Summary for:
Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts
Description:
Analyze, design, test, and evaluate network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Internet, intranet, and other data communications systems. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. Research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software. Includes telecommunications specialists who deal with the interfacing of computer and communications equipment. May supervise computer programmers.
Sample of reported job titles:
Sample of reported job titles: Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, Systems Administrator, System Programmer, Telecommunications Manager, Network Technician, Systems Specialist, Network Consultant, Network Manager, Networking Systems and Distributed Systems Engineer
Tasks:
- Maintain needed files by adding and deleting files on the network server and backing up files to guarantee their safety in the event of problems with the network.
- Monitor system performance and provide security measures, troubleshooting and maintenance as needed.
- Assist users to diagnose and solve data communication problems.
- Set up user accounts, regulating and monitoring file access to ensure confidentiality and proper use.
- Design and implement systems, network configurations, and network architecture, including hardware and software technology, site locations, and integration of technologies.
- Maintain the peripherals, such as printers, that are connected to the network.
- identify areas of operation that need upgraded equipment such as modems, fiber optic cables, and telephone wires.
- Train users in use of equipment.
- Develop and write procedures for installation, use, and troubleshooting of communications hardware and software.
- Adapt and modify existing software to meet specific needs.
Knowledge:
| Computers and Electronics ó Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
| Customer and Personal Service ó 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. |
| Telecommunications ó Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems. |
| Administration and Management ó 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. |
| Education and Training ó Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
| English Language ó Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
| Engineering and Technology ó 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. |
| Mathematics ó Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
Skills:
| Equipment Selection ó Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job. |
| Troubleshooting ó Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it. |
| Complex Problem Solving ó identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
| Active Listening ó 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. |
| Active Learning ó Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
| Critical Thinking ó Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
| Installation ó Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications. |
| Reading Comprehension ó Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. |
| Judgment and Decision Making ó Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
| Technology Design ó Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs. |
Abilities:
| Near Vision ó The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
| Deductive Reasoning ó The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
| Written Comprehension ó The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
| Problem Sensitivity ó The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. |
| Inductive Reasoning ó The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
| Information Ordering ó The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
| Oral Comprehension ó The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
| Category Flexibility ó The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
| Oral Expression ó The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
| Originality ó The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem. |
Work Activities:
| Interacting With Computers ó Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates ó Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| Getting Information ó Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Thinking Creatively ó Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
| Communicating with Persons Outside Organization ó Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
| Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships ó Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
| identifying Objects, Actions, and Events ó identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work ó Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
| Making Decisions and Solving Problems ó Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings ó Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
Work Experience:
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Work Examples:
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include funeral directors, electricians, forest and conservation technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.
Education Requirements:
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.
Work Style:
| Attention to Detail ó Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
| Dependability ó Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
| Analytical Thinking ó Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
| Stress Tolerance ó Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. |
| Initiative ó Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
| Adaptability/Flexibility ó Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
| Persistence ó Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
| Achievement/Effort ó Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
| Self Control ó Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
| Cooperation ó Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
Work Values:
| Support ó Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
| Independence ó Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
| Achievement ó 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. |
Median Wage 2008:
$34.18 hourly, $71,100 annual
Estimated Employment Total 2008:
262,000 employees
Projected Growth 2008:
Much faster than average (21% or higher)
Projected Need 2008:
193,000 additional employees
