Computer Network Architects
Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
At a Glance
Computer Network Architects earns a median of $130,390/yr with +11.9% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Dependability, Working with Computers, Computers and Electronics.
$130,390/yr
+11.9%
11
Bachelor's degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (13)
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Knowledge (5)
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Abilities (12)
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Technology (101)
Category: Internet directory services software | Hot Technology | In Demand
Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology
Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology
Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology
Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology
Category: Enterprise application integration software | Hot Technology
Work Activities (22)
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Work Styles (3)
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Careers with Overlapping Skills
These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Computer and Mathematical · 370 shared skills
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Computer and Mathematical · 355 shared skills
Computer Systems Analysts
Computer and Mathematical · 354 shared skills
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer and Mathematical · 353 shared skills
Software Developers
Computer and Mathematical · 352 shared skills
Information Security Analysts
Computer and Mathematical · 345 shared skills
Computer User Support Specialists
Computer and Mathematical · 344 shared skills
Database Administrators
Computer and Mathematical · 341 shared skills
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