Networking
Careers in computer networking are still an option, but employers are now looking more and more for applicants with varied skill sets. For example, networking and SQL skills most likely will be combined at many companies.
Basic Skills
Candidates' concepts of a career in networking with traditional hardware skills--such as TCP/IP, routers and switches, network address translation, plus RAID and JBOD--must be adjusted, adding perhaps an understanding of SQL. A familiarity with MS Office and in particular MS Visio are also great assets for engineers who must create network diagrams showing all the nodes.
Hardware Computer Skills
An engineer will need skills wiring a communications cabinet, with the ability to terminate Cat-5 network cabling, and the use of cable management skills. This means following 568-A or 568-B wiring schemes and creating neat, tidy drop leads at the patch panel.
Other Skills
To follow a career in computer hardware and networking, an employee must have people skills while still being able to diagnose computer-related problems as they relate to a network. This means pinpointing network issues and knowing where to look for connectivity problems while treating people with tact and deference.
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