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What skills would I need to become a Computer Networking Architect?

When I asked this question, I was trying to determine what kind of skills I would need.

computer-science information-technology computer-engineer information
Thank you comment icon Hi Kavon, I would encourage you to investigate Bachelors degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. Both disciplines will allow you to specialize in Networking if that is what interests you. As a student you can take classes in different sub-areas and decide what you prefer. Your home state offers of Illinois has great options such University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. UIUC Computer Science has a Undergraduate focus area in Distributed Systems, Networking, and Security which you can look into, see focus areas here https://cs.illinois.edu/academics/undergraduate/degree-program-options/bs-computer-science Network Architect is too specific a job title to be targeting as a High School student. You can see IBM's job description for Network Architect - https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=network%20architect&l=Sunnyvale%2C%20CA&from=searchOnHP&vjk=02a567b698d0f561 . It calls for 5 years of experience. Ramesh Narayanaswamy
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Randy’s Answer

Kavon,

Salute to you for having early interest in your future. Although I'm not a Network Architect today, I do have a BS in Information Technology. (I'm currently a UX Engineer, which is essentially a user-focused software developer).

EDUCATION
To get started, you definitely need education. For the networking architect, I'd recommend doing some research on schools that offer computer science or information technology degrees. Pay particular attention to educational programs that might prepare you for Network certifications, because last I checked, many jobs looked for individuals with certifications.

CERTS
You hear a lot about certifications in the world of IT. Oftentimes, networking professionals are able to prove their knowledge by obtaining certifications such as CompTIA A+, Cloud+, Network+, etc... (there are many others).

Once you've had the right education and training, do some research on the certifications and practice for them.

PEOPLE
The last bit of advice I'd give is to do people networking. Look into local or virtual IT events or tech meetups, and find your community. If you're of age, consider joining LinkedIn and look into Groups that foster that specific community. Having a strong people network will help you once it's time to seek work and apply your skills.

Best of luck, Kavon!
We're rooting for you.
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Swarada’s Answer

Hello Kavon,

Professionally I am not a Networking Architect but I am a Solutions\Software Architect. As part of Networking Architecture, it is critical for you to understand the infrastructure and how networking plays role in enabling that infrastructure of the system. I have seen many architects focusing on a specific area within networking: Telephony Infrastructure, Data Center Networking, Network Security, Network Optimization, etc.

To begin with, I would suggest pursuing Bachelor's degree in Computer Science that would give you a perspective of the entire ecosystem and how networking plays role in there.

While choosing the courses for your Bachelor's do select Networking specific courses, also based on your interest (if you know already) supplemental courses like security, network encryption, and cloud computing will really help.

Good Luck!
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Marcelius Levites’s Answer

Having knowledge of Coding is differently a plus in any computer software. Due to computer software is all about coding once you get that down then everything else will come easily.

Marcelius Levites recommends the following next steps:

Educate yourself on Computer Coding
Take Computer Coding Classes
Get as many certificates as possible that you are able to achieve.
Watch YouTube Videos Based on Starting Computer Coding
Get an understanding of the ins and outs of fixing and control a computer from the inside and out.
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PRASANJIT’s Answer

Analytical skills.
Computer network architects have to examine data networks and decide how to best connect the networks based on the needs and resources of the organization.
Detail oriented.
Interpersonal skills.
Leadership skills.
Organizational skills.
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Shweta’s Answer

I will suggest the following:
-Do relevant projects or internships
- Obtain relevant certifications like Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, F5 Networks Certified Technology Specialist, Wireshark Certified Network Analyst, etc
- Relevant work experience would also help

Hope this helps!
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