How To Become A Network Internship: What It Is and Career Path

What is a network internship and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Laura Kier

A network internship is a program that teaches you how to set up, develop, and maintain computer networks within an organization or between organizations. A network intern's roles are attending meetings, taking minutes, and performing research at the supervisor's request. They assist the other staff with the proper operation of the system and assist in new device certification. A network intern also works with senior network engineers to troubleshoot and build a proof of concept labs, build test scripts for network automation, and verify and validate configurations.

Network interns need analytical skills, excellent communications, and multitasking skills. They must also have basic math skills as well as attention to detail. To become a networking intern, you must have at least a high school diploma then an associate or bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering. The average annual pay for a networking intern is $72,517.

What general advice would you give to a network internship?

Laura Kier

Network Design and Administration Instructor

Students graduating from the Computer Network Design and Administration program will enter the job market with a solid foundation in networking technologies. Above that they should also be able to develop and demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Networking has a strong emphasis on teamwork and being able to communicate well with customers, co-workers and teammates is vital. Attaining certifications in Cisco, Linux, Windows, and security will also help the student stand out within the industry (classes in the program help to learn the knowledge needed to attain certifications). Students should participate in any local or online communities and groups to enhance skills and knowledge and find networking opportunities.

ScoreNetwork InternshipUS Average

Salary

2.6

Avg. Salary $33,322

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 13.84%

Black or African American 7.95%

Hispanic or Latino 11.67%

Unknown 5.00%

White 61.23%

Gender

female 29.89%

male 70.11%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a network internship

Explore network internship education requirements

Most common network internship degrees

Bachelor's

62.5 %

Associate

20.9 %

Master's

9.2 %

Start to develop specific network internship skills

Skills	Percentages
Python	10.52%
Switches	5.17%
C++	4.91%
Customer Service	4.47%
Troubleshoot	4.32%

Complete relevant network internship training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New network interns learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a network internship based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real network internship resumes.

Gain additional network internship certifications

Network internship certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific network internship certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for network interns include Network 5 Certification and CompTIA Network+.

More About Certifications

Research network internship duties and responsibilities

Manage TCP/IP networking, including network design and troubleshooting.
Experience managing the day-to-day operations of telecommunication services utilize by Astra Zeneca.
Involve in sales and support for computers, printers, and network systems, including hubs, routers, and switches.
Remove OSPF redistribution to BGP and configure BGP define static routes and default route injection.

Prepare your network internship resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your network internship resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a network internship resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable network internship resume templates

Build a professional network internship resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your network internship resume.

Apply for network internship jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a network internship job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do network interns rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

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1 star

Network internship reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020

Pros

I love the fact that I have self taught myself by trouble shooting issues for fifteen years while working in corrections as the Video court officer with no prior experince or degree

Cons

I dislike the fact that I don't get paid as a Video technician although I'm called to fix issues

A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019