Network Analyst Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Are you searching for a network analyst job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a network analyst. Feel free to use our network analyst job description template to produce your own network analyst job description. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a network analyst.
Who is a Network Analyst?
A network analyst is an IT specialist who examines and evaluates computer networks for design/redesign, performance, scalability, and other network operations issues.
A network analyst also analyzes existing network systems and makes recommendations for improving functionality and performance, as well as new tools, programs, technologies, and solutions.
They may offer technological solutions to business problems in addition to assisting a company with technical issues. They could, for example, help workers complete tasks faster by installing enterprise resource planning software.
Networking protocols and standards, as well as computer hardware and software, are all areas in which network analysts must be knowledgeable.
Network Analyst Job Description
What is a network analyst job description? A network analyst job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of a network analyst in an organization. Below are the network analyst job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a network analyst job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a network analyst include:
- Planning and organizing the load configuration of the central communication processor.
- Assessing the network testing requirements in order to detect network flaws and vulnerabilities.
- Determining the most effective way to implement new technologies in order to achieve business goals.
- Finding new and improved products from third-party vendors and providing advice on them.
- Managing software licensing and purchasing to ensure a successful network installation.
- Creating network diagrams that show how a company’s system infrastructure is laid out.
- Configuring computer hardware and software to allow for effective network communication.
- Making documentation by noting critical system details and providing IT support to technical staff.
- Maintaining current network solutions and technologies.
- Ensuring that network servers must be updated, maintained, and monitored.
- Collaborating with different teams to plan for disasters, backup networks, and monitor recovery procedures.
- Ensuring and delivering efficient customer service to customers and in-unit managers.
- Maintaining and troubleshooting computer networks, which includes replacing out-of-date software and hardware, removing viruses, and performing routine maintenance.
- Coordinating internal department consultation and training for IT support personnel.
- Ensuring that all network security policies are followed and that all information assurance policies are followed.
- Ensuring and providing customers and in-unit managers with efficient customer service.
- Maintaining current knowledge of relevant cutting-edge hardware, software, and/or systems.
- Regularly documenting network performance, software configuration administration, hardware configuration information, and network layout.
- Carrying out other job-related tasks as assigned by management,
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, computer science, or a closely related field.
- 2 to 5 years of previous network analyst experience.
- Comprehensive knowledge of network, software, and hardware installation procedures.
- Exceptional ability to support networks and troubleshoot problems.
- Extensive understanding of inter-network operating systems such as Juniper and Cisco.
- The ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical people.
- The ability to keep up with changes in IT network technologies.
- Proficiency in tracking performance indicators and documenting processes.
Essential Skills
Network analysts need both hard and soft skills, just like in many other professions. These are some of the skills required of a successful network analyst.
- Research Abilities:
Network analysts must also be good researchers. They must be able to find information about the systems they are investigating, such as the organization that created the system, the software it uses, and the protocols it follows.
- OSI Model:
Everyone who wants to pursue this career path should work on this hard skill. The OSI model’s seven layers describe how data moves through the internet. Understanding this model is critical for network analysts because it allows them to identify potential problems and take corrective action. If a network analyst notices that one section of the model is experiencing excessive traffic, they can implement solutions to reduce the amount of data passing through that layer.
- Teamwork:
Network analysts frequently work with the rest of the IT team, including administrators, programmers, and technical developers. As a result, teamwork is another essential skill to have if you want to succeed in this job role.
- Capability to multitask:
Multitasking is required for network analyst duties. As a network analyst, you must be able to coordinate and complete multiple tasks at the same time.
- Network Security Skill:
Network analysts must have a thorough understanding of network security protocols and procedures. They frequently collaborate with information security specialists in the IT industry, so it is critical that they are aware of the best practices for data security. Knowing the most recent hacking techniques and how to detect them is a requirement for this job role.
- A Methodical and Analytical Approach:
Approaching tasks methodically and analytically can be very beneficial for network analysts. The most effective network analysts are typically analytical by nature and perform well under pressure.
- Ability to Solve Problems:
To solve problems, network analysts frequently collaborate with other IT experts. They work with other network analysts to solve problems. Strong problem-solving skills help network analysts resolve network-related issues and improve network performance. You may be able to solve a computer system problem by investigating the hardware or software. You can also use problem-solving techniques when assisting clients with technical issues.
- Knowledge of LAN:
Understanding local area network (LAN) systems is required for a career in network analysis. This skill entails an understanding of how to create and maintain computer networks that connect computers, servers, and other devices within a limited geographical area. Internal computer networks in office buildings or schools, as well as internet connections between distant locations, are two examples.
- Knowledge of WAN:
This skill should be developed by all network analysts. Wide area networks, or WANs, are a collection of remote networks connected by the internet. A network analyst may be required to design and implement WANs for businesses that want to connect their offices across the country or the globe. This necessitates knowledge of the protocols and standards that govern these types of systems, as well as how to create and maintain them.
- Technical knowledge:
You can use your technical skills to perform tasks such as software installation, hardware configuration, and network troubleshooting. Strong technical skills can assist you in advancing in your career and learning how to do your job.
- Project management skills:
As a network analyst, you could be in charge of project management. This implies that you may be in charge of a team of analysts and technicians. Strong project management skills can help you become a more effective leader and ensure that the project is completed on time and on budget.
- Critical Thinking Ability:
A critical thinking skill is the ability to assess a situation and make decisions based on the available data. Network analysts use critical thinking skills to solve problems and determine the best course of action for improving a network’s performance. They could apply their critical thinking skills to identify problems, devise solutions, and evaluate how well those solutions worked.
- Communication Abilities:
Network analysts work with a diverse range of people, including clients, other professionals, vendors, and other IT team members. They must be able to express themselves clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
- Analytical Skills:
This is a crucial ability for network analysts because it enables them to comprehend how systems interact, spot potential problems, and decide on system changes with knowledge. In order to make accurate recommendations, it also enables them to identify the data they require from other departments.
- Adaptability:
The typical working day of a network analyst can be filled with a variety of tasks and unforeseen problems, so it’s important to adapt to the changing circumstances and modify your approach to prioritize the most important tasks.
- Business Knowledge:
Network analysts must be highly educated business professionals. This is because other business owners may ask them to develop solutions to a variety of operational issues.
- Knowledge of Programming Languages:
To be a network analyst, you must have some knowledge of general-purpose scripting languages such as Perl, Ruby, and Python, which are most commonly used in enterprise-grade networks. This is because programming is frequently mentioned in job descriptions.
More so, knowing automation-friendly languages such as Java, Terraform, and Ansible is becoming increasingly important as more network functions are automated.
How to Become a Network Analyst
If you are interested in this career, you can follow the steps below to become a network analyst:
- Obtain a Degree:
A network analyst should have a bachelor’s degree in programming, information science, computer science, or a related field. By pursuing one of these degrees, you will gain the fundamental knowledge required to begin your career as a network analyst.
Computer networking, network security, wireless networking, network theory, networking infrastructure, computer systems, and computer architecture are among the topics covered in these courses. These programs can provide students with the necessary computer network analysis coursework. You can also further your education by pursuing a master’s degree. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with master’s degrees, particularly the master of business administration (MBA).
- Obtain Valuable Work Experience:
Professional experience is frequently even more important for a network analyst.
Network analyst positions frequently require one to five years of relevant experience. Most prospective network analysts require some level of experience working with networks and computer systems, though a degree and certification may compensate for some of the experience.
Their knowledge of computer networks and systems is ensured by their work experience, which also keeps their knowledge up to date.
They frequently move into network analyst roles in the fields where they previously worked. A person who previously worked as an IT support officer in an IT setting, for example, is more likely to be hired as a network analyst there.
- Obtain the Relevant Licenses and Certificates:
There are numerous licenses and certifications that a network analyst can obtain. Although certification is not always required, it is preferred because it demonstrates a person’s commitment to excellence and demonstrates that their knowledge is up to date, as certification is typically maintained through continuing education. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional is a popular certification (CISSP).
Furthermore, some employers may prefer candidates who hold the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) credential. To obtain the CCNA certification, individuals must take and pass a test that assesses their ability to install, maintain, and configure networks. Network certifications are also available on platforms such as LINUX.
- Apply for Network Analyst Jobs and Prepare for your interview:
Once you’ve completed the educational requirements and earned the certifications required to advance your professional standing, you can begin looking for network analyst jobs and submitting applications. Make sure to include all of your certifications and relevant credentials on your resume for potential employers to review.
Furthermore, in addition to your hard and soft skills, it is critical to emphasize your education during your network analyst job interview.
- Keep up with Change:
Use the various software and network training programs and courses that companies provide to keep up with change.
Learn about the products that your prospective employer uses the most. Candidates can distinguish themselves by staying up to date on developments and training in the field of network analysis, which may improve their career prospects and advancement opportunities.
Where to Work as a Network Analyst
Financial institutions, government agencies, retail businesses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, management consultancies, and other organizations employ network analysts. Joining an IT firm that specializes in various types of troubleshooting projects is another option for network analysts.
Many network analysts perform their duties in an office setting. However, some people may be able to work from home. They typically work regular business hours, but they may also work late shifts to keep the network operational.
Network Analyst Salary Scale
Network analysts are paid differently depending on their level of education, years of experience, company size, and industry. Bonuses are another form of compensation that they could receive.
According to Payscale.com’s projections, an entry-level network analyst with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $54,326 (including tips, bonuses, and overtime pay).
In the same vein, a network analyst’s typical annual salary in their early career, with 1-4 years of experience, is $56,938. A network analyst in their mid-career stage with five to nine years of experience earns an average annual salary of $64,869. A network analyst with 10 to 19 years of experience earns a total annual salary of $64,299 on average. Workers earn an average total salary in their later years (20 years or more).