As companies become more dependent on technology, the need for skilled Network Analysts continues to grow. While the role of this job can be rewarding, it also comes with disadvantages.
This article will examine the advantages and disadvantages of being a computer network analyst. Keep scrolling to learn more!
What Does A Network Analyst Do?
A network analyst specializes in computer networks. This person handles their design, analysis, and troubleshooting.
Also, network analysts have a degree in computer science or a related field. These people understand network structures and technologies. Besides, they have experience in building and managing network devices.
Moreover, a network analyst can work with network engineers, architects, and experts. They are to ensure a smooth and secure network.
Typical duties of this position include:
- Network design: With this duty, they develop and design new networks. This process is to meet the company’s needs.
- Network monitoring: Network analysts must detect any performance or security issues. They can use tools like network management software to identify and fix problems.
- Ensure network security: If you are a network analyst, you must apply security measures to protect the network.
- Support to network users: A network analyst always looks for technical and user issues.
What Skills Does a Network Analyst Need?
To be a good network analyst, you need some soft and technical skills to do your job. So, we have listed some skills that you can learn right away in this section:
Networking knowledge is hard to learn, but it is necessary to become a network analyst. Besides, an understanding of networking principles and technologies will help you perform your job duties. You can employ them in the working process by being aware of how they interact.
Network Design and Implementation
A network analyst must have experience in designing and deploying complex networks to meet job needs.
Besides, they should know how to estimate network capacity. This skill will help them plan for the future development of the system. They can identify errors and deploy solutions to optimize network capacity.
Network Monitoring And Troubleshooting
Like the two skills above, you cannot handle all tasks of a network analyst without this one. A network analyst must have experience using network management tools to monitor network performance and identify potential problems. Through that process, they will fix them with the network.
What makes the job of being a network analyst attractive is the high demand and salary. These benefits are the reason why many people try every day to pursue this career. Of course, it also has some cons that you must consider.
Here are three pros of being a network analyst:
1. High Demand
The first benefit of working as a network analyst is the high demand. We said that a lot of big companies are looking for this position. This case is because any network system depends on technology.
2. Competitive Salary
Of course, when recruitment demand is high, companies will be willing to pay a large salary for this position.
We conducted a survey and found that the average salary for a network analyst is higher than many other jobs. It can go up to more than $100,000 per year if you’re good at it.
3. Diversity of Work
Network analysts work in different industries, which allows them to work on various projects. As a result, this benefit will bring a lot of experience to you.
And here are some cons of being a network analyst:
4. Long Working Hours
As a Network Analyst, you often work long hours especially when the network is down or upgrading the system. This problem can also be due to the need to complete projects within tight deadlines.
5. Technical Complexity
As we said, the job of a network analyst requires a deep understanding of complex network systems and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
They can be challenging for you. So you must be willing to learn and adapt to new technologies.
How to Become a Network Analyst?
So are you wondering how to become a network analyst? If you have that question, we have the answer for you! With just three simple steps, we believe you will be successful on the path you choose!
Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree
To get a Bachelor’s degree in Network Analyst, you typically have to enter research programs at universities and colleges.
Besides, some programs may also require letters of recommendation, essays, or interviews. Courses in the program will cover specialist topics to prepare you for becoming a Network Analyst.
Unlike a Bachelor’s Degree, this certification is an extra option to increase your competitiveness. Because among many network graduates, employers will choose those with additional external certifications.
Also, these certifications prove they have more knowledge in the field. Some popular Network Analyst certifications include Cisco Certified Networking Association (CCNA) and CompTIA+ Network+.
Thus, you can research and choose the one that’s right for you.
Lastly, gaining experience as a Network Analyst is a need to build your skills. It also helps you increase your knowledge and enhance your career opportunities.
You can start with an internship while pursuing a degree in this job. This way will allow you to work in a professional environment. Besides, it helps you gain experience for more chances in the future.
But if you find it hard to find a place to work, you can do personal projects on your own. For example, you can build a home lab to practice your networking skills.
Conclusion
We have gone through the pros and cons of being a network analyst together to have a better look at this job. Although it has some cons, it is still a potential career path with an attractive salary.
If you still want to undertake this career path, follow our steps above. We believe you will succeed if you don’t stop learning and practicing!