network issues that can be time-consuming and frustrating
• Working on-call to resolve network issues that occur outside of normal business hours
• Keeping up with the latest networking technologies

Personal Growth

Network Support Specialists can expect to experience a great deal of personal growth in this role. They will learn how to:

• Work independently and as part of a team
• Manage their time and resources effectively
• Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences
• Be adaptable and flexible in a constantly changing environment

Self-Guided Projects

You may want to complete some of the following projects to help prepare you for this career:

• Set up a small home network with a router, switch, and multiple devices
• Configure a network security system to protect your home network from unauthorized access
• Troubleshoot and resolve common network issues such as slow internet speeds or dropped connections