Network architects have among the highest salaries within the technology industry. Becoming a network architect requires having a combination of the right educational background, core skills, and certifications. In this article, we shall take a look at what it takes to become a network architect.
What does a network architect do?
The position of a network architect is a senior position in a technology firm. This position is tasked with creating networks of computers including but not limited to wide area networks, local area networks, internet connections, and other communication systems. The role of a network architect is often confused with that of a network engineer or a network administrator. Network engineers are tasked with developing and repairing networks whereas network administrators coordinate smooth running of a network.
A network architect’s position is usually a level above that of a network engineer. The former considers network requirements for the long-term and develops plans to find solutions by performing research and analysis. The objective of a network architect is to develop effective and affordable network systems which enable an organization to achieve its goals.
Academic background
In terms of educational requirements, a network architect should have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although students from other science majors are also considered. Students having an M.B.A. or a Ph.D. are highly sought for network architect positions. Because of the demand for having skill and business knowledge in this role, candidates who work in such positions mostly have a background in information systems management, network administration, computer science, etc.
Many institutions across the country offer programs specializing in network architecture. If you wish to study at one of these programs, choose among those which provide training in systems administration, technical writing, software engineering, network modeling, cloud computing, information security, etc. The right degree should also familiarize you with vendor technologies. Being a successful network architect requires mastering technical knowledge and business perspectives.
Certifications
As a network architect, having various certifications can prove to be useful. A Cisco certificate has various levels. Attaining the first two levels–the Cisco Certified Design Associate and Professional–directly gives you the skills to apply to network infrastructure jobs. Gaining experience in such positions allows you to apply for architecture positions. You can opt to earn a Cisco Certified Architect certification that would enable you to apply for senior leadership and managerial positions.
Several organizations require their architects to have CCIE certifications. Other types of certifications available for network architects include Salesforce certifications for technical architects, Red Hat certification for architects, and Zachman certification for architects. In addition, project management certificates are useful for those interested in working in managerial positions. Information systems certifications are also available for network architects since their knowledge and essential skills fall within this domain.
Work experience and key skills
Those who are employed as network architects usually have around five to ten years of experience that they use to create and execute big enterprise network systems. These networks typically have solutions provided by vendors. Companies are interested in hiring architects who have experience with software defined networks and have a knowledge of service automation and virtualization technologies.
Someone who wants to be a network architect must have a combination of both hard and soft skills. They need to have prior experience in leading teams, managing other network architects, or being a technical specialist in their former role(s). Recent experience with leading large scale projects involving network architecture development is highly useful.
Tasks that are typically associated with the role of a network architect include designing network systems, writing timelines for creating these systems, working with peer architects and engineers to develop systems and sharing them with the client. The role also involves producing technical publications, staying updated about technology, working with budget estimates, and researching competitor offerings. Making decisions about new technology and how to implement them within the existing operational framework is also a responsibility of network architects.
Networking and training
In addition to education and job experience, it can be beneficial to get professional training to make your professional portfolio stand out from the rest of the crowd. There are many training opportunities for network architects, such as continuing education projects offered by Cisco Learning and other reputed companies, that train you for the challenges of working in a tech environment.
If you are interested in being a network architect, consider getting engineers and architects insurance. Visit this website for further details.
