Welcome to Career Corner, a regular feature in Cougar News which highlights workforce programs at Collin College. Today, we are considering Computer Networking.
The networks through which computers share data are everywhere in modern society – in homes, cars, workplaces and most other places. As we continue to integrate computer technology and networking into more devices, more technicians and engineers will be needed to ensure they run smoothly, according to Cope Crisson, discipline lead for computer networking at Collin College. He believes the design and support of this technology is necessary to keep people’s businesses and daily lives going, making computer networking an excellent career choice for those willing to put in the work.
“Most people use devices that depend on computer networking technology, and most people do not understand what makes it all work,” Crisson said. “For some, like myself, the combination of opportunity and the ‘engineering mind,’ wanting to know how something works, and the desire to contribute to making it happen are the reasons for pursuing a career in computer networking.
“Computer Networking is a demanding, fast-changing, and challenging field – not for the faint of heart or complacent student. But it is worth the struggle if you are truly inspired. The opportunities are many and the rewards can be great.”
Career Facts
- Average Salary: $81,200
- 21% growth
Ean Towne, computer networking engineer and Collin College student
By the time Ean Towne retired from the Army after 25 years of service, he knew exactly what he wanted to do.
“I did just about everything in IT when I was in the Army, and the thing that I enjoyed the most was networking,” Towne said.
And after two years of searching, he knew where he wanted to develop those skills.
“I checked out basically every two-year and four-year program in the U.S., looking specifically for Cisco courses,” Towne said. “It turns out that Collin College is the number two Cisco academy in the country.”
Collin has one of the few degrees that has the Cisco Certified Network Professional courses in the degree plan. Towne earned a certificate but recently switched to a different type of networking – wireless because it seemed interesting.
“The thing that I enjoy most about computer networking is problem solving,” he said. “I’m a very linear thinker.
“(Networking) is a creative process that follows logical rule sets. There are design patterns which are like building blocks, where you can build up a block of devices across a design scheme and replicate that across the entire architecture.”
Towne has enjoyed his Collin College experience, noting that the teachers draw on their own industry experience to provide students with first-hand knowledge.
“The professors I have had at Collin have been phenomenal,” Towne said. “A lot of them are teaching, not for the money, but because they want to make a better workforce. They have real world application that they can supply students with.
“All of the professors are really trying to help all of the students. They really want the students to succeed.”
Program Options
Integrated Networking Technologies Track (AAS, OSA, Certificate Levels 1-3)
Infrastructure Track (AAS, OSA, Certificate Levels 1-2)
Systems Track (AAS, OSA, Certificate Levels 1-3)
Wireless Track (AAS, Certificate Level 1)
*Job growth projected from 2018-2025. Data from JobsEQ (Collin County), O*Net, and Workforce Solutions of North Central Texas. Salary data from 2017.
Note: The earning potential for employees with certifications and associate of applied science degrees may exceed the average salary.