Network Manager

Education and Training – Bachelor’s Degree
Average Salary – $113,000
Job Outlook – Excellent

Network managers are responsible for overseeing the smooth operation of computer network systems. It is increasingly common for companies, businesses, and educational institutions to network all of their computer systems together. There are many advantages to doing this but due to the various types of computer and operating systems, networks sometimes experience problems. A network manager’s job is to run the network and deal with any problems that may arise.

Part of the role of network manager is taking a look at the computing needs of a particular business or company and determining what sort of network would fulfill those needs. The network manager then needs to set up the network so it operates as consistently as possible while at the same time maintaining a high level of security.

Network Managers are responsible for supervising and overseeing the activities of any other members of the network team. These may include security and support staff, all of whom will report to the network manager.

Education and Training Requirements

The minimum educational requirements for a Network Manager include a Bachelor’s Degree in an information technology related field. Some employers require that their network managers have a graduate degree as well, with an MBA specializing in technology being a common preference.

It is advantageous for aspiring network managers to have relevant industry certificates as well. Qualifications relating specifically to networking or technology management are always desirable.

Getting the Job

The main requirement for getting a job as a network manager is having the relevant technical skills. These can be proven through past work experience as well as academic qualifications such as the degrees and professional certificates mentioned above. If managing a team of people, as is often the case with larger networks, network managers will need to have good people management skills. An ability to take responsibility for decisions and cope under pressure are also essential.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook and Career Development

Network manager positions are expected to increase in availability over the coming years. More and more institutions rely on computers for at least part of their work and this is only going to expand in the future. Networking between locations is becoming easier thanks to the prevalence of high speed internet and an increasing number of networks will require an increasing number of network managers.

As the job of network manager is already a fairly senior position, there is less scope for advancement than job roles lower down the career ladder. Many network managers will go on to become even more senior within a company’s IT department. Others will move away from an IT role and become a more general manager or even director.

Working Conditions and Environment

Network managers typically work in offices although the rise of high speed internet has opened up the opportunities for remote working. Network managers have a position of responsibility and it can be a stressful one. Long working hours are not uncommon and some network managers may have to work evenings and weekends.

Salary and Benefits

The average salary for a Network Manager is $113,000. As well as this basic salary, network managers in larger companies may receive bonuses such as performance target related payments and lucrative stock options. Many companies offer good benefits packages including health and dental plans, vacation time, and paid sick leave.

Where to Go for More Information

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
2 Penn Plaza, Ste. 701
New York, NY 10121-0701
computingcareers.acm.org

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society
2001 L St. NW, Ste. 700
Washington, DC 20036-4910.
www.computer.org

University of Washington Computer Science and Engineering Department
AC101 Paul G. Allen Center, Box 352350, 185 Stevens Way
Seattle, WA 98195-2350
www.cs.washington.edu/WhyCSE