Staffing firm Robert Half Technology finds security, wireless and soft skills in high demand
What are the hot network jobs for 2007.
Now is a good time to ask these questions, as the IT sector continues to grow and businesses are increasing their investment in data systems. With a favorable job market behind them, those who specialize in networking have more leverage than in the recent past and may be pleasantly surprised by the answers to these standard queries.
Salaries slightly up
According to the recently released “Robert Half Technology 2007 Salary Guide,” starting salaries for technology positions should see a slight increase in 2007. A number of networking-specific job titles will see growth that outpaces the industry average. Network security administrators, for example, can expect starting salaries between $69,750 and $98,500, a 3.7% increase over 2006 levels. Network managers will see base compensation rise 3.5% in 2007, to between $68,750 and $93,000, while starting salaries for network architects are forecast to rise 3.1% to the range of $78,000 to $112,250.
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Projected salary increases are always welcome news, but network professionals will not be in a position to take advantage of the positive employment market without the skills that employers demand.
Feedback from Robert Half Technology offices throughout North America indicates that standard network know-how remains a hot commodity, with companies looking to hire experts in LAN/WAN, WLAN management, VPN, TCP/IP, intrusion detection and firewall implementation. A fundamental understanding of network management also is required for positions in growing areas such as wireless communication, broadband and VoIP.
Soft skills set the best candidates apart
More specifically, employers seek professionals with experience in Cisco network administration, Linux/Unix administration, Windows administration and VoIP administration. Security expertise for Cisco, Linux/Unix and Check Point firewall administration is also highly sought. Professionals with these skills often command salaries 10% to 12% higher than those who lack comparable experience.
A skill set often overlooked by IT professionals, but of crucial importance to a growing number of hiring managers, is business acumen. Any IT professional who aspires to a managerial career needs to possess soft skills, which includes problem-solving, communication and customer service — competencies not frequently taught in traditional IT curricula. Those strong in this area can truly distinguish themselves from the competition.
Security still a top concern
Network security administrators also are in high demand, as CIOs seek experienced individuals who can manage an enterprisewide security strategy, including the assessment of network vulnerabilities, virus prevention and intrusion detection.
The demand remains high for network security administrators to implement security policies and procedures, administer and maintain firewalls, and monitor and update virus-protection systems. Over the past five years, information security and firewall administration have risen to the top of the skills and positions in demand as indicated by the “Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Index and Skills Report,” a quarterly survey of more than 1,400 CIOs nationwide on hiring trends.
An awareness of security operations, protocols, procedures, hardware and software is required up and down the IT management chain. Programmers, network engineers, Web site administrators, LAN/WAN administrators and analysts all can benefit from security experience and, often, from earning a security-centric certification, such as Certified Information System Security Professional or Systems Security Certified Practitioner.
Wireless expertise in demand
Wireless network management is another segment experiencing growth. According to CIOs surveyed for the most recent “Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Index,” wireless network management was among the top five in-demand skill sets. As offices and workers become more mobile, IT managers and security professionals have to be concerned not only with protecting the corporate network; they also must have a security policy in place for field offices, remote employees and myriad mobile devices, as well as the ability to constantly monitor compliance, and update and maintain those systems.
As vendors make it easier to implement reasonably effective wireless security, companies are beginning to focus on more complex problems being created by emerging technologies, such as mobile WiMAX and other forms of wireless broadband, that are expected to give workers much faster and more convenient access to applications and data.
The impact of these advances should be significant, but most IT managers and analysts remain cautious about predicting specific changes to business processes. Finding the right mix of applications and access methods to turn better connections into productivity gains will be a key responsibility of wireless network managers going forward.
2007 is expected to be a good one for networking professionals as developments in IT continue to drive demand for experienced practitioners. By establishing a baseline of broader soft skills and coupling them with in-demand technological know-how, candidates can take advantage of emerging opportunities and protect themselves against the ever-changing needs of the market.
If now’s the time to kick off your quest for a new position, visit Network World‘s job search tool.
Spencer Lee is executive director of Robert Half Technology, a provider of IT professionals on a project and full-time basis. Robert Half Technology has more than 100 locations in North America and Europe, and offers online job search services at www.rht.com.
