What does a computer network specialist do?
Computer network specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer network specialist resumes:
- Lead the Linux desktop team in both training and deployment as well as end user support.
- Lead effort to develop and maintain client's database by customizing existing computer information systems to support operating objectives.
- Engineer network projects including cable, socket and patch panel terminations including configuration of network routers, and switches and firewalls.
- Implement hardware, software and network solutions, wire, wireless, and remote access, routers, switches, cabling.
- Install and document 80 Cat5 Ethernet drops.
- Load image on new PCs and other electronic devices.
- Perform OS upgrades to production UNIX servers at customer location.
- Resolve LAN/WAN connectivity problems up to the sites' Ethernet switch.
- Advise school staff and administration around optimal placement of LAN segments.
- Upgrade all server and workstations to the requirements of the telemarketing users.
- Create and install ghost images to new and existing workstations and laptops.
- Install and configure desktop PC's, to include OS and mission critical software.
- Develop scenarios to troubleshoot computer, network, application and peripheral issues.
- Research and test latest exploits during day-to-day evaluations of wireless capabilities and LAN operations to include circumventing commonly used protocols.
- Develop strategies for linking PCs to minicomputers and mainframes while integrating sophisticate data communications technology into products, systems and services.
Computer network specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Computer Network Specialists are proficient in Computer System, Customer Service, and Computer Network. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Multitasking skills.
We break down the percentage of Computer Network Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Computer System, 11%
Develop and document detailed network information and software installation processes for new computer system and technology related infrastructure.
- Customer Service, 9%
Generated additional income by providing excellent customer service which resulted in improved client relations.
- Computer Network, 9%
Provided support and database development for computer network systems.
- Technical Support, 9%
Provided technical support for internal and/or external DHSS agency stakeholders.
- Switches, 5%
Engineered network projects including cable, socket and patch panel terminations including configuration of network routers, and switches and firewalls.
- Troubleshoot, 4%
Developed scenarios to troubleshoot computer, network, application and peripheral issues.
Most computer network specialists use their skills in "computer system," "customer service," and "computer network" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential computer network specialist responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a computer network specialist to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Computer network specialists often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "developed strategies for linking pcs to minicomputers and mainframes while integrating sophisticated data communications technology into products, systems and services. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling computer network specialist duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." According to a computer network specialist resume, here's how computer network specialists can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "increased communication by interfacing with third party software vendors and providing direct support for the client's primary software applications. "
Multitasking skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of computer network specialists is multitasking skills. This skill is critical to many everyday computer network specialist duties, as "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "exhibit strong communication, critical thinking, multitasking, troubleshooting, and customer service skills"
Problem-solving skills. A big part of what computer network specialists do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to computer network specialist responsibilities because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical computer network specialist tasks: "implement hardware, software and network solutions, wired, wireless, and remote access, routers, switches, cabling. "
The three companies that hire the most computer network specialists are:
- JST Corporation / Sales America2 computer network specialists jobs
- enGenius Consulting
2 computer network specialists jobs
- Epsilon Systems1 computer network specialists jobs
Compare different computer network specialists
Computer network specialist vs. Junior systems administrator
A junior systems administrator is primarily responsible for handling and maintaining systems for users while under the supervision of a more experienced systems administrator. Their responsibilities often revolve around assisting senior administrators, troubleshooting support, providing installations and configurations, and handling inquiries and concerns, providing them with corrective measures. Aside from support tasks, one may also have administrative duties such as producing reports and presentations, managing schedules, and maintaining accurate data of all transactions. Furthermore, it is essential to adhere to all the policies and regulations of the company.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, computer network specialist responsibilities require skills like "customer service," "computer network," "routers," and "network systems." Meanwhile a typical junior systems administrator has skills in areas such as "system administration," "san," "vmware," and "nas." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Junior systems administrators tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $65,174. In contrast, computer network specialists make the biggest average salary, $66,820, in the technology industry.junior systems administrators tend to reach similar levels of education than computer network specialists. In fact, junior systems administrators are 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Computer network specialist vs. Network internship
In a network internship, an intern's duties depend on the directives of a manager or supervisor. They typically perform support and beginner tasks, such as processing and organizing documentation, liaising with potential clients through calls and correspondence, greeting visitors, answering inquiries, and running errands. An intern may also participate in creating business plans, optimizing existing systems, attending meetings, conducting market research and analysis, and handling issues and concerns in adherence to the company's policies and regulations.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real computer network specialist resumes. While computer network specialist responsibilities can utilize skills like "computer network," "technical support," "workstations," and "network security," network interns use skills like "python," "c++," "facebook," and "java."
Network interns earn similar levels of education than computer network specialists in general. They're 3.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for computer network specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Associate Teaching Professor, Tufts University
References:
1. cybersecurity
2. cybersecurity
Computer network specialist vs. Network engineer
A network engineer is responsible for managing a network system, monitoring its performance, and upgrading its features to optimize performance and boost efficiency. Network engineers also create new systems, designing them based on clients' specifications and business needs. They also check network defects, perform troubleshooting, improve data security systems, and install security updates. A network engineer must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a broad understanding of system codes, programming languages, and network configurations.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from computer network specialist resumes include skills like "computer system," "customer service," "computer network," and "network printers," whereas a network engineer is more likely to list skills in "bgp," "ospf," "lan wan," and "firewall. "
Network engineers earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $90,927. Computer network specialists earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $66,820.Most network engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to computer network specialists. For example, they're 4.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer network specialist vs. Network support engineer
A network support engineer is an information technology expert who designs and develops computer systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Among their responsibilities include performing installations and upgrades, configuring networks, troubleshooting issues, gathering and analyzing data to identify areas needing improvement, and recommending strategies to optimize network operations. They must also provide technical support to staff, address issues and concerns, conduct inspections, and perform repairs. Moreover, a network support engineer must regularly monitor networks while implementing the company's security and safety standards.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between computer network specialists and network support engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a computer network specialist might have more use for skills like "computer system," "customer service," "computer network," and "troubleshoot." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of network support engineers require skills like "tcp ip," "ospf," "bgp," and "firewall. "
In general, network support engineers earn the most working in the technology industry, with an average salary of $91,500. The highest-paying industry for a computer network specialist is the technology industry.The average resume of network support engineers showed that they earn higher levels of education compared to computer network specialists. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 5.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.2%.Types of computer network specialist
Updated January 8, 2025