14:332:423 Computer and Communication Networks

How This Course Can Affect Your Job Prospects

10 IT certifications that earn top dollar
April 2011: Bill Detwiler of TechRepublic.com discusses factors that can increase your base salary–including the 10 most-valuable IT certifications. Read more ...

CNN/Money magazine recently compiled the list of the 10 fastest-growing jobs which you can find here:

http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/02/technology/business2_nextjobboom_hotjobs/index.htm

Here are some highlights (see more here: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/business2/nextjobboom/?cnn=yes)

The 10 fastest-growing jobs

We identify ten occupations that are projected to see double digit growth between now and 2014.

Network systems and data communications analyst
Physician assistant
Computer software engineer, applications
Computer software engineer, systems software
Network and computer systems administrator
Database administrator
Physical therapist
Medical scientist
Occupational therapist
College instructor

#1: Network systems and data communications analyst

What they do: Assemble networks from the bottom up, from data to email and voicemail systems.

Why it's hot: More companies are building networks to speed office communications and create better access to data.

Pros:

Telecommuting is often an option.
The skills qualify for other technology work.
Many small and medium-sized businesses are adding heavily to networking groups.

Cons:

Jobs are very task-based, so a network problem could mean evening or weekend work.
Job tasks can change quickly with new technology.
Long hours at the computer.

Education: Bachelor's degree required; computer science, computer engineering or information science major helpful.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
Average salary: $60,600

Professional organizations:

Association for Computing Machinery (www.acm.org)

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society (www.computer.org)

National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies (www.nwcet.org)

Note: Fastest-growing occupations for college-educated workers.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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How Is This Course Relevant?

As you can see above, computer-network related jobs are projected to be fastest growing in the next decade. Despite its recent woes, tech remains the fastest-growing sector for jobs.

This course will teach you the fundamental principles underlying data communication networks. The importance of understanding the principles should be self-evident, since without good fundamentals it will be difficult for you to properly master the how-to, certificate courses and skillfully attack the real world problems.

This course will not teach you specific technologies; for that you should consider certifications, such as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). However, you must be aware that a few-weeks certification course cannot teach you much beyone rote. The benefit of taking this course is that you will learn networking fundamentals over a semester-long period. Additionally, the programming assignment will help you gain hands-on experience and deepen your understanding of networking fundamentals.

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Ivan Marsic
Mon Aug 28 13:57:06 EDT 2006