Occupation Details
Computer Network Support Specialists
Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Enterprising
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$52,660.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$79,410.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$101,160.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
12,660
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
14,750
+209 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
1,191
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
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.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Engineering and Technology
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.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Asynchronous transfer mode ATM analyzers
- Cable testers
- Caching engines
- Communications analyzers
- Continuity testers
- Copy machines
- Fibre channel protocol analyzers
- Laptop computers
- Laser facsimile machines
- Load balancers
- Mainframe computers
- Network address translation NAT appliances
- Personal computers
- Port analyzer adapters
- Powerline monitors
- Redundant array of independent disks RAID systems
- Remote access servers
- Screwdrivers
- T-Birds
- Test lights
Technology
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Antivirus software
- Apache Tomcat
- Apple macOS
- Application management software
- Arping
- Automated installation software
- B&W Port Scanner
- BMC Software Control-M
- BMC Software Remedy IT Service Management Suite
- Bash
- Bentley ProjectWise
- BitWizard B.V. mtr
- BlackBerry Enterprise Server
- Cisco Systems Cisco Traffic Analyzer
- Cisco Systems CiscoWorks LAN Management Solution
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- maintain or repair computers or related equipment
- perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment
- provide technical computer training
- train workers in use of computer and related equipment
- train workers in use of equipment
- communicate technical information
- provide technical support to computer users
- recommend purchase or repair of furnishings or equipment
- recommend software or hardware purchases
- consult with customers concerning needs
- understand computer equipment operating manuals
- prepare instruction manuals
- monitor computer operation
- monitor use of computer data files to safeguard information
- evaluate computer system user requests or requirements
- select business applications for computers
- work as a team member
- establish and maintain relationships with team members
- use computer networking technology
- follow data security procedures
- follow data storage procedures
- use knowledge of mainframe computers
- use project management techniques
- implement computer system changes
- maintain client-server database
- operate computer networks
- program computers using existing software
- program mainframe computer
- resolve symbolic formulations in data processing applications
- test computer programs or systems
- use computer application flow charts
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- write computer software, programs, or code
- configure computers in industrial or manufacturing setting
- adjust computer operation system
- test data communications hardware or software
- check hardware or software to determine reliability
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Back up network data.
- Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
- Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.
- Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
- Document network support activities.
- Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.
- Install network software, including security or firewall software.
- Evaluate local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) performance data to ensure sufficient availability or speed, to identify network problems, or for disaster recovery purposes.
- Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.
- Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.
- Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.
- Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment.
- Configure and define parameters for installation or testing of local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), hubs, routers, switches, controllers, multiplexers, or related networking equipment.
- Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.
- Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures.
- Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables.
- Monitor industry Web sites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification.
- Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations.
- Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems.
- Test repaired items to ensure proper operation.
- Install and configure wireless networking equipment.
- Maintain logs of network activity.
- Document help desk requests and resolutions.
- Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs.
- Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals.
- Run monthly network reports.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Alliance of Technology and Women (ATW)
Alliance of Technology and Women (ATW) supports women and men worldwide who share the common interests of empowering women in technology, increasing the number of women in executive roles and encouraging women and girls to enter technology fields.
Learn MoreAlliance of Technology and Women (ATW): ATW Tech Valley Albany, NY Chapter
The ATW supports women and men worldwide who share the common interests of empowering women in technology, increasing the number of women in executive roles and encouraging women and girls to enter technology fields. The NY Tech Valley Chapter provides programs for women and girls that enrich, educate and inform.
Learn MoreAmerican Electronics Association (AeA) Advancing the Business of Technology
AeA is a nationwide non-profit trade association that represents all segments of the technology industry.
Learn MoreAssociation for Women in Science (AWIS)
The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) is dedicated to achieving equity and full participation for women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. AWIS is a network, a resource, and a voice that operates on both national and local levels.
Learn MoreBank Street School Upper Camp II Digital Technology
Digital Technology (ages 10-13) offers instruction in video taping, digital camera work, sound engineering, digital editing, and theatrical light design. Campers will work on a variety of creative individual and group digital projects, making their own short films and working together to create a documentary film all about Summer 2007!
Learn MoreCamp Ulster County Community College
Camp Ulster has athletic, artistic, and academic camps that provide new challenges and enriching experiences. A few of the camps are: Blowfish Robocraft Camp, NASA Academy of Future Space Explorers Camp, Web Design for Teens Camp, Astronomy Camp and More!
Learn MoreCisco Academy at Schenectady High
Schenectady High is one of the first 10 Cisco networking academies in the country. To complement the Cisco academy offerings, the business department at Schenectady High also provides classes in Excel and PowerPoint so that students can be certified as Microsoft Office specialists. This program teaches Schenectady High School students to design, build and maintain computer networks.
Learn MoreComputer Systems Specialists
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn MoreDigiGirlz High Technology Camps
DigiGirlz High Tech Camp, sponsored by Microsoft, is a technology camp for girls.The goal is to educate and inspire girls by introducing them to the considerable opportunities and career choices available in the high-tech industry. Stony Brook, NY , one of several sites, is this years local llocation.
Learn MoreDigiPen Institute of Technology Project Fun
DigiPen Institute of Technology, the leader in video game development education, presents a summer workshop series designed to introduce participants of all experience levels to the fundamentals of game programming, 3D computer animation and robotics. These workshops are designed to give high school and middle school students an opportunity to explore the possibility of having a career either in game programming, 3D computer animation or computer engineering. Video Game Programming Level One is offered in New York City.
Learn MoreGetTech
Math and Science are the cornerstones you need for an exciting and rewarding career in the technology-driven future. GetTech will show you careers where you can put those skills to work creating the future.
Learn MoreGetTech Teacher Lesson Guide
The role of technology has become more important in a teacher's world. Use of the teaching modules in this GetTech Teacher Lesson Guide may enhance your curricula with ways to explore careers with your students using the Gettech.org website.
Learn MoreIntel Education Initiative K12
Education is critical to each citizen's ability to thrive in the knowledge economy. Today's students must develop key 21st century skills such as familiarity with information and communication technology (ICT), problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration so they are able to function in, and shape, the world ahead. Intel Education Initiative links to innovative ways to use technology and promote critical 21st century skills - in the classroom or in the community.
Learn MoreInternet Science and Technology Fair (ISTF)
ISTF is a web based science and technology competition. Teams of students from across the U.S. compete for certificates awarded by the National Medal of Technology Program at the U.S. Department of Commerce .Students are challenged to use information and communication tools as they work as a team to complete a four-month research project, master email to request technical information from scientists and engineers, search, analyze and synthesize electronic information sources from the Internet and present their final research findings in a website format.
Learn MoreJourney Inside: Engaging Technology to Explain Technology
The Journey Inside is a collection of 35 interactive, online lessons for students to complete. The curriculum is divided into six sections: Introduction to Computers, Circuits and Switches, Digital Information, Microprocessors, The Internet, and Technology and Society. Many of the lessons include interactive Flash activities, virtual field trips, and videos demonstrating the ideas discussed.
Learn MoreKidSmart - A Guide to Early Learning and Technology for Home
This new website for early learning and technology is presented in nine languages. It includes a guide for parents to encourage early learning at home. This site will help you understand what's possible when it comes to young children and computer time.
Learn MoreKidSmart - A Guide to Early Learning and Technology for School
The computer is a relatively new arrival in many early childhood classrooms. This site will help you understand what's possible when it comes to young children and computer time. It includes introductions to important issues about teaching and learning with technology, practical discussions, concrete tips on evaluating software and useful aids for classroom management and real lesson plan ideas submitted by teachers.
Learn MoreKids N Technolgy at New York University
The ultimate technology camp for ages 8-18. Campers build their own computers and take them home! Students design, build, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot and repair personal computers, authoring their own summer experience. Morning and afternoon sessions are offered this year at New York University, in the heart of Greenwich Village.
Learn MoreMCC College for Kids
Among other interests, the camp allows students to cultivate an interest in science and technology, explore possible career areas, and discover the excitement of hands on lab work designing Lego robots, a pinhole camera, a periscope, and an engineering project.
Learn MoreMOUSE Squad
MOUSE Squad trains students to run their school's computer systems and thereby helping them not only to learn lifelong skills but also empowering them to expanding their schools capacity in the use of technology for education.
Learn MoreMarymount Science and Technology Camp
Led by professional science teachers and multimedia experts, the Science and Technology Camp is an innovative experience for any child interested in discovering the world of science through laboratory experiments, field trips, nature studies and technology. Highlights include bridge building, chemistry, biology and physics, robotics, video production, digital photography and more.
Learn MoreMildred Elley: Video Game Design Camp
If you're entering grade six through eleven, you can explore the world of video game production at a summer camp unlike any other. Learn how to make your video game ideas come to life. Design the sights, sounds and activities of your game. Learn the techniques used to create the kind of 3D world that makes a video game worth playing. Summer Programs July 9-August 22, 2007 If you?re entering grade six through eleven, you can explore the world of video game production at a summer camp unlike any other.
Learn MoreSUNY New Paltz Summer Camp: Mad Science Secret Agent Lab
Mad Science has sparked imaginative learning with their unique brand of engaging and educational live programs and activities. Secret Agent Lab - delve into the mysteries of forensic science! Discover different methods of secret writing and break coded messages in a quest for treasure. Explore the world of optics and make your own camera obscura and kaleidoscope. Use chemistry to identify mysterious substances, and mix your own chemical reactions.
Learn MoreStony Brook University Camp Academies
Stony Brook University Camp Academies are designed to satisfy campers with an interest in art, chess, computers, medical sciences, and the performing arts. The campers receive a full day of instructional activities relating to his or her chosen topic. Topics include: Athletic/Medical Academy, Computer Academy, Dig Deeper into Science and Science Academy.
Learn MoreSummer at RIT:Kids on Campus
Choose Your Workshop! Animation with a Twist, Interactive Music Madness, Web Magic, Flash Puzzle Quest, Draw, Shoot, Animate, and Ultimate Web Comics are just a few fun topics available!
Learn MoreSystems analysts, computer scientists, and database administrators
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreTech Valley Summer Camp
Tech Valley Summer Camp is an exciting opportunity in which girls and boys from local schools spend five days engaged in FUN, and exciting activities alongside professionals in the fields of Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Advanced Materials, Alternative Energies, Information Technologies, and Multidisciplinary Engineering. Each day of the camp is hosted by a different Tech Valley business, organization, or university.
Learn MoreTechValleyCareers
The Center's mission is to support appropriate career development through the design and delivery of innovative resources and programs that prepare students for the 21st century workplace. is an online clearinghouse for information about high tech careers in the Greater Capital Region. Through this website, educators, students and parents are linked to education and career opportunities made possible by the high tech growth and expansion in Tech Valley.
Learn More