computer network architect pros and cons
computer network architect pros:
If you’re considering a career as a computer networking architect, here are some of the advantages to consider:
- Job Outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the computer network architecture field is poised for rapid growth, with employment opportunities anticipated to increase by 6 percent through 2026. This rate is above the national average for all occupations and reflects an increased demand for IT services.
- Salary: The median annual salary reported by the BLS in May 2018 was $109,020, while those employed in management positions generally earned more than $139,220 per year. Because salaries vary based on location and employer type, these figures should be used only as a guide when researching job opportunities.
- Benefits: Many employers offer benefits such as health insurance; paid time off; sick leave; tuition assistance; retirement plans; life insurance; stock options or other incentives including bonuses or profit-sharing distributions. Although not included in salary calculations, these benefits can add thousands of dollars to your compensation package each year.
The job outlook is good.
If you are considering a career as a computer network architect, you should feel good about the job outlook in your field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for computer network architects will grow at a rate of 6% from 2016 to 2026, which is faster than the average growth projected across all occupations. This means that there will be many opportunities for people with this background and skill set.
All other things being equal, an applicant who has experience in designing and maintaining local area networks should have better job prospects than someone without this background.
Computer networking architects are well-compensated and many have benefits such as health insurance.
The average salary for a computer network architect is $77,000. Typical benefits include vacation, health insurance and retirement plans. Some companies even offer stocks, bonuses and free meals.
There are usually opportunities to travel while working as a computer networking architect.
Pros of this career include opportunities to travel. You’ll have the opportunity to see the world and visit new places. You can meet new people from all over the globe, learn about different cultures and customs and you will get paid for your time and expenses!
You can set your own schedule if you work as a freelancer, which allows you to avoid rush hour and spend more time at home with your family.
For people who don’t mind working independently and outside of an office environment, freelance IT work can have many benefits. You can set your own schedule and control when you get things done, which enables you to avoid rush hour and other inconveniences.
In addition, working as a freelancer allows you to spend more time at home with your family every day. This can be helpful if you have children or would prefer to focus on one specific aspect of your life for any reason.
Cons of being a computer network architect:
While the role of computer network architect is a very rewarding one, there are many downsides that you should consider before taking the plunge.
- Stress and demand. If you’re not comfortable working in a high-stress environment, or if you don’t like to work long hours under pressure, this isn’t the job for you. You’ll be expected to perform at a high level for long days and under strict deadlines.
- Low pay and lack of benefits. According to our salary data, computer network architects earn only slightly more than junior software developers: $83,223 versus $82,738 on average. In addition, many companies don’t offer health insurance benefits—or even sick time—to their employees.
- Travel may be required. For big projects or installations it’s common for network architects to travel across the country and sometimes abroad as well
It’s a stressful job because the work is so demanding, and there is always room for error.
The work of network architects is highly demanding. They are charged with keeping the company’s network functioning at all times, which means that they have to be alert and responsive to any changes or issues in the system. This can often mean working long hours, especially if there is a problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Though most companies will provide some compensation for this extra time, it can still take its toll on employees’ personal lives, so it is important to have a good work-life balance in order to avoid burnout and resentment from loved ones who feel neglected because their spouse or significant other spends all their time at work.
Additionally, there is always room for error when building these high-tech systems; even experts make mistakes or overlook something small but crucial that causes major issues down the line. To handle this possibility, an architect must be prepared for anything; they should have contingency plans already in place so that when (not if) something goes wrong, they know exactly what steps need to be taken in order to minimize damage and get everything back up and running as quickly as possible. It also helps if they have a strong support system—someone who can help keep them sane during those trying moments!
Computer network architects often have to face deadlines when they are less prepared than they like to be, which makes their lives stressful and full of pressure.
- Deadlines are often set by clients, and this can make life tough when a client isn’t willing to negotiate.
- Deadlines can be especially difficult when they arise with very little advance notice.
- The stress of missing deadlines can be difficult to handle.
- You need to be ready to work overtime if you have a deadline that’s fast approaching (or one that you’ve missed).
- You could find yourself working long hours every day just to keep up with the demands of your job.
The pay can be lower than expected, especially if you choose not to take on jobs that require traveling or working overtime.
- The pay can be lower than expected, especially if you choose not to take on jobs that require traveling or working overtime. Salaries are based on experience. Some computer network architects start out around $55,000 and earn closer to $130,000 after 10 years of experience.
- Salaries also vary depending on the industry an architect works in. For instance, computer network architects in telecommunications earn a median salary of $112,210 per year while those who work in computer systems design earn a median salary of $105,660 per year.
While there may be some pros and cons about being a computer networking architect, it is ultimately up to the individual to decide whether this career path is right for them or not.
- Pros:
- Professionals in this field stand to make a good salary with the job outlook for computer networking architect projected to grow by 6% by 2026. The median salary for computer networking architects is $100,610. This profession typically requires a bachelor’s degree from a four-year university and often calls for additional training and certifications through the use of online courses or seminars. Education in this profession can be paid for by company sponsored tuition assistance programs and is generally favored by employers.
- Cons:
- Becoming an architect requires that you are adaptable, learn new technologies quickly and able to sell yourself as well as your ideas to others. You will have to deal with the office politics that come along with any job and be willing to work long hours at times if necessary. Travel is also sometimes required depending on where you work, so it may be difficult at times to have a personal life outside of work.