Network Support Engineer – Job Description
Simon Thompson on Network support engineers work on the design, installation and maintenance of a network.
If a network crashes, it’s the support engineer’s job to fix it – and work out ways to prevent it happening again. Key work areas include the installation of software, hardware, security and anti-virus protections, providing technical support, the set-up of new accounts, passwords and network permissions and staff training.
Understanding how a business ticks, problem-solving ability and good organisational, communication and time-management skills are all important attributes.
Basic IT skills can get you on the ladder, but relevant City & Guilds, BTEC, OCR or IT Practitioners diplomas or certificates are also a great way of impressing potential employers. Graduate traineeships are common and don’t necessarily require an IT degree – three in five people currently working in the sector had a non-computer related degree.
Browse our current vacancies in:
Other recommended resources:
British Computer Society (BCS)
Offering a chartered status for IT professionals, the BCS provides a number of qualifications towards continuing professional development. They also strongly support exchange of knowledge and expertise, and membership can get you access to this community of information.
Institute for the Management of Information Systems
Involved in information and research development to support IT professionals, the IMIS also offer a strong education network with links to universities and regarded qualification programmes that cover the spectrum, from providing a foot in the door to continuing professional development.
IEEE Computer Society
A division of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Computer Society provides access to a wealth of information developed through knowledge exchange and research allowing you to keep abreast of latest trends and developments. They also offer some training in addition to networking opportunities through conferences.
Cisco Networking Academy
Providing certification qualifications at a number of levels for students up to network professionals, Cisco’s Networking Academy portal is great for assessing what training is right for you and how to get involved.
e-Skills
The UK Sector Skills Council for IT, connecting you with the training and qualifications you need to get ahead in the industry.
National Skills Academy for IT
A portal to short and long courses, apprenticeship schemes and information about careers, standards and systems. Great for figuring out if network support is the job for you and how you can get there.
