How to Become a Computer Network Architect: Career Guide, Courses, Jobs, Salary, Scope

What Does a Computer Network Architect Do?

The responsibilities of a Computer Network Architect are flexible and can vary by position. So it’s a little bit difficult to say about the job description of a Computer Network Architect.

• The most basic job of a Network Architect is to design the networks themselves. This can be carried out by analyzing the current network needs of the office or organization and learning how they might change in the future. 
• Network Architect’s duties include monitoring systems while adding security features at the time of designing networks.
• Computer network architects can solve the network for technical issues such as data storage capacity or outdated security protocols. 
• They can also replace and upgrade software and hardware which are crucial to the network. To ensure optimum network functionality they can also upgrade routers and network drivers.

So many different and individual tasks depend on a Computer Network Architect. That’s why a network architect needs to have interpersonal and good communication skills to ensure all stakeholders understand the specific goals and conflicts within the system of networks. Moreover, cloud-based computer network architects who have the opportunity to work remotely must effectively communicate details to handle concerns from individuals outside of the office.

So in a single sentence, we can say, Computer network architects have responsibilities to 

Steps to become Computer Network Architect

To achieve anything you must follow some steps. Jumping steps will lead to failure in getting one's dream. Here are some steps to become a computer network architect.

• Step 1 – Decision Making: Before doing anything one must decide what they wanna achieve in their life. Before starting your career as a computer network architect one must discover their field of interest and this must be done at their high school level and choose their subjects accordingly in class 12. Research for the subjects which they should get in their college and take coaching classes to prepare accordingly. Computer Network Architecture is not an easy task to do, you need to motivate yourself every time and adjust yourself to do your work properly even when you are stressed.
• Step 2 – Choose the correct Subjects: To pursue a career as Computer Network Architect, students should always opt for Science subjects in their 12th. After the 12th they must go to opt for a bachelor's degree in Computer science or engineering in the same field. Taking mathematics as a mandatory subject is a must. However, several employers currently search for candidates with an MBA degree.
• Step 3 – Prepare for College Entrance: As students need to have a bachelor or engineering degree so they need to appear at the state or national level entrance exams for engineering conducted by various Universities or Colleges. Students should go for exams like JEE mains, JEE advance, BITSAT, WBJEE, VITEEE, SRMJEE, KIT, DTU, etc. scoring good marks and getting a low rank is very essential to get a computer science stream in a good college.
• Step 4 – Selecting Correct Colleges: Engineering colleges are mainly divided into three parts. Tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3. Tier 1 colleges are the best colleges to choose from. Colleges like IITs, top 10 NITs, BITS Pilani fall into these categories. Low-level NITS, VIT, SRM these type of colleges are in the tier 2 category. And other private colleges are in the third category. Always try to get admitted to tier 1 or 2 colleges. If you can get low AIR (ALL INDIA RANK) then you can easily get into these colleges.
• Step 5 – After Qualifying the Exam: After qualifying exams students have to take part in the counseling process. Once the procedure has been done one can take admission to their colleges. Some colleges like IIIT Hyderabad also organize a GD and PI session after the examination.

Types of Computer Network Architects

Several numbers of job profiles are available for Computer Network Architects. Here some of them are discussed.

• Information Security Analysts: Information security analysts have the responsibility to implement security measures to safeguard an organization’s computer systems and networks. They have to monitor computer networks for security issues, install security software, and document all security issues they find.
• Computer Systems Analysts: Computer Systems Analysts or, Systems Architects take care of an organization’s computer systems. They also create or design solutions that help the organization run more efficiently. They take care of the initiation of computer system upgrades, configure hardware and software, write and publish technical reports and requirements, train end-users, and also ensure that businesses can use computer technology efficiently.
• Network and Computer Systems Administrator: Network architects have involvement in the day-to-day operation of the computer systems and network. They have their involvement in organizing, installing, and supporting an organization's computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), intranets, network segments, and other data communication systems.
• Database Administrators: Database administrators(DBA) have the responsibility to use specialized software to organize and store important data about the financial information for example. They are also involved in the planning and development of the database, as well as in solving any issues on behalf of the users. They have to ensure that data remains consistent across the database.
• Computer and Information Systems Managers: Computer and Information Systems Managers or IT project managers or IT managers have responsibilities to plan direct computer-related activities in a company. They also have their involvement in determining the IT goals of a company.
• Computer Programmers: A computer programmer’s job is to write and test code that enables computer applications and software programs to run properly. It is their duty to design and update software solutions, write and update source code and manage various operating systems.
• Computer Hardware Engineers: Computer Hardware Engineers have to deal with the design, development, and research activities of computer systems and their various components such as networks, processors, routers, circuit boards, and memory devices.
• Software Developers: Software developers have their involvement in developing applications that help people perform specific tasks on a computer. They are the brains behind computer programs.

How to Become Computer Network Architects in India?

Students have to decide early in their career to become a Computer Network Architect. It is mandatory for students to have proper knowledge of Computer science and mathematics from school level. Students should have a Bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering degree. Some companies ask for MBA and even a Ph.D. degree.

At the school level, students really need to focus on mathematics, physics, and chemistry as these are the main subjects to score in competitive exams. To get a seat in the Computer Science branch at any good Institute one must score high in those entrance exams.

How to Become Computer Network Architects after 12th?

One should start their preparation from the school level only. They should focus on science subjects especially Mathematics, Computer Science as they are very important to be a Computer Network Architect.

UG Preparation

At the UG level, students should focus on cracking entrance exams. They need to practice Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry daily. Also, solve previous year's questions and enroll for mock tests on various platforms. They should register themselves for coaching as it is very important to score high in those competitive exams.

PG Preparation

Here students have two options. They can either go for Mtech or MBA in information systems. Though MBA is most preferable to do as a company mainly ask for MBA only. Students need to crack various national-level entrance exams like GATE, CAT, etc.

Courses to Become Computer Network Architects

To be a Computer Network Architect students need to have a basic knowledge of Computer Science. Students can do various courses to acquire that but having a Btech in CSE will always get preference.

BTech Computer Science

BTech Computer Science is a full-time undergraduate program with a duration of 4 years. There are several entrance exams like JEE mains, JEE advance, SRMJEE, VITEEE, BITSAT, WBJEE, KIT, etc. to get a seat in engineering colleges.

Admission Process

BTech Computer Science Admissions will be done through the following steps:

• Students need to register themselves online for the exam.
• Most of the exams are conducted online.
• After the exam students will get their rank card as a result.
• After getting ranked students need to register themselves for the counseling process.
• Students need to choose their preferable college and branch( CSE in this case ).
• After that students will get a seat in the college.

Eligibility criteria for the Exam

Students who aspire to seek admission in BTech Computer Science course, should fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria given below:

• Must have passed Class 12 or any other equivalent examination from a recognized board with an aggregate of at least 45% marks.
• Aspirants must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects in Class 12.
• The candidates who have appeared for Class 12 exams and are awaiting results can also apply for BTech Computer Science entrance examinations.

MTech Computer Science

MTech Computer Science is a full-time postgraduate program with a duration of 2 years. There are several entrance exams like GATE, UPCET, AP PGECET, etc. to get a seat in engineering colleges.

Admission Process

The admission is mostly carried out through the entrance examination or merit basis.

• Candidates need to apply for the given entrance examination after satisfying the eligibility condition.
• The institute will declare the result and release their cut off.
• Candidates can also have merit based admission on the basis of the marks obtained in the Bachelor's Degree.
• The candidate having greater percentage or aggregate marks in their UG will be preferred.
• Similarly after the verification of documents and a small interview session candidates will be given admission.

Eligibility criteria for the Exam

The minimum eligibility criteria for MTech Computer Science and Engineering are given below:

• Candidates should complete their B.Tech, BCA, BSc from a recognized university. 
• Minimum 55% aggregate marks in the last qualifying exam.

MBA

MBA is a full-time postgraduate program with a duration of 2 years. There are several entrance exams like GATE, CAT, GMAT, CMAT, MAT, XAT, NMAT, etc. at the national level and MAH CET, TANCET, PGCET, KMAT, etc at the state level to get a seat in engineering colleges.

Admission Process

• With the announcement of the results of top MBA entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, MAT, and IBSAT in January, the process of shortlisting candidates began at MBA colleges across India, including XAT, SIBM, SPJIMR, MDI, IMT, ICFAI, IMI, and others. 
• These institutes' MBA admission 2023 application process is entirely online. 
• Application forms must be completed on the official websites of the respective colleges, and fees must be paid online using a credit/debit card or net banking.

Eligibility criteria for the Exam

MBA Eligibility criteria might vary from college to college, but the overall gist is the same.

• You need to have completed your graduation or must be in the final year of graduation to be eligible for Master of Business Administration course.
• Your graduation score should be at least 50%. Premier institutes like IIMs and IITs ask for a minimum of 60% marks.
• Students of reserved categories like OBC, SC and ST get 5% relaxation in the percentage asked.
• In the majority of MBA colleges, final year students are also eligible to apply for MBA Admissions, provided that they submit a provisional certificate from the college.

See Also: MBA eligibility

How to Become Computer Network Architects Abroad?

Some students prefer to study abroad in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc. admission process and eligibility criteria to get admitted to a college in foreign countries are different from India.

Eligibility criteria:

• Students must have 10+2 results in the science stream with Maths, Chemistry, Physics as mandatory subjects.
• They must have a passport and student visa.
• They should have a good and valid score in entry requirement tests like TOEFL and IELTS etc.
• They need to have two references or behavior letters from an academic professor.

USA

Students from India prefer to study in the USA as the job opportunity is better. Btech or BS degree in the USA has 3 years of duration.

Here is the list of top colleges in the USA that offer a course in BS in CSE.

Uk

Students from India prefer to study in the UK as the job opportunity is better. Currently, UK is the best country to pursue a Btech degree.

Here is the list of top colleges in the UK that offer a course in BTech in CSE.

Australia

Australia is one of the most famous places for Indian and Other country students to pursue a BTech degree. Some of the top colleges are there which provide BTech, MTech degrees. Students who pass out from those colleges also get the job opportunity.

Here is the list of top colleges in Australia that offer a course in BTech in CSE.

Canada

Canada is another famous place for Indian students to study. To pursue a BTech degree one needs to pass their 10+2 from the science stream with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry as compulsory subjects.

Here is the list of top colleges in Canada that offer a course in BTech in CSE.

Benefits of Career as Computer Network Architect

There are a lot of benefits if you’re a Computer Network Architect. Some of them are mentioned below.

• Salary: it is one of the high-paying jobs. $116,780 per annum is the average starting salary of a Computer Network Architect according to BLS.
• Job satisfaction: there is job satisfaction as a Computer Network Architect as the worker can use their creativity to solve complex problems.
• Industry growth: As businesses are expanding the need for computers and a smooth software system is also increasing. Hence the industry is expanding. According to BLS there will be 8400 more works from 2018 to 2028.
• Need of qualification: one can join as a computer network architect after their BTech only and after MBA also. Higher the qualification more the demand.
• Lots of variety: as a computer network architect one will get to choose different types of jobs and workers to have an option to work remotely also.

Skills Required for Computer Network Architect

Every career needs some special skills. To become a Computer Network Architect one also must possess some special skills. Some of them are given below,

• Analytical skills: A Computer Network Architect needs to examine data networks and decide how to best connect the networks based on the needs and resources of the organization.
• Details oriented: Computer Network Architects create the network and have to plan how the system will work smoothly together.
• Interpersonal Skill: Computer Network Architects have to work in a team with different types of persons. To have a desirable output it is needed to create a good rapport with other employees.
• Leadership skills: sometimes Computer Network Architect has to give instructions to engineers such as hardware engineers, who build the networks they have designed.
• Organizational skills: Computer Network Architects at big firms have to coordinate many different types of communication networks and make sure they work well together.

Salary of Computer Network Architects in India

Salary of Computer Network Architect in India depend on the various situation is given below:

Average Annual Salary

Specialization Wise

Experience Base Salary