Networking Technology
The networking professional enjoys working with technologies and people. The Network Technology program enables people to develop and utilize networking and computing skills, as well as improve and enhance personal communication skills. Successful networkers enjoy working in a hands-on environment planning, installing and configuring equipment, and utilizing problem solving strategies.
Students are introduced to networking technology, operating systems, computer programming and logic, and database concepts. This is followed by specialized training in network system integration, management, maintenance and support.
Network and computer operating systems, computer diagnostics, and cabling infrastructure are studied with an accent on routing and switching. Students receive training on Microsoft, UNIX/Linux, Cisco Networking, advanced diagnostics, and A+ certification preparation. Instruction on, security, wireless networking and VoIP is available.
Although networking and computers certainly play a major role in this program, prior knowledge of computers is not necessary.
Graduates find employment in such positions as local area network (LAN) administrators, network specialists, network control operators, communications technicians, and microcomputer support specialists. As is true in the workplace, the more experience and training an employee has, the more employment opportunities will be available.
In addition to the two-year Associate in Applied Science Degree, CCCC offers Security, Wireless Networking, Small Office / Home Office (SOHO), Voice over IP (VoIP), and Network Infrastructure certificates. The certificate programs focus on "career-centered" flexible education. Selected certificate programs are designed for two-semester completion.
CCCC networking students are active participants in the learning process. Through hands-on training and study, the students gain essential networking skills; plus, they may choose to sit for specific certification exams. Independent vendors, as well as hardware and software manufacturers have established industry-recognized "certification tests." Successful test candidates are recognized as having achieved a certain level of knowledge, thereby giving them an employment advantage over the non-certifed candidate.
To support students seeking certifications, CCCC's Lee County campus has been approved as an authorized testing center. Networking students may register and take certification tests at reduced costs. Networking certification tests offered at CCCC include such exams as the CCNA, Network+, Security+, and A+.
New - Fiber Optic Certification
Do you need to know a lot about computers to be successful?
The more you know the better, of course. Nevertheless, our curriculum is designed for people with no prior knowledge of computing. The first term includes an introduction to computers course and an introduction to networking course.
Is a lot of math required?
Absolutely not. There is not much resemblance between networking and programming--and even in programming, there's not a lot of math nowadays. In networking the closest you come to math is using powers of 2 (binary) and 16 (hexadecimal) and that very rarely.
How is networking different from programming?
Programmers create applications, sets of instructions that other people can use to get work done on a computer. It tends to be a solitary job, and attracts people who like logic puzzles. Networking is quite people-oriented, as the whole purpose of networking is to enable computer users communicate with one another. It tends to attract people who like to "mess" with computers and computer software.
Is networking fun?
We think so. And we try to make it so for the students, just as we did when we had folks working for us in the industry. Network engineering is not a humdrum, routine-every-day job. If you don't like uncertainty and if you want things to be the same every day, it may not be for you. Make no mistake: networking is complicated. Don't think this is an easy way to make a lot of money. It's a fun way, but not easy street.
What about jobs?
We estimate that people in their first computer job, coming from a two-year school, will start at $22,000 to $27,000 a year in this area. (If you're willing to move elsewhere or commute a long way, you may make much more.) We do, however, have graduates who have started working in this area at $35,000 and higher: this is the exception, not the rule.
Having said all that, don't go into networking because you want to make money; go into it because you enjoy working with computers and networks. Computing is a field where life-long learning is absolutely required. If you don't soon come to love playing with computers, you might want to consider another career field. (Of course, this advice applies equally to anything you consider doing.)
We have students who quit the work they were doing in order to come here, even though they were making more money than our graduates usually make to start with, because they didn't like their work. Find work that you'll enjoy!
What about certification?
Software manufacturers and independent vendors establish "certification tests" that are intended to indicate a certain level of knowledge in anyone who passes the test. Aspirants pay significant sums to take tests (say about $100 per test, and sometimes several tests per certification); it is not unusual to fail the test once or twice before passing, and you pay each time. These sums support the testing sites and the companies that originated the certification. Many people also pay very large sums (into the thousands) to take cram courses for certification.
The more well-known certifications carry from little or no weight to decisive weight, depending on the employers. Many employers have found that some certification holders can't actually do a job; they can only answer a set of multiple choice questions. Perhaps the most significant effect is that someone with a certification has shown that he will take the time and effort to learn (often, memorize) the material needed to pass the test. This sets him apart from the people who have not done so.
It is important for people without experience to get certifications, because this separates them from all the inexperienced applicants who are not certified. To facilitate this, we have established an authorized testing center on campus where we can test students at less than the standard cost.
While we do provide information about certification testing, Central Carolina's emphasis is on teaching you how to do the work and then have you do it. If you know how to do the work, you'll be able to pass certification tests PROVIDED you're willing to apply yourself to this regimen.
Will you get certified? It's up to you. CCCC Networking provides students with the opportunity to acquire the necessary foundation knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to be a successful, effective employee in an entry-level professional networking position. This also provides students with all they need to enable them, on their own, to study for, understand, and pass computer certification tests such as A+, N+, I+, MCSA, CNE, and CCNA.