Computer Network Architect

QUALIFICATIONS

Low: An Associate Degree with/or Professional Courses and Allied Certification Courses like Cisco or CompTIA Network and Security Certifications, VMware Certified Professional (VCP), etc.;
On the Job Training (OJT), Apprenticeships, IT Workforce Job Training or Experience.

Medium: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology with majors in Math including calculus will be a big plus.

High: Post Graduation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) or a Master’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology. Cisco or CompTIA certifications or an MBA, especially in MIS or Finance will be an added advantage.

ANNUAL AVERAGE SALARY
(Credits: www.payscale.com)

PROJECTED GROWTH
(Credits: www.bls.gov)

Computer Network Architects is an excellent career pathway, in which employment is projected to grow at a steady 5 percent from 2019 to 2029.

SKILLS/ TRAITS NEEDED

The Computer Network Architect must be detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent structured logical and critical thinking, written and verbal communication, creativity, planning and strategy, time management, prioritization, inter-personal & soft-skills, and must be constantly updated with the latest IT trends in networks and security, in-depth network design and architecture knowledge, and be self-organized and proactive to address new IT initiatives.

WORK FUNCTIONS

Computer Network Architects gather organizational networking requirements, create plans, prepare layouts and develop network diagrams for data communication networks like wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and intranets to meet the organization’s IT networking requirements. They collaborate with the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to understand the organization’s networking needs and objectives. They then create a Network design to meet not just the current requirements but ensure that it is “future growth ready” too, overseeing the installation and commissioning of the computer networks, and provide robust, cost-effective, and efficient networking solutions.