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More info
- In-demand role managing IT, data and telecommunications networks
- You'll need great technical knowledge, along with management skills and project management skills
- You'll need to keep up with technological changes, and could develop a specialism in a particular field like information/cyber security
As a network manager, you'll manage an IT networking team within an organisation, or work for a consultancy firm, supporting a number of different clients. You'll deal with computer networks linked by cable, wireless and satellite technologies.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Assessing a client's computing requirements
- Designing and testing network plans to meet your client's needs
- Putting in place network security measures
- Planning back up and recovery systems
- Organising preventative maintenance schedules
- Monitoring and reporting on network performance and usage
- Supervising technical staff
- Managing network growth and development
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll work in an office.
You'll need
As a network manager, you'll need knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software, thoroughness and attention to detail, analytical thinking skills, the ability to work well with others, good initiative, customer service skills, persistence and determination, and the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure.
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree before applying for a job as a trainee network manager. Relevant subjects include computer networking and security, networks and communications systems, computer science, or digital communications and networks.
You could complete a network engineer higher apprenticeship or a digital technology solutions degree apprenticeship.
You could move directly into network management if you have relevant experience, such as working as a network engineer, senior IT support technician or more general IT manager.
Alternatively, you could also get an industry recognised certification like Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or CompTIA Network+ through a private training provider. You'd normally need to be working in IT to do these or have a high level of technical ability.
CAREER PROSPECTS
You can move into project and information management, service planning and delivery, information/cyber security, business analysis or freelance consultancy.
You'll need to keep your skills up to date, for example in mobile and 'cloud' technologies. You can do this through professional development training and industry certifications.