What Jobs Can You Get With CompTIA Network+?

CompTIA is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the global IT workforce. They provide certifications in various fields, including computer hardware, software, networking, and cybersecurity. The CompTIA A+ certification is one of the most popular IT certifications in the world, with the organization claiming that over 1 million IT professionals hold an A+ certificate!

The CompTIA Network+ certification is intended for those interested in computer networking and wants to learn about network configuration and administration, installation of small business networks, wired and wireless network maintenance, and other topics. A Network+ certification holder is qualified for various positions, including network support specialist, help desk technician, system engineer, and others.

This brief guide will delve deeper into the topic of CompTIA Network+ and the various careers pursued with this core credential.

What Can a CompTIA Network+ Certification Get Me?

With this CompTIA certification on your resume, you may be able to fill the following roles:

1. A network administrator controls a company’s basic network infrastructure, including servers and network devices.
2. Network technician (also known as a network field technician or a field service technician): installs wireless networks in homes or small businesses; may also provide customer support to ensure that systems are operating correctly.
3. Help desk technicians: provide technical support to customers via phone, email, chat, and other means when they have questions about networking devices and software.
4. System engineer: works on network design, implementation, and maintenance in a larger company; manages servers and network services for internal and external clients.
5. Network analyst: responsible for monitoring network performance or maintaining data integrity on the same network; may also be asked to make recommendations about which technologies companies should use based on their needs.
6. IS consultant: provides advice or services to businesses to help them decide what type of technology to use for a specific purpose; may also recommend which software licenses are best and how these technologies can work together.
7. Computer technician: troubleshoots computer, printer, network, and internet connection problems; installs new hardware in the case of broken items and handles related customer requests or complaints.

Each of these job descriptions could be classified as an entry-level position. To advance in your career, you must broaden your core knowledge base and technical skills. It is accomplished by taking additional training courses and obtaining advanced certifications. (Both CompTIA and non-CompTIA.)

What Qualities Should a Good Network Specialist Possess?

Soft skills are just as critical as hard skills in computer networking, especially if you interact with customers (as in a helpdesk role, for example).

Competencies in Hard Skills

Network+ certified professionals understand networking fundamentals, such as designing, implementing, and troubleshooting wired and wireless networks. They should also be able to recognize network architecture and media, cabling types, topologies, virtualized networks (such as SANs), cloud computing concepts such as serverless computing or Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and others.

Soft abilities

A good networking professional is patient, never gives up, has good problem-solving skills, pays close attention to detail, and is a team player with excellent written and oral communication skills. If you work in tech support, you must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the networking issues the customer is experiencing and how you can resolve them. It would help if you also had a basic knowledge of project management principles.

Passing the Network+ certification exam will teach you most (if not all) hard skills. However, you must also develop soft skills that will help you advance your network career.

Is a college degree required to work in the IT field?

One of the most frequently asked questions is whether CompTIA certifications are worthwhile. Is it still necessary to have a college degree if you are certified?

Fortunately, in the information technology industry, the answer is a resounding no; a college degree is not required. The reason for this is simple: the world of information technology moves too quickly. The job market may look very different when you finish your degree.

New technologies emerge, and old ones become obsolete in the blink of an eye; hands-on experience and practice are just as valuable as classroom learning.

Most entry-level IT jobs require only relevant and valid certifications (such as CompTIA ones), regardless of whether or not you have a college degree. According to CompTIA, 96 per cent of hiring managers look for IT certifications on resumes as part of the screening or hiring criteria.

Of course, a degree, some prior networking experience, or an internship will help – but many CompTIA cert holders have landed their first IT jobs with only their CompTIA credentials on their resumes.

Is Job Security Guaranteed?

A CompTIA certification is an excellent way to break into the IT industry. However, there are always risks associated with any career decision – and opportunities may not be as plentiful or easy to find as you expected.

Employment is not guaranteed after obtaining a CompTIA certification. If a trainer or educational programme promises you a job right after you pass your exam, you should be cautious. It could be a ruse to entice you to sign up for their training course.

Simultaneously, IT certifications are one of the best ways to improve your chances of landing a job in the IT industry.

“Computer and information technology occupations are projected to grow 11 per cent from 2019 to 2029,” according to the BLS. It is higher than in the majority of other occupational categories. However, it’s worth noting that this includes opportunities outside of networking, such as software development or a career in cybersecurity.

Conclusion

With the IT industry being one of the fastest-growing in the world, it is understandable that job seekers are flocking to this sector. Salaries and demand for qualified professionals are both high. It means that if you have a CompTIA Network+ certification, you will be more likely to find an IT job than someone who does not have this certification.

The networking professions, with a focus on hard skills and practical experience, could be sought after by anyone in the industry. The Network+ core certification guarantees a stable career in entry-level IT jobs such as network analyst, networking technician, help desk technician, network administrator, systems engineer, and others.