How to Become a Network Engineer

So you want to be a network engineer. Where to start?

Here's the good news: Entry Level Network Engineers are in high demand. Companies are investing in newer and faster mobile networks and technologies every day, increasing the need for highly skilled network engineers.

What is a network engineer?

Network engineers (also known as network architects) plan, build, and manage networks to ensure they are optimized and working as intended.

As a network engineer, you are responsible for founding the IT system of an organization (and, by default, the entire organization).

While network technicians or IT administrators help with daily IT and troubleshooting tasks, network engineers take on the high-level challenge of designing and improving networks.

Depending on the company, it will create and implement physical and wireless networks, solve problems, and research and integrate new technologies. Here are some common questions about network racing:

• Is networking a good career? Network engineering is a growing profession. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the employment of network engineers should increase by 6% from 2016 to 2026, above the average for all occupations.
• How much do network engineers earn? The national average salary for network engineers is more than $ 72,000. Junior network engineers earn approximately $ 64,000. The average salary for network analysts is $ 59,000.
• Experience level: Most network engineers have 5-10 years of experience.

How to become a network engineer

If you are looking to get into network engineering, here is how to get started.

Get your Bachelor’s Degree

Businesses generally require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or computer engineering. Depending on the role, some organizations also require that you obtain a master of business administration (MBA) or computer science degree before applying.

Gain relevant IT experience

A bachelor's or master's degree will take you to the door. But that is not enough. Learning computer skills on the job is essential to becoming a network engineer.

First, you must create a network base. An entry-level IT or technical support role is a great way to develop real, basic IT skills.

If you are just starting out, here are the networking skills you should focus on developing:

Network Engineer Basics

• Clients and servers: connection of emails, websites and pages through networks
• IP addresses: unique identification codes for network devices that control data flow
• Network Hubs, Cables, and Switches: The Hardware Components of Any Network
• Firewalls and routers: tools that organize and control the flow of network traffic.

Be creative when choosing locations to gain experience. Volunteer for small businesses or friends. Try an internship. Create your own PC or full stack network project. You will gain networking skills, expand your project portfolio, and have enough to speak at job interviews.

Once you have acquired basic computer skills, search for more relevant networking jobs. Working as a junior network engineer or network analyst can help you gain networking experience. It will assist senior engineers with networking tasks, and it is a great way to develop your skills.

Maximize the experience in each role. Work on as many different projects as possible. Volunteer to take on new tasks. Establish links with engineers or associated suppliers. You will be more balanced and this will help you refine your specialization.

Identify the network engineering path you want

Once you have gained entry-level IT experience, you should identify your career path. Network engineering careers and positions vary widely by industry, business, and technology.

If you're just getting started, here is a list of some of the available network jobs:

• Network specialist
• Network Administrator
• Network Technician
• Network analyst
• Network Manager
• Network engineer
• Network Solutions Architect

Specialize your networking role

You can further specialize during your networking career. Roles range from cloud and security specializations, such as a network security specialist or cloud network architect, to VoIP and wireless concentrations as a wireless network quality insurer or VoIP engineer.

You can also choose to familiarize yourself with a little bit of everything as a Full Battery Network Engineer (FSNE).

Networks are complicated. Instead of hiring people to focus on each IT area, companies are increasingly looking for professionals with cross-functional skills. Full Stack network engineers are trained in all IT areas: routing, wireless, security, data center, automation, cloud, and VoIP.

Training is more difficult for FSNEs. There is no clear path or certification. Rather than using your time to specialize in one area, try different roles and projects to complement your skill set.

If you don't know which route you want to take, here are two strategies to help you find your way.

• Contact other network engineers for advice. Discuss your career aspirations with your manager or mentor. They may be able to help you move to more network roles.
• Look for senior network engineer jobs. Look at the job offers that interest you. What skills and requirements are companies looking for? Certifications or courses? Searching for a job can help you identify interests and skill gaps that you can improve.

 Complement your skills with training and networking courses

Computer training courses and certifications are a great way to complement on-the-job training.

Through network training courses, you will learn about operating systems, information security, network administration, and the essentials of programming. Depending on the organization, they may require specific certifications or training courses.

Explore networking courses in your area.

Microsoft, Cisco, Citrix, CompTIA, VMware, and Red Hat offer training and certification for network engineers. Here are some of the most desirable network engineer certifications:

• CompTIA A + certification
• CompTIA + certification network
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) - Core Infrastructure
• VMware Certified Professional - Network Virtualization
• Cisco Authorized Network Technician (CCENT)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): Routing and Switching
• Cisco Professional Network Professional Level (CCNP): Routing and Switching
• Cisco is one of the most popular training options for network engineers. Courses include computer network theory, assess practical knowledge, and teach you how to perform networking tasks.