Career And School Info For Network And Communications Analysts

Schools by State for This Career

Related Resources

• Computer Science Degrees
• Information Technology Degrees
• Computer Forensics Degrees
• Computer Certifications
• Network Certifications
• Security Certifications
• VOIP Convergence Certifications
• Cisco Network Certifications
• Cisco VOIP Certifications
• Cisco Wireless Certifications
• CIW Web Certifications
• Computer Science Student Stories

What Kind of Person Has This Career?

(Numbers are % of people choosing the item.)

Important Natural Abilities	% Choosing
Anticipating Problems	66%
Deductive Reasoning	66%
Oral Comprehension	63%

Full List

Work Values	% Choosing
Organizational Support	83%
Independence	72%
Achievement	67%

Full List

Areas of Personal Interest	% Choosing
Mental Problem-Solving	89%
Following Instructions	78%
Hands-On Physical Work	50%

Work Style Characteristics	% Choosing
Attention To Detail	89%
Integrity	89%
Dependability	88%

Full List

Which Skills and Knowledge are Needed for this Job?

(Numbers are % of people choosing the item.)

Important Personal Skills	% Choosing
Equipment Selection	83%
Troubleshooting	82%
Complex Problem Solving	81%

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Important Professional Knowledge	% Choosing
Computers And Electronics	93%
Telecommunications	84%
English Language	74%

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Which Activities and Situations Are Involved in Doing The Job?

(Numbers are % of people choosing the item.)

Common Work Conditions	% Choosing
Electronic Mail	100%
Telephone	91%
Structured Versus Unstructured Work	90%

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Common Job Activities	% Choosing
Interacting With Computers	97%
Updating And Using Relevant Knowledge	88%
Getting Information	80%

Full List

Information Sources

BrainTrack's information on colleges and careers is drawn from many sources, including government databases, BrainTrack's own research, and results from original data analysis algorithms.

Network and Communications Analyst Job Description

Every day, as we surf the Internet, talk on cell phones or land lines, send email or faxes, use ATMs, watch television, drive using the GPS, videoconference or share documents, we rely on networks. These complex systems of hardware, wires and signals, that support business throughout the world, are managed by network and communications analysts.

The responsibilities of network and communications analysts (also called network architects) include:

• Identifying the needs of clients, then planning and building networks that meet those requirements.
• Designing secure networks that transfer data quickly and reliably.
• Analyzing existing networks and making recommendations for enhancements with hardware or software.
• Regularly testing and upgrading networks for security and quality.
• Setting up and maintaining voice mail and email systems.
• Documenting and modeling networks for communication with other business groups.

Network and communications analysts work in office or lab environments, as full time employees or self-employed consultants, often telecommuting.

Degrees and Schools

Most network and communications analysts have earned at least a bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems (MIS), Computer Science or Information Science from a college or university. Some have obtained two-year associate's degrees from vocational schools, or demonstrated enough qualifications through work experience and certifications to obtain a position. Certification in specific network technologies and software is considered the industry standard by employers of network and communications analysts, and even those with degrees are expected to hold them.

Most employers seek network and communications analysts who have had some formal education in business, project management and Internet commerce. An MIS degree, which combines business with information technology, or an MBA with emphasis on computer science, can provide an advantage to job seekers.

To support their long term career goals, many network and communications analysts will seek a four-year degree or master's degree at some point. Tuition reimbursement for courses or programs related to a job is available through some employers.

Classes

Coursework for students in two-year and four-year degree computer science programs is usually divided between class time and lab time. Group projects and independent assignments encourage students to apply what they've learned by creating actual networks. Students also learn:

• Understanding different kinds of wired and wireless networks and their unique purposes
• Requirements gathering, documentation and modeling
• Analysis, planning and management of networks
• Voice and data communications administration
• Operations, maintenance and upgrading of networks
• Troubleshooting and technical support
• Preserving data integrity and testing procedures
• Use of specific network software, hardware and programming languages
• Network security, integration and testing
• Internet and intranet administration

Network and communications analysts must keep up-to-date on emerging technologies. They frequently attend conferences, join user groups and take certification courses for specific hardware or software products. Some employers pay for or reimburse these expenses.

Online Classes and Programs

Online education is a popular option for network and communications analysts. They often pursue online information science or computer science two-year degrees or four-year degrees. There are many programs available, so choosing educational programs that are accredited by organizations such as ABET can help narrow down choices, and ensures that credits will be accepted in the future at other schools.

Employment Requirements

Most employers consider a bachelor's degree to be a minimum requirement for network and communications analysts, although some hold associate's degrees and/or have commensurate experience and certification.

How to Evaluate Schools

Prospective students interested in becoming network and communications analysts should ask the following questions when comparing two- and four-year degree programs:

• Practical experience - Does the program require substantial time in the computer lab? Are internships or other practical experience opportunities supported?
• Career assistance- Does the school have a job placement program with a notable success rate? Do they offer career fairs where many major employers attend each year?
• School and class size - Will the student-faculty ratio in relevant courses provide a suitable learning environment? What amenities are offered, such as computer labs?
• Relevant courses - Do program courses balance both business and computer science education? Do course offerings include sufficient training on relevant software and hardware?
• Accreditation - Has a governing body in computer science / information technology accredited the school? If an online program, have direct learning oversight organizations awarded accreditation?
• Tuition and financial assistance - Scholarships, loans or work study can help ease tuition costs. What kinds of guidance does the school provide for students to help them take full advantage of these options?
• Additional costs - In addition to textbooks and fees, will students be required to purchase expensive software programs and manuals, or pay for lab time?

Example Job Titles

(Titles per survey respondents and career experts.)

• Certified Novell Administrator (CNA)
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Communications Analyst
• Communications Consultant
• Computer Networker
• Configuration Technician
• Cryptologist
• Data Communications Analyst
• Data Communications Software Consultant
• End User Support Specialist
• Enterprise Architect
• Implementation Consultant
• Information Systems Auditor
• Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst)
• Information Technology Consultant (IT Consultant)
• Information Technology Director
• Information Technology Manager
• Information Technology Specialist
• Internet Consultant
• Internet Developer
• Internet Information Technology Specialist
• Internet Network Specialist
• Internetworking Technician
• LAN Engineer (Local Area Network Engineer)
• LAN/WAN Engineer (Local Area Network/Wide Area Network Engineer)
• Multimedia Telecommunications Systems Integrator
• Multimedia Telecommunications Systems Integrator
• Network Administrator
• Network Analyst
• Network Architect
• Network Consultant
• Network Designer
• Network Developer
• Network Engineer
• Network Manager
• Network Operations Analyst
• Network Services Information Technology Specialist
• Network Specialist
• Network Systems Analyst
• Network Systems Integrator
• Network Technician
• Network/Telecom Engineer
• Networking Engineer
• Networking Specialist
• Networking Systems and Distributed Systems Engineer
• Networks Computer Consultant
• Networks Software Consultant
• Personal Computer Network Analyst
• Personal Computer Network Engineer
• Programmer Analyst
• Sales Engineer
• System Programmer
• Systems Administrator
• Systems Analyst
• Systems Developer
• Systems Engineer
• Systems Integrator
• Systems Planner
• Systems Specialist
• Telecom Engineer
• Telecommunication Engineer
• Telecommunications Analyst
• Telecommunications Engineer
• Telecommunications Engineer
• Telecommunications Management Specialist
• Telecommunications Manager
• Telecommunications Manager
• Telecommunications Specialist
• VoIP Network Technician
• Wide Area Network Engineer (WAN Engineer)
• Wireless Network Engineer

Apply For a BrainTrack Computer Science Scholarship

To help students currently pursuing a computer science degree, the BrainTrack Computer Science Degree Scholarship gives a winning and second place award every semester. Through entrant essays, the scholarship is designed to be a resource for future students considering fields such as programming, software engineering, systems analysis, database administration, network administration, systems administration, network analysis, and communications analysis. Eligible studies include associate, bachelor, master, or doctoral degree programs in computer science, information science, or information technology.

For recent winners and a selection of entries please visit BrainTrack's Computer Science Student Stories section.

Scholarship Details and Submission Form

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