Essential Skills Needed for Networking Careers
Developing a career in networking has its fair share of challenges, and knowing what to look for can often be disorienting and frustrating. The field of networking, however, is one of a few areas where degrees and qualifications are less critical than the ability to apply oneself, learn, and practice skills. For college students, or for persons considering a career change, knowing what skills are critical to networking will be instrumental in developing a course of action.
Networking professionals are the keepers of our interconnected digital world. In addition to ensuring small business networks and large scale data centers operate seamlessly, networking professionals are also responsible for the design, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of the systems that make computers and devices communicate. The field is ultimately rewarding, but what steps can one take to break into the field? The aim of the following is to outline the skills that are fundamental to a career in networking.
The Importance of Technical Knowledge
Perhaps the most important aspect of any networking profession is having a grasp on the necessary technical know-how. It involves knowing how networks work on a foundational level. Examples of the foundational components of a network include the TCP/IP protocols that control the movement of data on the network, and the different topological structures that networks use, be it star, mesh, or some hybrid combination of the two.
Equally important is having a grasp of how IP addressing works. Every networking professional is expected to be aware of the fundamentals of subnetting, CIDR, and the differences between IPv4 and IPv6. The theory surrounding these principles is not what is important. What is important is that you will apply these principles on a daily basis in the configuration of networking devices such as routers and switches. That said, one of the required fundamentals of networking is having a firm grasp of a network’s supporting services, such as DNS and DHCP.
Of significant importance is the knowledge surrounding the hardware components of networking. Most organizations will look to hire a networking professional who can distinguish between routers, switches, and firewalls, and access points. Many novices would find value in enrolling in a networking course that is structured in such a way that it allows them to build the necessary foundation comprehensively and progressively. As an example, you would build such a foundation by completing a CCNA course with PyNetLabs, and even gain experience in the use of industry-based real-world devices and scenarios, which is a form of experience that employers will be looking for.
Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
Professionals in the networking field do not get to enjoy the consistent and predictable functions of reliable systems in their daily work. Instead, the networks they work with experience malfunctions that can be traced to various causes. The challenges of the field include identifying the cause of losses in speed, losing connectivity and breaches in system security. The value of your problem-solving skills becomes evident at this point. You have to be very methodical about your approach to troubleshooting. You have to identify the symptoms, determine the cause of the problem, test solutions to the problem and then, implement fixes to the problem.
The ability to analyze helps you with the network diagrams that are very complicated and to understand the various points at which data flow through the network. You will be tasked with the work of tracing packets through the multiple devices and in addition to that work you will have to analyze the logs that record the activities of the devices and the metrics of the devices that relay information about the devices, to identify the place in the flow of data that are the cause of the problems in the data flow. Your ability to think and analyze problems and then break the problem down into sub problems explain the difference that exists between good technicians and great technicians.
Best Practices and the Awareness of Security
The digital world we live in is plagued by increasing security challenges. The network professionals of the organization however carry the most responsibility because the protection of the organization’s assets begins with their knowledge of the most basic security principles. These principles include knowledge about the various devices that can be used to control access to data – firewalls, VPNs, devices that encipher and decipher data and devices that restrict the access of users to certain areas of data. The network professionals will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the methods used to attack networks that include the use of various devices – DDoS, the attacks on networks that occur between the users and the network (man-in-the-middle attacks), and the schemes used to deceive users of the network (phishing schemes).
Developing security measures is not optional. This includes knowing how to set up secure passwords, activate multi-factor authentication, properly segment networks, and make sure updates and patches are consistently applied. Employers are looking more and more for separation of duty candidates who possess a security mindset during fron design and not an after-thought.
Communication
Your ability to communicate is more important than you might think. In addition to knowledge of the subject, a networking professional needs to communicate with both technical and non-technical individuals. You will be required to explain things to business managers who will not understand the technical nuances. Many parts of the job will require you to write clear documentation, design and articulate networks, and create and present technical business proposals.
Equally important is the ability to work in a team. You will collaborate with system admin, software engineers, cyber security practitioners, and business stakeholders. The ability to listen, express and work with a group can be of a great deal of importance to your career. Strong relational skills will open up more and more frontiers to you.
Continuous Learning and Adaptability
Networking and technology change on a continuous basis. Cloud computing, software-defined networking, and automation are just a few of the technologies rapidly changing how networks are built and how they operate. Therefore, a successful networking professional will develop a habit of continuous learning. This can be achieved by learning about new technologies and frameworks, obtaining the relevant certifications, and experimenting with the new technologies.
What you learn today can change tomorrow, and being adaptable to new tools, platforms, and methodologies will keep you relevant throughout your career. Writing on industry blogs, posting on industry-related forums, hosting and attending industry-related webinars, and being a part of the many professional organizations are all means of obtaining and maintaining professional knowledge and a degree of professional expertise.
Attention to Detail and Documentation
Networking requires a high level of attention to detail. For example, a single incorrectly configured setting can result in the failure of an entire network. Therefore, you need to be extremely careful when making changes and, in particular, about the process of testing a change, especially a change that will be implemented in a production environment. The toll of your mistake can be significant and can adversely affect hundreds and even thousands of users.
Documentation is equally important and, unfortunately, the attention that is paid to it is often far less than it deserves. Good documentation practices will help your teammates in the present and future, and in addition to this, it will enable good emergency responses when a network is changed.
Time Management and Prioritization
Issues relating to networks are unpredictable. Problems often arise in clusters, and may require different levels of attention. The ability to prioritize issues based on impacts to the business, the urgency of the problem, and the resources available to the resolver is invaluable. Issues may require temporary workarounds, and in the meantime, the resolver may start to work on a more permanent solution. In addition, the resolver may assist with routine maintenance work, and troubleshoot and urgent issues in a timely manner.
An example of a time management problem is scheduling network upgrades. This requires the resolver to work with other teams to ensure changes are made during a low activity time and to minimize disruption to the business. Resolving issues in a timely manner and maintaining quality work is a skill that is often needed to advance in the profession.
Getting Started Today
Starting a career in networking does not require a great deal of time to prepare. Learn the theory online, in books, and in classes, followed by practical work. Create a home lab with virtualization software to practice your configuration skills on routers and switches, rather than using costly hardware. Participate in online forums to seek and provide assistance with other members.
Entry-level certifications that provide evidence of knowledge and provide improvement to your resume can be useful in obtaining positions. Internships, and entry-level positions such as network technician and help desk positions offer experience that are invaluable. Every expert in the field is a beginner at the start and your dedication will be the driving force in your advancement.
Within your willingness, the networking sector offers great potential. A rewarding and secure position can be obtained in the rapidly growing sector by developing the skills of technical and problem-solving, security, communication, and learning in addition to a strong attention to detail and management of your time.