Network Manager
What is a Network Manager?
A network manager is a network specialist that assists businesses in maintaining their business network. This can include providing technical support, solving errors and optimizing the network for the best productivity results. They typically work in-house, remotely or even on a freelance basis.
Responsibilities
Network management typically involves installing and maintaining a company’s computer network infrastructure. It can also involve providing technical support to the staff and potentially training them on how to use the systems. You’ll be a part of an IT team with other managers and you may lead a team or answer to a leader.
Qualifications & Skills
Network managers are expected to have in-depth experience of networks, network protocols and hardware technicalities. They are also expected to possess problem-solving skills, project management experience and teamwork skills. A more experienced network manager is usually favored by larger companies, and the role may focus heavily on the training side or technical side depending on the needs of the company.
Useful Certifications
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
The CCNP certification is designed for professionals who are interested in enhancing their knowledge and skills in Cisco Systems. The professional will be qualified and certified to handle Cisco networking products and systems. The certification. The certification teaches the candidates how to work with local or wide area network (LAN/WAN) infrastructure. The certification is aimed at full-time network engineer or system administrators.
CompTIA Network+
The CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification for networking professionals. It is a certification that provides an in-depth understanding of various network technologies. The candidates will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to deal with network infrastructure. It gives them the basic skills needed to design and manage any network.
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is a certification that enhances the skills to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. The certification offers security professionals practical knowledge to troubleshoot any security problems. The professionals with Security+ certification will know to identify and resolve any security incidents.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
The MCSA certification is for professionals who are looking for jobs in IT environment. It is a prerequisite for more advanced Microsoft certifications. The certification focuses on key areas such as Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, SQL Server 2012, Windows 7 and Windows 8. It comes in handy for evaluating the candidate knowledge in Microsoft products. They act as a benchmark for skills assessment during promotions and hiring.
Job Outlook
Companies all over the world are constantly looking for ways to optimize their businesses in order to create better workflows and more efficient processes. Network managers can help businesses maintain their network infrastructure, optimize it and also act as technical support when the system become unresponsive.
However, working as a freelancer may also provide you with excellent job opportunities. When working freelance, you’ll typically be applying your skills to the employer’s needs. In most cases, there is more security working freelance due to the high demand for network managers on a short-term basis.
Pay Scale Range
Network managers can expect to earn between $54,000 and $158,500. The national average for this role is $101,583 per year and will greatly depend on your circumstances such as your employer, your skills and also your experience.
While working full-time as a network manager has a pay ceiling, working as a freelance network manager could offer you more options. Since you can pick and choose the assignments you take, you’ll have an unlimited amount of earning potential and can charge different rates based on your expertise and experience.
How Can Field Engineer Help?
If you’re looking for a network manager or have experienced in the field and are looking for more job opportunities, then Field Engineer can offer you the help that you need.
If you’re a freelancer in the field then Field Engineer can help network managers and other engineering and tech specialist find freelance work all across the world. This gives you more opportunities to find work as a freelancer and helps you sustain your income with more frequent work. It’s also more profitable than working in a full-time position and offers more flexibility.
As an organization, Field Engineer can help you establish a global presence with network managers all across the world. Whether it’s to solve an issue with an international client or create a long-term relationship with overseas companies, Field Engineer offers you more employment flexibility without the hassle of hiring full-time employees to send overseas.
