Reasons You Should Become a Network Systems Manager

In today’s digital age, the role of a network systems manager (NSM) is more crucial than ever. As businesses and organizations increasingly rely on technology to operate efficiently and effectively, the demand for skilled professionals in the tech field is on the rise.

While the high pay in this role is certainly appealing, there are also many other benefits to pursuing a career as an NSM, especially for those who enjoy facing new challenges and solving problems that have a significant impact on businesses.

In this article, we’ll highlight the most compelling reasons to consider pursuing a career as a network systems manager. Play our podcast below to listen to the full audio version. In both, you will discover how Sundance College can become the ideal springboard to jump into this exciting career.

Listen to: “Reasons You Should Become a Network Systems Manager”

High Salary

When working in network systems management, you could find yourself with opportunities in various roles and industries, from a network systems administrator for a small local business, to an IT manager at an international bank, to a self-employed freelancer. Regardless of the path you choose, you can expect competitive wages.

For example, a report of an average salary for a network systems administrator role was $74,998 or about $36/hr. With other job prospects in network systems management also receiving high salaries:

• IT Managers can earn an average of $88,000 per year
• Network Specialists can earn an average of $86,000 per year
• Network Analysts can earn an average of $81,000 per year

Don’t forget, your salary can increase as you continue to develop your skills and gain valuable experience, too.

Diverse Career Opportunities

Network systems management offers diverse job roles, meaning you can choose the job you want to pursue based on your own interests and goals. Some roles you can choose from are:

• IT Manager
• Network Support Technician
• Network Specialist
• Cisco Networking Specialist
• Network Systems Administrator
• Network Analyst

A perk of an NSM career is you can find opportunities in any industry. Some of the most common industries in need of skilled tech professionals are finance, government, and education because of their added need for network security.

This career has global reach, opening up network systems managers to international opportunities. You can work for small businesses, major corporate entities, or even become self-employed in a range of countries and cities. Regardless of the career path you choose, becoming skilled as a network systems manager remains in-demand in every business around the world.

High Job Demand

The tech industry is experiencing a boom in growth, resulting in an increased demand for skilled professionals to manage networks. Businesses rely heavily on technology, creating a need for qualified network systems managers to ensure network efficiency and security. The high demand has resulted in a shortage of individuals possessing the skills needed, making those with the right skills, knowledge, experience, and education highly sought-after by employers.

The high demand for skilled NSMs can mean better job stability and opportunities, along with job security and career advancement as the industry grows and your skills develop.

Career Growth Opportunities

The rapid growth of the tech industry hasn’t only seen an increased demand for skilled network systems managers, it has also opened up doors for career advancement and professional growth.

The tech industry is fast-paced and ever-changing, meaning those who have the right skills, talent, and experience can benefit from long and prosperous career paths.

As a qualified network systems manager who stays up-to-date with industry trends and continues to grow and develop relevant skills, you can expect career advancement opportunities in roles such as:

• Senior Network Systems Manager: You can advance to senior positions within your organization, overseeing larger networks and multiple tech teams.
• Project Management: You could transition to a role as an IT project manager, with responsibilities like overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of IT projects such as network upgrades or infrastructure improvements.
• Consulting: As you gain more experience as an NSM, you could choose to become an IT consultant, offering your expertise to other organizations while taking on a range of different projects and challenges.
• Specialization: As you advance in your IT career, you can choose to specialize in a specific area of networking, like cybersecurity, wireless networking, or network automation.
• Entrepreneurship: You could start your own IT consulting or networking business, benefiting from independence and the opportunity to work on a variety of projects.

With the diverse career advancement routes available in the IT field, network systems managers have the freedom and power to tailor their career path to their interests and career goals.

Valuable Role to the Company

Network systems technology is not a ‘set it and forget it’ type of area in business. It must always be checked, tested, and updated as needed. This important responsibility falls under a network systems manager’s scope of work.

Many people aim to become an integral part of their company, and tech professionals are no different. The role of network systems managers has become an important and necessary role in every business, meaning skilled professionals who can keep the company tech in check are highly valued members of the team.

Job Satisfaction and Personal Fulfilment

Job satisfaction is something that should be prioritized when choosing a role. It’s the difference between a short-term job and a long and prosperous career. In order to feel satisfaction in your job, you should choose a role that aligns with your interests, keeping you engaged and motivated throughout the workday.

With tasks like network troubleshooting, monitoring and optimization, design and planning, and installation and configuration, falling under day-to-day responsibilities of an NSM, many tech-minded and innovative individuals can find this career professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.

The day-to-day tasks combined with playing a valuable role in the company, diverse job opportunities, high pay, and growth opportunities, can lead to job satisfaction.

Fast-tracked Career Entry

One key advantage to pursuing a career as a network systems manager is the quick entry into the IT field. This means you can enjoy the high pay, job satisfaction, and professional growth sooner rather than later. Unlike some professions that require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you can start your tech career with a one-year diploma. This ‘fast-track’ is not only possible; it’s desirable.

With the technology industry developing and changing so rapidly, a 4-year degree program could mean your knowledge and skills are out of date before you even graduate. A diploma program, taught by industry-experienced instructors with an updated curriculum, sets you up with the education, training, and practical experience needed to enter the IT field and begin a successful career in networking.

As we mentioned earlier in this article, there is a high demand in the IT industry for skilled professionals. Having the right training from a diploma program can give you a competitive edge in the job market, as well as help you begin your network systems management career quickly.

In fact, the employment rate for network systems managers with a college certificate or diploma is:

• 39% compared to only 25% with a degree in Alberta
• 46% compared to only 21% with a degree in Nova Scotia
• 37% compared to only 27% with a degree in British Columbia

Possessing the right combination of skills, knowledge, and training is key to entering the network systems management field quickly and setting yourself up for a long and rewarding career in technology.

‘Launch’ Your Network Systems Manager Career with Sundance College

Sundance College’s Network Systems Manager diploma program is led by industry-experienced instructors and includes a curriculum designed to provide you with the most up-to-date knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to begin your career as a network systems manager.

The program includes everything you need to enter the IT field quickly and ready to progress, providing a solid understanding of networking fundamentals and cybersecurity principles, which are essential for safeguarding today’s networks. Courses include:

• Microsoft Azure Administration
• Network+
• Security+
• CompTIA A+ (TMA1 and TMA2)
• (Cisco Certified Network Associate) CCNA 200-301 Volumes 1 and 2

Our courses prepare you to gain industry certifications that are globally recognized. For those who choose to pursue certification, we provide financial support.

The 48-week program includes a 5-week practicum and an integrated hands-on project to provide you with both the education you need, and the practical experience that will give you an edge in the job market.

For more information about our Network Systems Manager diploma program, or any of its courses or practical experience, reach out to an admissions advisor today.