Thinking about starting a career in the fast-growing field of computer networking? Your first step is to understand what a network technician's job is all about.

Network technicians have one of the most important roles in IT. They install, optimize, maintain, and protect the computer networks that all kinds of businesses use for daily operations.

Ultimately, the technician's job is to keep the network running smoothly, efficiently, and securely.

But what does that involve? If you take on this role, what exactly will you be doing each day?

Network technician responsibilities vary a bit from company to company. But no matter where you work, there are 5 main tasks you'll be expected to perform.

Let's go through them one by one. Find out if becoming a network technician is right for you and what to expect at work.

Choosing a career is very exciting...but it can also be incredibly stressful. There's the cost of training, the investment of time and hard work, and worries about actually finding a job.

This is a high-stakes decision for many people, whether you're fresh out of high school, or looking for a new direction. No one wants to end up in a career they're not suited for—in a field where nobody's hiring.

It's all about finding that perfect balance: an occupation that matches your interests and natural skills, which has healthy employment growth and demand where you live.