Dianne Ponton

English 111-14

7 December 1999

I became interested in computers about 15 years ago. I took several computer courses at Thomas Nelson Community College. At that time, the only program of study in the computer field was data processing/computer programming. I was able to take a basic programming class, which I really enjoyed. I enjoy problem solving and troubleshooting. Now that I’ve been given the opportunity to return to school, I’ve decided to pursue an education in computer networking operations. After doing some research and talking with individuals, I uncovered a lot of useful information about networking that will help me progress toward my career goal.

Networking operation is a rapidly growing field in information systems technology. Many businesses are beginning to incorporate computer networking into their organization. Computer networking provides people within an organization, the capability to share hardware, software, printers, faxes, and modems.

The network operation program of study at Thomas Nelson prepares students for entry-level positions in network operating systems. There are many job titles in networking operations systems career field. The job duties and titles depend on the size and nature of the organization. Some of the job titles I came across in the Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance were "computer network specialist, network administrator, network security specialist, network control operators, and data recovery operators" (Brymer 479-480). After reading the job descriptions, I found a lot of the responsibilities were much the same. For instance,

There are several ways to obtain a position in networking. Individuals that attend college or a technical school should use the school’s career center and/or placement office. Some schools like Thomas Nelson offer a co-op program, which allows interested students to participate by working for local companies. They can obtain experience and college credit for their work. Individuals interested in seeking a career in network administration can join local computer professional organizations. Communicating with other professional organization members can provide information on job opportunities. However, if you are currently seeking employment, you should apply for jobs that involve computer work. Although you may not find a networking position, any experience with computers may increase your computing skills and provide exposure to computer problems. There are many telemarketing and call center companies in this area that use a network of computers in the workplace. Once you are employed, you may be able to actively seek exposure to other computer functions in the business. Also, volunteering at local charities that use computer networks may provide individuals the opportunity to gain experience in working with computers.

After viewing a job list from Glacier Technology, I found one listing for a network administrator. The job description stated that an individual only needed experience. It didn’t state how much experience was needed or whether a college degree or certification was required. The salary for that job, which was located in Savannah, GA, was between $41,000 and $50,000. A copy of a fax from a local information technology staffing service (Don Richard Associates of Tidewater), which was given to me by an employee of Gambro HealthCare’s career center, contained a listing for a network analyst, a network security analyst, and a network administrator. " The network analyst and network security positions required at least 2 years of experience, while the network administrator position only required experienced individuals" (Jana Harp). Although, entry-level positions do not require a bachelor’s degree, many employers may require an A.A.S. degree and/or some type of certification. However, in order "to move into more complex and abstract positions such as systems analyst, a bachelor’s degree will be required" (Brymer 480). Nonetheless, education will be an ongoing process because of new technological developments.

Any individual working in these positions must have good computer background and good analytical skills. America’s Career InfoNet outlined some of the basic skills, ability, and knowledge an individual needs to possess in order to have a career in networking operations. Knowledge of computers and electronics is important for this career field. Knowing about electric circuit boards, processor, chips, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming is essential. One of the required skills for this career is the ability to teach others how to do something. The individual must be capable of analyzing needs and product requirements. Knowing how to conduct tests to determine whether the equipment, software, or procedures are operating as expected is very important skill. The ability to determine what is causing an operating error and deciding what to do about it, is a major task in computer networking.

According to America’s Career InfoNet, any individual working in a networking position must also have good communication skills. They must be good listeners and have the ability to understand information presented through spoken words and sentences. They must be able to read and understand written information. It is required that they be able to speak clearly so that it is understandable to a listener. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar are all necessary. According to Louise Hudgins, the network administrator at Thomas Nelson Community College, both formal and technical writing is important on her job. Her job involves communicating through writing and speaking with both lay persons and people of her technical expertise. Writing plans for system changes, developing training manuals, developing training programs, and communicating through email are some of the ways network administrators use their writing skills. America’s Career InfoNet also has a listing of specific occupational tasks for the computer support professional. Included in the list are preparing evaluations of software and hardware to be reviewed by management and maintaining records of daily communication transactions, problems and remedial action taken, and installations activities.

After watching Louise Hudgins on her job for about two hours, I realized networking is complex, detailed, and can be frustrating. A network administrator must be patient, must enjoy challenges, and problem solving. They must be able to work well under pressure and without supervision.

The employment outlook for network administrators is expected to be faster than average through 2006. The employment trend across the United States is predicted to increase from "211,600 employed in 1996 to 460,800 employed in 2006. In Virginia, the trend is expected to increase by 133% from 7,050 employed in 1996 to 16,450 employed in 2006" (America’s Career InfoNet). As more companies discover the advantages of using computer networks, the demand for well-trained network professionals will increase. I know as an information technology professional that I will have to continue to be educated in order to be successful. I will have to be organized, patient, and willing to face the challenges.

Works Cited

America’s Career InfoNet. Accessed on 24 Oct. 1999. <http://www.acinet.org/acinet/oview1.htm>.

Brymer, Bill, et al. "Computer Network Administrator." Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance. Vol. 2. 10^th ed. Chicago: J.G. Ferguson. 1997: 478-482.

Glacier Technology. Accessed on 16 Apr 1999. <http://www.glaciertechnology.com/glacierjobs.htm>.

Harp, Jana. Interview. 3 Nov. 1999.

Hudgins, Louise P. Interview. 27 Oct. 1999.

"Technical/Systems Positions." Don Richard Associates of Tidewater. Fax to Gambro HealthCare. 1 Nov. 1999.

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