As computer networks are used in almost every firm these days, the services of a network engineer are high on demand. Read through this story to enhance your awareness about this particular job.
While preparing a resume for a network engineer's job, you obviously must have spared a thought for the kind of responsibilities you are going to be burdened with. Before we proceed with an insight into their work profile, it is important for one to assume the importance of computer networking.
The basic reason for the existence of networks is the need for sharing data. This is done because through a network, hardware, applications, and information can be accessed by a large number of users at the same or some distant location, which helps in decreasing costs, increasing efficiency, and also widening the scope of communication.
Nature of Work and Key Responsibilities
As computer-based systems have become an integral part of the corporate world, networking professionals are highly in demand. But remember, their job is not an easy one, as there are lots of critical responsibilities one has to take care of.
The responsibility of design, development, installation, testing, maintenance, and linking of computers with peripherals like fax machines, printers, and modems, is headed by him.
We cannot exclude communication equipment like desk phones, cellular phones, PDAs, along with video equipment like cameras, use of cabling methods or wireless transmissions, and software.
Here are the broad duties performed by him.
Manages new hardware and software required for the network.
Configures and maintains network equipment, servers, and server clusters.
Manages system backups and restoration, and controlling protocols.
Plans and supports network and computing infrastructural requirements.
Performs troubleshooting analysis of servers, workstations, and associated devices.
Documents network problems and resolution for future reference.
Monitors system performance and implements performance tuning.
Manages user accounts, permissions, email access, anti-virus programs, and spam filters.
Oversees software and network security.
Hierarchy
Most of these professionals start off by working as trainees or junior network engineers. Once they obtain sufficient experience, they may get promoted to a senior engineer, followed by chief engineer, and director of networks. In this field, graduate studies and certifications can be a distinguishing factor in getting a good job.
Pay Scale
The salary depends on the experience, responsibilities, education, and also on the type and location of the firm. The telecommunication industry generally offers the highest salaries for these positions. On the other hand, lowest salaries were given to those in the government and the educational sector.
The national average pay is ranged between USD 60,000 and USD 80,000 annually, with the highest figures reported in the East and Northeast regions of the US.
Experience also is a major factor. Junior workers, with less than a year of relevant experience, earned between USD 50,000 to USD 60,000 per year. In the Detroit metropolitan area, mid-level to senior professionals had a median wage of USD 86,000 as of early 2020.
Those with 5 to 20 years of experience earned in the range of USD 85,000 to USD 110,000 depending on one or more of the above factors.
Benefits
Benefits may include paid vacations, annual holidays, and sick leaves. Some companies also offer insurance covers for life, health, accident and disability. Additional plans like retirement and educational reimbursement make this job very lucrative.
With new technology being released on a constant basis, corporate systems will continue to evolve. That means that network engineers will be needed to keep businesses up and running. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the job growth to increase by 5% till 2028, faster than the national average.