Analyze, design, test, and evaluate network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Internet, intranet, and other data communications systems. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. Research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software. Includes telecommunications specialists who deal with the interfacing of computer and communications equipment. May supervise computer programmers.

Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

1. Maintain needed files by adding and deleting files on the network server and backing up files to guarantee their safety in the event of problems with the network.

2. Monitor system performance and provide security measures, troubleshooting and maintenance as needed.

3. Assist users to diagnose and solve data communication problems.

4. Set up user accounts, regulating and monitoring file access to ensure confidentiality and proper use.

5. Design and implement systems, network configurations, and network architecture, including hardware and software technology, site locations, and integration of technologies.

6. Maintain the peripherals, such as printers, that are connected to the network.

7. Identify areas of operation that need upgraded equipment such as modems, fiber optic cables, and telephone wires.

8. Train users in use of equipment.

9. Develop and write procedures for installation, use, and troubleshooting of communications hardware and software.

10. Adapt and modify existing software to meet specific needs.

11. Work with other engineers, systems analysts, programmers, technicians, scientists and top-level managers in the design, testing and evaluation of systems.

Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$53,190 for entry level workers, and $94,330 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Very Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 17,100 Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 24,270  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 720 job(s) each year, and a total of 350 job openings each year.

Tech Valley Summer Camp - Tech Valley Summer Camp is an exciting opportunity in which girls and boys from local schools spend five days engaged in FUN, and exciting activities alongside professionals in the fields of Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Advanced Materials, Alternative Energies, Information Technologies, and Multidisciplinary Engineering. Each day of the camp is hosted by a different Tech Valley business, organization, or university.

MOUSE Squad - MOUSE Squad trains students to run their school's computer systems and thereby helping them not only to learn lifelong skills but also empowering them to expanding their schools capacity in the use of technology for education.

Internet Science and Technology Fair (ISTF) - ISTF is a web based science and technology competition. Teams of students from across the U.S. compete for certificates awarded by the National Medal of Technology Program at the U.S. Department of Commerce .Students are challenged to use information and communication tools as they work as a team to complete a four-month research project, master email to request technical information from scientists and engineers, search, analyze and synthesize electronic information sources from the Internet and present their final research findings in a website format.

KidSmart - A Guide to Early Learning and Technology for School - The computer is a relatively new arrival in many early childhood classrooms. This site will help you understand what's possible when it comes to young children and computer time. It includes introductions to important issues about teaching and learning with technology, practical discussions, concrete tips on evaluating software and useful aids for classroom management and real lesson plan ideas submitted by teachers.

Camp Ulster County Community College - Camp Ulster has athletic, artistic, and academic camps that provide new challenges and enriching experiences. A few of the camps are: Blowfish Robocraft Camp, NASA Academy of Future Space Explorers Camp, Web Design for Teens Camp, Astronomy Camp and More!

Stony Brook University Camp Academies - Stony Brook University Camp Academies are designed to satisfy campers with an interest in art, chess, computers, medical sciences, and the performing arts. The campers receive a full day of instructional activities relating to his or her chosen topic. Topics include: Athletic/Medical Academy, Computer Academy, Dig Deeper into Science and Science Academy.

Bank Street School Upper Camp II Digital Technology - Digital Technology (ages 10-13) offers instruction in video taping, digital camera work, sound engineering, digital editing, and theatrical light design. Campers will work on a variety of creative individual and group digital projects, making their own short films and working together to create a documentary film all about Summer 2007!

Computer Systems Specialists - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

DigiPen Institute of Technology Project Fun - DigiPen Institute of Technology, the leader in video game development education, presents a summer workshop series designed to introduce participants of all experience levels to the fundamentals of game programming, 3D computer animation and robotics. These workshops are designed to give high school and middle school students an opportunity to explore the possibility of having a career either in game programming, 3D computer animation or computer engineering. Video Game Programming Level One is offered in New York City.

Kids N Technolgy at New York University - The ultimate technology camp for ages 8-18. Campers build their own computers and take them home! Students design, build, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot and repair personal computers, authoring their own summer experience. Morning and afternoon sessions are offered this year at New York University, in the heart of Greenwich Village.

Marymount Science and Technology Camp - Led by professional science teachers and multimedia experts, the Science and Technology Camp is an innovative experience for any child interested in discovering the world of science through laboratory experiments, field trips, nature studies and technology. Highlights include bridge building, chemistry, biology and physics, robotics, video production, digital photography and more.

SUNY New Paltz Summer Camp: Mad Science Secret Agent Lab - Mad Science has sparked imaginative learning with their unique brand of engaging and educational live programs and activities. Secret Agent Lab - delve into the mysteries of forensic science! Discover different methods of secret writing and break coded messages in a quest for treasure. Explore the world of optics and make your own camera obscura and kaleidoscope. Use chemistry to identify mysterious substances, and mix your own chemical reactions.

KidSmart - A Guide to Early Learning and Technology for Home - This new website for early learning and technology is presented in nine languages. It includes a guide for parents to encourage early learning at home. This site will help you understand what's possible when it comes to young children and computer time.

Alliance of Technology and Women (ATW): ATW Tech Valley Albany, NY Chapter - The ATW supports women and men worldwide who share the common interests of empowering women in technology, increasing the number of women in executive roles and encouraging women and girls to enter technology fields. The NY Tech Valley Chapter provides programs for women and girls that enrich, educate and inform.

Mildred Elley: Video Game Design Camp - If you're entering grade six through eleven, you can explore the world of video game production at a summer camp unlike any other. Learn how to make your video game ideas come to life. Design the sights, sounds and activities of your game. Learn the techniques used to create the kind of 3D world that makes a video game worth playing. Summer Programs July 9-August 22, 2007 If you?re entering grade six through eleven, you can explore the world of video game production at a summer camp unlike any other.

GetTech Teacher Lesson Guide - The role of technology has become more important in a teacher's world. Use of the teaching modules in this GetTech Teacher Lesson Guide may enhance your curricula with ways to explore careers with your students using the Gettech.org website.

Cisco Academy at Schenectady High - Schenectady High is one of the first 10 Cisco networking academies in the country. To complement the Cisco academy offerings, the business department at Schenectady High also provides classes in Excel and PowerPoint so that students can be certified as Microsoft Office specialists. This program teaches Schenectady High School students to design, build and maintain computer networks.

Alliance of Technology and Women (ATW) - Alliance of Technology and Women (ATW) supports women and men worldwide who share the common interests of empowering women in technology, increasing the number of women in executive roles and encouraging women and girls to enter technology fields.

Journey Inside: Engaging Technology to Explain Technology - The Journey Inside is a collection of 35 interactive, online lessons for students to complete. The curriculum is divided into six sections: Introduction to Computers, Circuits and Switches, Digital Information, Microprocessors, The Internet, and Technology and Society. Many of the lessons include interactive Flash activities, virtual field trips, and videos demonstrating the ideas discussed.

American Electronics Association (AeA) Advancing the Business of Technology - AeA is a nationwide non-profit trade association that represents all segments of the technology industry.

Systems analysts, computer scientists, and database administrators - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Association for Women in Science (AWIS) - The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) is dedicated to achieving equity and full participation for women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. AWIS is a network, a resource, and a voice that operates on both national and local levels.

Summer at RIT:Kids on Campus - Choose Your Workshop! Animation with a Twist, Interactive Music Madness, Web Magic, Flash Puzzle Quest, Draw, Shoot, Animate, and Ultimate Web Comics are just a few fun topics available!

DigiGirlz High Technology Camps - DigiGirlz High Tech Camp, sponsored by Microsoft, is a technology camp for girls.The goal is to educate and inspire girls by introducing them to the considerable opportunities and career choices available in the high-tech industry. Stony Brook, NY , one of several sites, is this years local llocation.

MCC College for Kids - Among other interests, the camp allows students to cultivate an interest in science and technology, explore possible career areas, and discover the excitement of hands on lab work designing Lego robots, a pinhole camera, a periscope, and an engineering project.

Intel Education Initiative K12 - Education is critical to each citizen's ability to thrive in the knowledge economy. Today's students must develop key 21st century skills such as familiarity with information and communication technology (ICT), problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration so they are able to function in, and shape, the world ahead. Intel Education Initiative links to innovative ways to use technology and promote critical 21st century skills - in the classroom or in the community.

TechValleyCareers - The Center's mission is to support appropriate career development through the design and delivery of innovative resources and programs that prepare students for the 21st century workplace. is an online clearinghouse for information about high tech careers in the Greater Capital Region. Through this website, educators, students and parents are linked to education and career opportunities made possible by the high tech growth and expansion in Tech Valley.

GetTech - Math and Science are the cornerstones you need for an exciting and rewarding career in the technology-driven future. GetTech will show you careers where you can put those skills to work creating the future.

Computer Programmers - Convert project specifications and statements of problems and procedures to detailed logical flow charts for coding into computer language. Develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information. May program web sites.

Computer Support Specialists - Provide technical assistance to computer system users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone or from remote location. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

Computer Systems Analysts - Analyze science, engineering, business, and all other data processing problems for application to electronic data processing systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software. May supervise computer programmers.

Broadcast Technicians - Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. Control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts. Operate radio transmitter to broadcast radio and television programs.

Radio Operators - Receive and transmit communications using radiotelegraph or radiotelephone equipment in accordance with government regulations. May repair equipment.

Sound Engineering Technicians - Operate machines and equipment to record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in sporting arenas, theater productions, recording studios, or movie and video productions.

Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers - Receive complaints from public concerning crimes and police emergencies. Broadcast orders to police patrol units in vicinity of complaint to investigate. Operate radio, telephone, or computer equipment to receive reports of fires and medical emergencies and relay information or orders to proper officials.

Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers - Repair, maintain, or install computers, word processing systems, automated teller machines, and electronic office machines, such as duplicating and fax machines.

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment - Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.