If you like working with technology, have good customer-service skills and don’t mind driving, then a career as a cable network technician may be right for you. Technically savvy people need apply!

As the world becomes more reliant on electronics, there is a continually developing need for people to fix the problems that occur when systems crash. Being a cable network technician involves more than just installing cable; you will also be required to perform a number of tasks that require a great amount of skill.

Many jobs in this field require a year or more of experience. You may want to begin as a basic cable installer. Some of installer jobs provide on-the-job training and only require a high school diploma or equivalent.

To increase your pay and advance your career in telecommunication services, however, more schooling is recommended. There are trade and other vocational schools that provide cable technician training. You can get a one-year certificate or a two-year associate’s degree. You will learn to work with different networks such as audio, video and data. You will also be schooled in areas such as electronics, computers and electricity.

Cable network technicians need to know all about cable networks. They are taught the ins and outs of working with, repairing and building networking systems, installing routers and switches, and managing networks. As a cable network technician, you will work with coaxial cable and other hardware that exchange messages between networks. You will learn how to wire, split, ground and install this cable. You will also work with fiber-optics, wireless transfer protocols and other forms of communication.

This job is complex and requires cable network technicians to absorb a lot of information. Cable network technicians need to be able to lift at least 50 pounds and drive (in some cases). Logic and problem solving are also important. Not all homes and businesses are laid out the same, and you will be confronted with a variety of problems depending on your place of employment.

Problem-solving techniques and customer service are important because you will be working closely with clients who want you to work quickly. Installers and technicians need to be especially quick and efficient when working with businesses because many of these companies cannot afford to be offline for more than an hour.

As a cable network technician, you will have opportunities to work for local and Fortune-500 companies. Many businesses will want you to provide services to help them maintain full connectivity. You will perform tests on all systems, troubleshoot problems, patch systems and install and manage networks, along with a dozen other responsibilities. Some installers choose to work for companies that provide services to people within their homes. Once you have gained a lot of experience and can instruct people on how to repair their network systems and devices off the top of your head, then you can work in the inbound call center.

Leadership positions are also available for anyone wanting to advance. You can either enter these positions through amassing experience or possibly through professional certification. Certification is offered by The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers. The SCTE provides ways for you to gain leadership skills, keep up to date on policies and procedures, find higher-education programs and enhance all aspects of your job overall.