Operations Opportunity Outlook
Byline: Ian Jackson November 1, 2019
Many “Career Day,” events where parents discuss the aspects of their professions to young students, are designed to inspire children by exposing them to a variety of professions, broadening their horizons. Additionally, the understanding conveyed that the future promises a stable career and a purpose within society. It is safe to infer that the members of the current generation did not expect to change professions as much as they have when they were in elementary school. However, there are many people who recognize that in order to make a living wage in the future, they are required to embark upon a quest to gain technical skills. These decisions are mainly being made by a generation that recollects the “computer malfunction” scare as the new millennium approached (Y2K), followed by the Destruction of the World Trade Center on September 11th of 2001, followed by the United States invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, and the Housing Market Crash of 2007. As society progresses further into an era where technological advancements in the field of Information Technology is becoming the foundation of success for organizations, it behooves individuals to add technical skills to their personal skillsets and transition to the Network Operations field.
The necessity for gaining technical skills can help prospective employees to stand out in the job application process. This differentiation is necessary as businesses begin to upgrade into organizations heavily supported by technologically based operations. Skills such as computer networking, computer programming, and cyber security are becoming a necessity for companies. Also, with automation, the replacing of human jobs with machines, people must realign themselves with these changes within society in order to remain employable. In other words, lacking technical knowledge and skills to operate the new types of machine can render someone unemployable.
According to a Forbes article written by Kaytie Zimmerman entitled 4 Reasons To Make A Career Pivot To Tech In 2017 discusses how “…many folks who are making a successful pivot into tech are already employed elsewhere and have a college degree in a non-related field” and how “Further, even industries that have traditionally not been related to tech employ technical staff, as most companies do not thrive without cutting edge tools.”
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics website mentions how “Most employers require network and computer systems administrators to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science. Others may require only a postsecondary certificate or an associate’s degree.” Furthermore, its mentions that “Employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 2028…” Therefore, those currently making a career transition to computer science and information technology fields can expect to be ahead of their peers before it reaches critical mass.
The importance of Network Operations is paramount since it involves digital asset protection. Company owners who place their trust in the expertise of network operations professionals benefit from the logical processes involved in assembling a computer network. As these professionals monitor a company’s computer network, they also periodically run tests within it to ensure that it is secure from hackers.
However, business owners and company managers have found it difficult to understand the lingo of information technology professionals. There are times when the vernacular between business management and information technology professionals “bypass” each other with assumptions that the parties are in agreement. As each attempts to ascertain each other’s expectations and the realities involved in troubleshooting initiatives, the use of the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) becomes important to remain on the same page.
The Network Operations Program at Atlantis University prepares students for certifications in areas such as Network Plus and Cisco through hands-on program curriculum from instructors with industry experience. The Information Technology content covered in the coursework include Technical Support (Cisco ICDN1 Certification), CIT 282 Advanced Network Administration (Cisco ICDN2 Certification), CIT 281 Network Administration, and CIT 283 Troubleshooting, CIT 280 Network Design (Network+ Certification). The Network
Operations Program presents an opportunity for those desiring to beat the crowds to the emerging technical job market.
As the transition to a technologically savvy society approaches, those whom are currently making the adjustments in their skill-sets by enrolling in technological courses will be prepared for the future technological job market.