Network manager
Network managers help design, install and run an organisation's IT, data and telephone systems.
Also known as: Network administrator, IT manager
- Starter salary£30,000 a year
- Experienced£70,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 39 a week
- Green jobPotential
What you'll do
As a network manager, you could:
- design, test and install computer networks to meet clients' needs
- put network security measures in place
- plan back up and recovery systems
- monitor, improve and report on network performance and usage
- identify problems and fix them
- manage a team of technical staff and relationships with suppliers
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- complex problem-solving skills
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to use your initiative
- knowledge of systems analysis and development
- customer service skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become a network manager
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- training with a private provider
University
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
- network engineering
- computer science
- cyber security and networks
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Apprenticeship
You could apply for an apprenticeship, for example:
- Network Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Digital Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship - networking option
You could enrol on a Digital Technology Solutions Specialist Level 7 Postgraduate Apprenticeship, with a networking option, if you already have a relevant degree.
These apprenticeships can take up to 3 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You could move into network management if you have relevant computing experience.
For example from working as a:
- network engineer
- senior IT support technician
- IT delivery manager
Other routes
You might be able to get an industry recognised certificate, such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or CompTIA Network+ , through a private training provider. This may help you to find a trainee position with a company.
You'll normally need a good level of technical ability to complete these certificates.
Career path and progression
You'll need to keep your skills up to date, for example in mobile and 'cloud' technologies. You can do this through training and industry certifications.
With experience, you could move into:
- wider IT project management
- service planning and delivery
- information security
- business analysis
- freelance consultancy
Career tips
There are many private IT training providers out there. If you choose this route, do your research to make sure it's the right option for you.
Guides for this industry
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