- 1). Seek a degree in network administration or computer information science. A formal networking education will help you develop an understanding of the complete networking topography which is required knowledge for a Cat5e technician to move beyond merely running cables.
- 2). Apply for a work-study or internship with your university's Information Technology department as you complete your introductory degree field. You should be trained by this staff how to build and run Cat5e cables, install jacks and test the results. Start buying networking tools during this time such as crimping tools, wire strippers, wall fishing equipment and cable test equipment.
- 3). Apply to work for a network or telecommunications contractor who installs network and fiber optic cables for new construction or existing homes or businesses. The BLS estimates an entry-level network systems and data communication analysts averages $41,660 yearly, and the resulting experience will help you in acquiring a more lucrative Cat5e technician position.
- 4). Certify as a networking professional through one of the industry testing associations. The CompTIA Network+ and Cisco's CCNA are two valuable and popular certifications regarding networking.
- 5). Certify in fiber optic cable installation by attending a specialized Certified Fiber Optics Technician course or seminar. Fiber optics requires highly specialized and expensive tools for installation and for testing. You will primarily use this cable in networking between buildings, in telecommunications and for wiring between switches in very large networks.
- 6). Study advanced networking solutions such as Cat6e, a similar cable to Cat5e but capable of much higher speeds of Internet access. Study and certify in wireless local area networks which utilize Cat5e from the switch to the wireless router which broadcasts the Internet access.
- 7). Complete your formal academic and hands-on training by studying network security. Certify in network security to get either a Cisco security or Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification. You will learn software and hardware security topics through this process.
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