Educational Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is preferred by many employers, though associate degrees are often accepted.

Training & Specialization

Networking Fundamentals: Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and subnetting.Hardware Knowledge: Hands-on experience installing, configuring, and maintaining routers, switches, and firewalls—specifically Cisco systems (CCNA/CCNP level).Network Security: Experience with VPN, IDS/IPS, and security protocols to prevent unauthorized access.Operating Systems: Proficiency in Windows Server (2008+) and Linux.Cloud & Virtualization: Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and virtualization technologies (VMware) is becoming a common requirement.Monitoring Tools: Experience with network monitoring software like Wireshark, Nagios, or SolarWinds. 

Major Duties & Responsibilities

Problem-Solving & Analytics: The ability to quickly identify and resolve network issues.Communication: Ability to document technical processes and communicate complex issues to non-technical users.Attention to Detail: Critical for ensuring security and avoiding configuration errors.