Popular Jobs In Networking (With Duties And Requirements)

Updated 5 September 2023

There are many specialisations within IT like systems engineering, application management, network administration, project management, help desk support, database administration and system security that offer good career prospects. Networking in IT offers good scope for professionals with specialised IT skills and experience. If you are interested in a career in networking, you may benefit from learning more about the variety of careers available in this domain, their scope and requirement. In this article, we examine what are jobs in networking, how much do these jobs pay, and their required qualifications.

Popular jobs in networking

There are some popular jobs in networking that exist so that the software development team, clients and end users can get uninterrupted service. The networking team is responsible for installing and maintaining computer networks. While a single member may be enough for a small organisation, large organisations with complex and advanced networking systems will need many professionals at various levels and in hierarchy. Together, they ensure optimum functioning of network components and work to prevent a crisis in case of a system crash. They work with the management to create proposals, budgets and estimates for maintenance of IT systems.

Networking teams may also provide technical support to the IT department, train new employees and maintain company websites. They also set up VoIP systems and video conferences, and ensure that components like audio-video input, interfaces and servers are functioning at all times. Some in-demand jobs in networking with good growth prospects are:

1. Network administrator

National average salary: ₹4,92,451 per year

Primary duties: Network administrator is an entry and beginner-level role in networking. Network administrators work as part of an IT team to install and maintain different types of networks and components, including local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (LAN), internet, intranet and network segment systems. They are responsible for installing network hardware, training users and maintaining overall stability and security of a system during operation. Network administrators also troubleshoot network issues that employees, software developers and end-users face.

Requirements: A bachelor's degree in IT or computer science with networking as a speciality and additional certifications in network security, web programming, network applications are the basic requirements for a network administrator. Since this is not an entry-level job, companies give preference to candidates with internships, higher academic credentials or previous work experience. This helps organisations save time and resources in training candidates on the basics of network administration.

2. Systems engineer

National average salary: ₹4,96,335 per year

Primary duties: Systems engineers oversee functional aspects of a networking system in an organisation. Their job is to design a system that works reliably, securely and consistently. They monitor hardware, equipment and other components of network systems to identify areas for improvement. They work with other members of the IT department and maintain detailed documentation of the network components and hardware they manage.

Requirements: A bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science or systems is the basic educational qualification you require to become a systems engineer. Organisations may prefer candidates with experience in designing, maintaining, deploying and supporting network systems. Additional certifications in network systems are an added advantage.

3. Network security engineer

National average salary: ₹6,87,718 per year

Primary duties: Network security engineers play a key role in keeping networks in different parts of the world safe from cybersecurity threats. They conduct regular risk assessments, create firewalls and design and install new security features to mitigate threats. They also document security risks, technical issues and their solutions proactively, to act swiftly in case of a security issue.

Requirements: Professionals with a bachelor's degree in computer science, information security, cybersecurity or IT can become network security engineers. Some companies may prefer people with two to three years of experience in network security or cybersecurity-related work, including threat detection, threat elimination and forensics.

4. Network specialist

National average salary: ₹9,84,304 per year

Primary duties: A network specialist is a professional who has skills pertaining to various roles of network management and administration. They are capable of installing and configuring new network systems. They have experience in providing end-user support and also in network administration. Network specialists are also skilled in data recovery and provide security for different components of an organisation's networks. In small organisations, they may perform the role of more than one professional and handle all networking needs single-handedly. Large organisations that use complex networks employ network specialists to manage their networking team or department.

Requirements: A bachelor's degree in information technology or computer science and additional professional certification is a basic requirement to become a network specialist. Since they may have worked in more than one area of networking, organisations expect network specialists to have extensive knowledge in networking technologies and about five to eight years of relevant work experience.

5. Network architect

National average salary: ₹19,08,099 per year

Primary duties: A network architect designs and builds data communication networks. The networks they work on can range from smaller local area networks (LANs) to larger wide area networks (WAN's) and intranets. These professionals also manage the infrastructure of computer networks to ensure that they operate effectively. This includes routers, cables, modems and other necessary hardware and software. This role is typically a senior IT position within an organisation, often working alongside IT specialists and communicating with management staff.

Requirements: A four-year bachelor's degree in IT, computer science, systems, engineering or mathematics is a basic requirement for a network architect. Large organisations may look for people with master's degrees and five to ten years of experience in designing and building networks.

6. Senior network analyst

National average salary: ₹22,08,826 per year

Primary duties: A senior network analyst is a top-level role in the IT department of a company. This is a highly technical role, and these professionals are responsible for planning, designing and testing an organisation's IT networks. They oversee day-to-day operations and work with network security engineers to provide network security. They constantly monitor and document the performance of critical components of an organisation's network.

They may work independently or manage a team of system engineers and junior analysts, depending on the scale of their operations. One can start as a network analyst and rise to become a senior network analyst. Companies may also hire people with six to eleven years of experience in a related field directly as a senior system analyst.

Requirements: A bachelor's degree in IT, computer science, systems or relevant disciplines is a basic requirement for network analysts. Additional work experience and knowledge of components like routers, switches and peripheral networking technology are beneficial when you apply for a senior network analyst position. Companies prefer professionals who have advanced diplomas and certifications for senior roles.

Basics of networking

Networking is a process where two or more computers connect to each other and with servers, printers, fax machines and cloud interfaces. The devices and interfaces can connect through wired or wireless networks. Professionals build a network of computers with hardware like cables, routers, switches, access points, operating systems and business applications. Networking is possible within built premises and across geographical boundaries, between cities and continents.

Educational qualifications required for jobs in networking

A bachelor's degree in engineering, majoring in computer science, IT, information systems or cybersecurity is an ideal qualification for a career in networking. Companies may require either a master's degree or a bachelor's degree with 5 to 6 years of experience for senior roles. You can get certifications specialising in a branch of networking to improve your job prospects. Once you get an entry-level job in networking, you can gain advanced skills and specialised experience to add value to your resume.

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Certifications for jobs in networking

There are many certifications and diplomas that can help professionals improve their employability in the domain of networking. Companies like Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, VMware, Red Hat and Citrix offer networking-related certifications. If you are looking for jobs in networking, you may consider pursuing the following certifications:

CompTIA A+ Certification
CompTIA Network+ Certification
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Core Infrastructure
VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization
Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – Routing and Switching
Cisco Certified Network Professional Level (CCNP) – Routing and Switching

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location.

Popular Jobs In Networking (With Duties And Requirements)