How to Become a Network Engineer?

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

This is a piece of good news there is a great demand for network engineers. The company invests in updates, faster technology, and mobile networks on a daily basis, increasing the demand for trained network engineers.

What Is a Network Engineer?

The network engineer (also known as the network architect) plans to build and manage the network to ensure that the network is optimized and runs as expected.

As a network engineer, you are responsible for the foundation of your organization’s IT system, by default, the entire organization.

While network technicians or IT administrators assist in daily IT and troubleshooting tasks, network engineers are also faced with the high-level challenge of designing and improving the network.

Depending on the company, you will create and implement physical and wireless networks, troubleshoot problems, and research and integrate new technologies. Here are some common online career problems:

Is networking a good job? 

Network engineering is a fast-growing occupation. The Bureau of Labour Statistics estimates that from 2016 to 2026, the number of network engineers is expected to grow by 6 percent, above the average of all occupations.

How much does the network engineer make? 

The average salary of a national network engineer is more than $72000. Junior network engineers earn about $64000 a year. The average salary of a network analyst is $59000.Experience level: Most network engineers have 5-10 years of experience.

How to Become a Network Engineer

If you want to get involved in the field of network engineering, here is the way to get started.

Get Your Bachelor's Degree

Companies usually require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems or computer engineering. Depending on the position, some organizations also require you to get a master's degree in business administration (MBA) or computer science before applying.

Earn Relevant IT Experience

A bachelor's degree or a master's degree will help you. But that's not enough. Learning on-the-job IT skills is critical to becoming a network engineer.

First, you need to build a network foundation. The help desk or entry-level IT support is a good way to develop basic, practical IT skills.

if you're just getting started, then you should focus on that development of the following network skills

Network Engineer Basics

Clients and servers: How email, websites, and pages connect using networks

IP addresses: Unique identification codes for network devices that control the flow of data

Network hubs, cables, and switches: The hardware building blocks of any network

Firewalls and routers: Tools for organizing and controlling network traffic Creativity in choosing places to gain experience. volunteer service of small businesses or friends. Try an internship. build your own PC or full-stack network project. You will acquire social skills, expand your portfolio, and have something to say during a job interview.

After mastering the basic IT skills, please look for more relevant network positions. Being a junior network engineer or network analyst can help you gain networking experience. You will assist senior engineers in networking tasks, which is a great way to build skills.

Maximize the experience of each role. Engage in as many different projects as possible. Volunteer for a new task. Establish contact with partner engineer or supplier. You will become more comprehensive, it will help you narrow down the scope of expertise.

Identify the Networking Engineering Path You Want

With entry-level IT experience, you need to determine your career path. The occupation and position of network engineering vary according to industry, company, and technology.

If you are just getting started, here are 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 even further focus on the professional in your network career. The scope of action is from cloud and security expertise (such as network security experts or cloud network architects) to the wireless and VoIP set (as a wireless network quality assurance or VoIP engineer).

You can also choose to perform all of your work as a full-stack network engineer (FSNE).

The network is very complex. The company is not engaged in all areas of IT but is looking for professionals with cross-functional skills. The full-stack network engineer has received training in all areas of IT, including routing, wireless, security, data center, automation, cloud, and VoIP.

FSNE training is more difficult. There is no clear way or certification. Instead of spending time focusing on one area, try different roles and projects to improve your skills.

If you are not sure what alignment you want to go, you can define the path using the following two policies.

Seek advice from other network engineers. 

Discuss your career ideals with your manager or mentor. They may be able to help you transition to more online roles.

Research Senior Network engineer position. Check out the job releases you are interested in. What skills and requirements are the company looking for? Is there any certification or course? Research can help you identify interest and skill gaps that can be improved.

Supplement Your Skills With Networking Training and Courses

Training courses and IT certifications are a great way to supplement on-the-job training.

Through the network training course, you will learn the basics of operating systems, information security, network management, and programming. Depending on the organization, they may need a specific certification or training course.

Browse networking courses in your area

Microsoft, Cisco, Citrix, CompTIA, VMware, and Red Hat all provide training and certification for network engineers. Here are some of the preferred network engineer certifications:

CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ Certification

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Core Infrastructure

VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization

Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – Routing and Switching

Cisco Certified Network Professional Level (CCNP) – Routing and Switching

Cisco is one of the most popular training options for network engineers. Courses include computer network theory, testing practical knowledge, and teaching you how to perform network tasks.

Check out all Cisco certifications and training.

Other Skills You Need to Become a Network Engineer

Technical ability is not enough to achieve a successful engineering career. soft skills such as communication, teamwork and critical thinking are critical.

In one study, more than half of employers reported that communication and teamwork were more important than academic performance.

If communication is not smooth, a great IT project will fail. Without leadership skills, network engineers cannot manage the team. It is impossible to build an optimized network without creative problem solutions.

Fortunately, you can learn soft skills. A recent study by SPOTO. Harvard University and the University of Michigan found that soft skills training can increase productivity and retention by 12 percent and yield a return on investment of 250 percent.

Check out the leadership training courses of the Center for leadership and Development, which will complement your IT skills. (there are even specialized IT service management courses.)

Get Started on Your Network Engineering Career With SPOTO

Network engineering is an exciting, challenging area. But you can’t get there alone. Whether you’re getting IT certifications or participating in some network courses, the New Horizons training can help you develop your network skills to promote your career development.

SPOTO offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date network training as the largest independent IT training company in the world. With flexible self-paced or instructor-led training options, you can contact real experts and resources to confidently drive your network career development.

Check out our technical training courses 

If you’re not sure where to start, you can also speak with an advisor on how to choose the best path for you. if you have any questions, and you can enquire SPOTO directly.

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