Career Overview of Individuals with a Computer Networking or Telecommunications Degree
Career News December 13, 2015This article will help you understand what a degree program in either Computer Networking or Telecommunications entails. Learn about the educational accomplishments you must own, skills you will learn, salary and marketability for this degree program and other important career details as described below.
Important Details for those with a Computer Networking or Telecommunications Degree
A degree program in either of the aforementioned fields revolves around data communications, desktop operating systems or anything to do with Internet routing. You can either acquire these skills by pursuing an associate’s degree, a Bachelor’s degree program, Master’s or a doctorate degree program. However, graduates with Master’s degree or above get higher level jobs compared to those with a Bachelor’s or associate’s degree.
Also, note that a Master’s degree in this career path is somehow more specific, as you will only study in one area such as networking or computer systems. Another point is that you don’t have to attend full-time classes to acquire the degree, as online degree programs are available in most universities and colleges.
| Careers | Computer Systems Analyst | Computer Systems Administrator | Telecommunications Expert |
| Education details | Optional bachelor’s degree | Bachelor’s degree is a must | High school diploma |
| Estimated job growth rate | 25% | 12% | 6% |
| Average salary in 2014 | $82,700 | $75,800 | $54,500 |
Career Choices
Someone with a degree in computer networking is best suited to seek employment to be a data communications analyst, networking administrator or a data communications analyst. These fields generally deal with fixing networking problems, doing installations and designing or observing telecommunications systems.
Details about Network systems and Data Communications Analysts
In this field, your work involves planning, installing and testing Local Area Networks (LAN) for businesses and other government agencies. Additionally, an analyst can assess computer problems and recommend the right hardware and software to use.
Additional career Details
A computer systems analyst identifies problems in computer programs and makes proper recommendations to the owners of these computers. He or she can also develop new and customized computing systems for businesses and organizations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that computer analysts earned an annual average salary of $87,320 by May 2014.
Career Overview for a Network Administrator
For an average pay of $75,790, a network administrator keeps an eye at the company’s network and Internet systems to ensure that everything operates smoothly all year round. Sometimes, he or she may design or improve already existing computer software network systems for a business organization.
Important Details about a Telecommunications Specialist
Their work involves installing already developed networking and telecommunications systems. As mentioned above, networking software is developed by the networking analyst. Other than installing networking systems, a telecommunications specialist can also train users on how to use computer programs. Their average pay as per the BLS was $54,450 by May 2014.
Important Skills and Degree Programs
Most courses that revolve around computer systems and networking equip students with knowledge on topics such as wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), network operating systems and data communications. Students who do Master’s degrees or doctorate’s degree do however learn more in their specialized areas of learning.
