What Does A Network Analyst Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Network Analysts

Network analysts are responsible for installing and maintaining network components for companies, but they also wind up taking on duties such as web administration, telecommunication duties, and network engineering. As a network analyst, you might be responsible for a wide range of things depending on what the company you work for needs.

Salary

$72500

Education

Bachelor's degree

Personality

The Thinker

What they do
What is the job like
Where they work
How to become one
Should you become one

Network analysts are experts who work with computer networks, and they’re tasked with doing many different things. You can consider the network analyst job title to be a catch-all because of how many different jobs a network analyst might be given. Generally, network analysts are responsible for installing and maintaining network components for a company. They wind up doing many more things than that, though.

What they do

Identifying Network Problems

One of the most important things that network analysts will need to do is recognize network problems. Sometimes network problems can keep a company from being able to operate properly. Network analysts can use their training to recognize network issues so that they can solve things promptly.

Determining What Things Need to Change

There might be situations when companies will need to change to make networks more stable. This might mean upgrading equipment, changing software, training employees better, or doing any number of other things. A network analyst can recognize what needs to change and then suggest which changes will work the best to help meet company goals.

Ensuring That Standards Are Being Met

Of course, network analysts have to keep a close eye on the network to see how things are going. They work hard to ensure that certain standards are being met. A network analyst will need to monitor lots of different things to keep everything running smoothly. Going over communications data, router performance, and transfer speed will be a regular part of the job.

Helping New Technologies to Be Implemented Properly

Companies will need to make upgrades from time to time, and new technologies will be implemented when necessary. A network analyst will work hard to ensure that new technologies are implemented properly. They have to consider the pros and cons of implementing different types of hardware or software. When the decision to use new technologies is made, they’ll do their best to facilitate smooth implementation.

Keeping Records and Documents

Keeping records and documents about various types of network data will be important, too. A network analyst will be tasked with monitoring a large amount of data, and that data needs to be recorded properly. This data can be used to make reports and will help to inform future decisions.

What is the job like

Pros

You Can Work in Many Different Industries

Finding a job as a network analyst might not be too difficult if you have the right skills and education. Network analysts are needed in a variety of different industries. You could wind up working for a governmental agency, but you might just as easily find a job in the retail sector.

It's a Stimulating Career

This isn’t a career where you’ll be punching in and waiting for the day to get over. Network analysts stay busy and they have to use their skills to solve problems throughout the day. It’s an intellectually stimulating career that will keep professionals on their toes.

Very Good Salary

The average salary for a network analyst is very good, and you can make a lot of money if you keep moving up in a company. If you’re looking for a career that is growing, then this is a good one to settle on. Network analysts will continue to be valued by companies because of the importance of their work.

Feeling Valued

You’re going to feel valued when working as a network analyst. The work that you do will have a direct impact on the success and operation of the company. This means that it’s easy to stay motivated to keep doing your best on the job.

Cons

Stress

Stress is the number one factor that might turn people away from becoming network analysts. Network analysts stay very busy and they’re tasked with handling many different things. It can be tough to juggle various job responsibilities, and not everyone can deal with the stress. If you don’t work well under pressure, then this might not be the career path for you.

You Work a Lot

Network analysts are so important to companies that they wind up working a lot. You’ll likely be working overtime as a network analyst and you might wind up being on-call during your days off. This means that you never feel like you’re really off of work in many ways. Many network analysts feel like they’re married to their jobs, so to speak.

Where they work

Consulting Industry

Financial Firms

Government

Retail Companies

Network analysts are very much in demand because of how many types of companies need professionals who can help them manage their networks. Typically, you’ll find network analysts working in the consulting industry, at financial firms, in the government, and at retail companies. Professionals like this can find work at many other types of companies as well, but those are some of the common industries that need network analysts. Some network analysts might work remotely, but most will work in an office setting.

How to become one

Step 1. Acquire a Bachelor's Degree

The first thing that you’ll need to do is acquire a bachelor’s degree. Go to college and get a bachelor’s degree in computer science, telecommunications, or something else that has to do with information technology.

Step 2. Apply for Work in the Field

Applying for work in the field will come next. Most network analysts start off work as assistants or trainees, and they’ll work their way up the company ladder over time. You might continue to advance in your role at a company before finally becoming a network analyst.

Step 3. Continue to Develop Your Skills

You’ll want to continue to develop your skills as a professional so that you can get an opportunity to work as a network analyst. If the company that you’re working for offers training or courses that are related to the job, then you should take advantage of that. Work on developing strong problem-solving skills while also improving your technical skills.

Should you become one

Best personality type for this career

The Thinker

People with this personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

To succeed as a network analyst, you’re going to have to be someone who is willing to work hard and put in long hours on the job. You’ll also need to be comfortable with stressful situations since sometimes the work can be very challenging. It’s not always easy to work as a network analyst, but it can be very satisfying for those with the right personality. You need good problem-solving skills and you should be able to analyze situations so that you can fix things in a timely fashion.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.