Computer networking professionals are in demand, according to a study done by IT Career Finder, network administrator job is ranked in top 10 positions. The 10-year growth is 5% as fast as average and rapid adoption of mobile devices, and cloud computing will lead to increased job opportunities.
It is no mystery that the Covid-19 pandemic massively disrupted many sectors of Canada’s economy.
It has drastically and permanently changed the way a lot of people work, shop, socialize and affected pretty much every other aspect of our lives.
Whereas most of the industries have suffered large job losses, sectors like information technology experienced substantial growth.
Computer Networking Roles In Demand
BizTalk will walk you through 3 computer networking careers that have seen increased demand during the pandemic. Let’s find out which IT careers offer promising opportunities both now and, in the years, ahead.
1. IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST
They are also known as help desk technicians, IT support specialists come to the rescue when staff members or clients have problems with their computer systems.
These professionals troubleshoot all kinds of different issues, from a slow Internet connection or lost Wi-Fi signal to a forgotten password or unresponsive printer.
Their job is to help end users overcome their technical challenges and maintain their productivity.
What does IT support specialist do?
- Responding to phone or email requests for assistance
- Listening to users’ descriptions of the issue and asking questions to diagnose the cause
- Walking users through the steps required to fix the problem
- Keeping detailed records of issues and solutions
Why are IT Support Specialists in Demand?
Covid-19 has forced many people to work from home. This has spiked huge demand for IT support specialists who can help remote users get set up and deal with technical issues.
In Canada, jobs for user support technicians grew by more than 80% during 2020. And this career ranked seventh on Randstad’s list of the fastest-growing jobs in Canada in 2021.
How much does it support specialist make?
According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, the average salary for a Technical Support Specialist is $48,757 in Toronto, ON. The top-earning technicians make more than $100,000.
2. NETWORK SECURITY ANALYST
Network security analysts are responsible for planning and implementing measures to secure computer networks and data. They assess weak spots in IT systems that potential hackers could exploit and take necessary measures to correct those issues.
Their usual tasks include investigating suspicious network activity, reporting hacks or breaches, and developing plans to prevent future attacks.
What does a network security analyst do?
- Monitoring network traffic and activity
- Installing and updating firewalls and other security controls
- Creating and testing disaster recovery plans
- Staying on top of emerging cyber threats
Are network security analysts in demand in Canada?
Yes, network security analysts are in demand in Canada as data security has become increasingly critical during the pandemic, with many more people using computer networks to work, shop, bank, and even consult with their doctor.
The Demand is so strong that the Canadian government is investing $80 million in a new program aimed at developing cyber security talent.
How much does a network security analyst make?
PayScale says the median network security analyst salary in Canada is about $70,000. The highest-earning analysts make upwards of $102,000.
3. NETWORK TECHNICIAN
Network technicians are responsible for ensuring all the components of a computer network function as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
They install, improve, and repair things like servers, cables, routers, switches, firewalls, printers, and workstations.
Network technicians also ensure that remote employees have access to virtual private networks (VPNs), videoconferencing tools, and cloud storage systems.
Ultimately, a tech’s role is to build and support the network infrastructure that nearly all businesses depend on.
What does a network technician do?
- Setting up and configuring network hardware, software, and related equipment
- Performing data backups and security updates
- Troubleshooting and resolving network problems
- Optimizing network performance
Why are network technicians in Demand?
Companies need network technicians who can support remote users and configure and manage cloud services.
The shift to cloud-based services was well underway before the pandemic hit, but that shift has greatly accelerated as more people work from home.
The Job Bank forecasts that network technicians in Canada will continue to be in high demand as many businesses stick with a remote workforce even post-COVID.
How much do network technicians make?
Job Bank data shows that the median salary for computer network technicians in Manitoba is around $62,000. The top network techs make more than $97,000.
How to kick start your computer networking career in 2021?
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