Cathy Spearmon is the Computer Networks Host here at BellaOnline, and she is more than happy to help you with all of your technical question. By day, Cathy is a successful IT professional, and is currently working as Network Technican. In the interview below, you will find out what it's like to be a network technician, including the sacrifices and rewards, and what it takes to get into the field.
You'll see that Cathy's responses include not only the technical education and skills she's acquired with her experience, but also personal attributes including being a self-starter and trustworthy, as well as a leader and team player. Cathy has found that you not only need to know the technology, but must also be able to communicate with others in a team environment.
Bella Computer and Internet Careers Host: What is your job title?
Cathy S.: Network Technician
Bella: Description of job duties?
Cathy: My duties are a little different each year, depending on the objectives that I am assigned. This year, in particular, I have the task of re-wiring our entire corporate office in order to complete our backbone. This project was been in the works for about 4-5 years and, now, it’s time. Another interesting objective I have is to introduce a wireless network into our training facility. I’ve been working a great deal with Citrix and will be making our ERP application accessible on the Internet. So, in a sense, my duties aren’t clearly defined because they change so often from year to year and are greatly dependent upon the technology available.
Bella: Number of years doing this kind of job?
Cathy: 6 years
Bella: What kind of experience did you need to get this job?
Cathy:
1. Technical Experience - Operating systems, protocols, remote connectivity, network architecture, security and maintenance, knowledge of LANs and WANS and frame relay, ability to troubleshoot network problems, remote connectivity (VPN), firewalls, proxies, routers, hubs and switches, as well as the ability to understand technical information and terminology.
2. Job Skills - The ability to provide customer service is essential.
3. Personal Qualities - Hardworking, the ability to be a leader, mentor and team player, self-starter, trustworthy, the ability to go beyond the call of duty.
Bella: What education and training do you have?
Cathy:
Education: BS in Computer Science
Training: It would be difficult to list all the training courses that I have taken to this day. Training is never-ending and also necessary in order to stay on top. Every month, I take at least one training course, even if I have to incur the expense myself.
Bella: What is a typical day like?
Cathy: There is never a typical day. You never know what’s going to happen. Some days are very slow and other days you’ll find yourself putting out fires all day long. And, many days, I end up taking my work home with me.
Bella: How many hours do you work in a week?
Cathy: I usually put in at least 40 –60 hours a week, maybe more depending on the issues that arise.
Bella: Why do you like your job?
Cathy: Not knowing what my day will entail. My days are not monotonous or even remotely routine. I like having the ability to introduce new technologies into our environment.
Bella: What are the benefits of your job?
Cathy: I have the freedom to explore many different types of technology. It offers me the opportunity to do a great deal of research and development, in order to try new things that my company might be interested in incorporating. Being able to have that freedom to acquire new knowledge is always beneficial.
Bella: What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
Cathy: Right now, I’m being prepped to go more towards physical layer, which is quite different from what I’m presently doing because it’s more in-dept and it involves looking more at the foundation and complexities of networking. Not simply the finished product. So, I see myself being thrown into that area of networking and trying to master it.
For all the latest about computer networking, be sure to check out Cathy's Computer Networking site at BellaOnline. She has a wealth of knowledge and information that could help you learn what you need to know about networking.
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