How Do I Become a Network Architect?

A network architect has the important role of designing computer networks. A company may hire a network architect to revamp its entire computer system. The company may want to figure out a more affordable way to grant its employees access to the Internet or to maintain a system of electronic documents. The network architect must take many factors into consideration in designing a computer network for a company. He or she must consider a company’s budget, its number of employees and current computer resources. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a network architect?” To make your way into the tech department of a company, you should pursue a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field.

What’s it like to be a network architect?

As a network architect, your daily life can be quite busy. You may need to oversee the implementation of a new computer system for a company. This could require meeting with other IT professionals and the board of directors for a company. It may be your job to research the most effective method of storing computer files for a company. You may need to design a new type of software that organizes all of the case files for a law firm. These are just a couple of the examples of the work that a network architect does. He or she may also design virus protection software programs for companies. The network architect plays a vital role in designing programs that can protect companies from cyber-attacks on the Internet.

Education Requirements

To become a network architect, it is important for a person to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. One should obtain a bachelor’s degree in the field of information technology, software engineering or mathematics. These types of degree programs will provide a person with the analytical skills and critical-thinking skills that he or she needs to thrive in a career as a network analyst. It is also essential to have a strong understanding of all of the computer coding languages that currently exist on the Internet. Taking a specific course on HTML or PHP coding languages is a good idea. One should be able to interpret HTML and Java languages. Being able to interpret HTML and Java provide a person with the ability to develop his or her own computer programs. When you are creating a computer program, it will be important for you to make sure that the program is adaptable to HTML and PHP websites.

Salary & How to Get a Job

The starting salary of a network architect is about $50,000 a year. If you work for a company for more than ten years, then your salary will likely increase to over $80,000 a year. When you want to get a job as a network architect, it is important to network with other computer professionals for major corporations. This can give you the connection that you need in order to enter the profession. Another way to obtain a position as a network architect is to apply for positions at universities. Colleges are currently experiencing a high demand for network architects. Because college campuses rely so heavily upon computer technology, they are continuing to hire network architects who can maintain computers and purchase new programs for the college.

References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/facts_5886819_job-description-network-architect.html