So you want to become a network engineer? I have a lot of people asking that exact question – “How can I get into Computer Networking?” or “How to become a Network Engineer?”. I personally think that anyone who asks these questions and has a desire to learn about computer networks is doing themselves a big favour that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
There are many reasons to want to become a network engineer: great pay, great companies, good benefits, or to simply work with great technology. In addition, it opens the door to the IT world and maybe you can find yourself learning further technologies such as Linux to be an Ops Engineer or coding to be a Developer. Once you got into the IT field, the sky is the limit! When you work as Network Engineer, the exposure to technology is huge since you’ll be working on the “plumbing” that allows a computer system to work.
According to PayScale, a network engineer in United States earns an annual salary between $57,000 – $117,000 (including additional benefits).
But getting yourself into a position like this may not always be the easiest thing to achieve. In today’s market competition is fierce. In this post we will list some ways that may help you get that cool network engineering job and potentially boost your career.
Network Engineer Training and Certifications
The first and most direct way to easily get a job working as a network engineer is to do some self-study and get a vendor certification like a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). Anyone who already has an IT certification knows these certification tests are not easy if taken correctly (means NOT cheating!). And Cisco tests are, in my opinion, the hardest tests out there.
The current CCNA test not only will test your book knowledge on the theory of computer networking, TCP/IP, and the OSI model but will also test your “practical knowledge” of actually performing the hands-on tasks that may be called upon you as a junior network engineer.
The one thing that set Cisco and Juniper tests apart from other vendors are the router emulators. Router emulators are very common on the CCNA and are very realistic. For this reason, people who pass a Cisco exam not just good test takers, they know their stuff. To pass the CCNA I would highly recommend starting with one of the great books on the CCNA.
Get to the online bookstore and find books that keep your attention and are easy for you to read (here our selection of best books about computer networking). Next, invest in a practice exam like one from Boson. Test questions are worded very tricky and taking these practice tests will guarantee you getting the multiple choice stuff correct. Finally, you will need to work on your router skills.
Either purchase a metal router on eBay or download the software emulator GNS3. GNSs is a free router emulator that can help you immensely and best of all its free. These three things combined will land you that certificate, they will increase your value in the workplace, and will most likely get in the door to do some real hands-on networking. Of course, you still have to pass the interview 🙂
And talking about certifications, nowadays Cisco is not the only option anymore: Juniper Networks is gaining traction in the market and as a consequence Juniper experts are in high demand. You don’t need Cisco to be a great network engineer, You can become Juniper Networks Certified Associate – Junos (JNCIA-Junos) in a few weeks and unlock access to more advanced certification tracks.
On the Job Training
Sometimes poring over the Career Builder website or the LinkedIn job boards can yield you a nice selection of network jobs you may qualify for without having a certification. These jobs will typically pay less however will offer the opportunity to learn and may provide training to advance yourself to get a CCNA or even superior certifications.
Self Study
For some people, the best way to learn about a new topic or field of interest is self-study, intended as getting a course of some kind (e.g. books, audio, video, etc.) and working on it. We have a great article about the 10 top books for Network Engineers, check it out! For audio and video courses, a great resource is the evergreen Youtube which offers free content.
College
Colleges today recognise the demand for skilled I.T. people in the workplace and have started to establish certification programs that will allow you to earn your CCNA or CCNP which will definitely launch you in the the computer networking hot seat. The benefit of College programs is that these often qualify for grants and loans that may not otherwise be available.
Military
This option seems to be overlooked and is last on the list of where to find quality training, but really this should be one of the first on many peoples list. The biggest problem is that working in the Army, Air Force, Navy or Marines is often misunderstood. Each branch is significantly different and each has their own training and benefits.
Most people envision Hollywood movie footage of “Black Hawk Down” living in the desert eating C-rations. Of course those jobs, locations, and duties do exist, however, life in the military is far different and the educational benefits are tremendous! The US military offers some great programs that will get your hands on some of the latest technology and networks that you can find in the civilian world. Nowhere else can you find a place that will immediately give you a paycheck, provide you with all the food you can eat, comfortable living quarters, new clothes and a world-class education.
Passing the job interview to become a Network Engineer
1. Do I Need a degree to Become a Network Engineer?
One myth or preconception of becoming a network engineer is that you have to have a college degree. This is not true. The job title Network Engineer or certification Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) does not necessarily mean that you are a “REAL” engineer. By this I mean a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, or other accredited degreed credential.
As a matter of fact titles such as these undermine the credibility of real engineers. Job titles like Systems Engineer and Network Engineer began popping up shortly after network and computer equipment vendors came out with similar certification names. For example, Novel created the Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) to provide a way to indicate an employee knew and could work on Novell equipment. To get this “certification” you simply had to pass 5 tests created for Novell server systems. Microsoft quickly copied Novell by creating the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE). This took off in popularity and soon I.T. departments were flooded with “paper MCSE’s”. Finally Cisco took their certifications to a new level and created their own certification, the CCIE, positioning it at the top of the heap by adding an incredibly difficult hands on lab.
2. Do I Need to Pass the CCNA or CCNP to Take the CCIE?
Many people think that you need to complete the CCNA or CCNP in order to take the CCIE. This is not true. The only prerequisite for taking the CCIE lab is to pass the CCIE qualification exam (also known as the CCIE written).
3. I’m in school now, Should I Finish My Degree or should I Take the CCNA?
From all of the questions we receive, many of of you are in college (or are close to getting your college degree) and are curious if you should finish your degree or just skip ahead and take the CCNA. Our recommendation is of course to FINISH YOUR DEGREE! The CCNA is just one test that can be studied and passed at anytime. Getting your degree takes much more study and dedication and should be completed.
4. Will Passing the CCNA Get Me Hired as a Network Engineer?
No certification test will guarantee you get hired or even get you to an interview for a network engineer job. But many network jobs do require at least a CCNA to get your foot in the door or to be able to be considered for an interview. The CCNA is the basic entry level routing and switching exam and show employers you know at least the basics of how to do the job. Will the CCNA get you a job? No. But it may help get you talking to the hiring manager so you can sell yourself.
5. I Have No Experience, What Is The Best Way to Get a Job as a Network Engineer?
If you have zero experience in networking and zero experience with computers your first task is to learn computing. Buy a computer, take it apart and put it back together again. Learn how computers work first, then move on to learning how networks work. Next, take a look at studying for and passing networking certifications.
6. Will Learning UNIX/Linux Help Me with Networking?
Yes! Most routers and switches are based on a Linux/Unix operating system. Learning Unix or Linux will go a long way to helping you understand how advanced computer systems operate as well as how network computers communicate.
7. I have little experience but I passed the CCNA and got hired as a desktop admin. Is this job right for me?
Only you can decide if the job is right for you. If you enjoy the work and love what you do than that is the most important thing to consider. Don’t worry about what the job title is.
If your new boss hired you and stuck you on desktop duty… this may have been done to judge your overall performance and see how well you work with in the company culture. Also the risk factor for a company with a new hire is much less by having that new hire first work on desktops. If a new employee makes a on a single desktop. The only impact to the company is that one desktop needs to be rebuilt. However, if that same new employee is given a task to work on a network switch or router and mistakenly wipes out the entire VLAN database, effecting hundreds if not thousands of workstations, this would cause massive revenue loss for the company. Both you and your new boss would get fired!
8. Should I Take the CCNP or Just Go for the CCIE?
The statistics for passing the CCIE is only 3%. Thats a 97% failure rate. Compare this to the MCAT or the BAR and CCIE is THE hardest exam to pass in the world! Unless you have an employer or someone who will sponsor you to fail the test at least twice as well as pay for you to take the test a third time and pass, I would go for the CCNP.
9. I Passed the CCNA (CCNP) and Got an Interview but Didn’t Get the Job. Why?
Having a certification is great but honestly this piece of paper doesn’t say anything about you as a person or your experience. When you go to an interview one the biggest things an employers looks for is to see how well you will get along with the team (read as soft skills). You can be the greatest network engineer in the world but also difficult to work with and not a great team player. You need to be able to demonstrate your ability to work on a team and contribute to their person brand. But how? Try working on your personal brand and take a look at our soft skills interview questions.
10. Whats The Best Way to Study to Become a Network Engineer?
The best way to learn networking is by doing. The least expensive way, if you have access to an IOS image is to install a Router Simulator and practice working with real routers in a virtual environment right on your desktop
If you don’t have access to an IOS image or don’t feel comfortable working with a freeware router simulator you can install the router simulator from Boson. It installs very easy but it is not cheap!
You could also look for Packeteer from Cisco. You may have to buy this also as its usually only available to Cisco Academy folks.
Buy a cheap router from eBay! Probably the easiest and least expensive routes is to simply buy an old used router off of eBay. You can find a decent router from under a hundred bucks that will get you everything you need.
One last thing you will need to help prepare you for passing the CCNA or CCNP is some practice questions or testing software.
There are lots of ways for motivated people to change their life, and land a job as a network engineer. Doing so will allow you to make a good living and work with some awesome technology. Getting there is up to you. Whether it be self-study, classroom training, college or the military, if you truly want to work as a network engineer there is a way. You just have to do it, with passion and determination.
As Yoda once said – “Do or Do Not, There is no Try.”
Joe Wilson
Senior Network Engineer, technology enthusiast, guitar and bass player. Joe Wilson is the creator of RouterFreak.com as well as other niche websites that can be found around on the Internets.
302 Responses
Hi Joe,
I hv a question regarding the PPP protocol.
* Is this protocols works if the source and destination are same devices?
* For example if i hv two router configured with encapsulation PPP and connected than the interface will be
UP/UP.
* If one having PPP encapsulation and another having HDLC encapsulation then the interface will be UP/DOWN.
* MY QUESTION IS If the Router is hardlooped in the interface,is there any thing like we need to change the encapsulation to HDLC if it was cofigured before as PPP.
ppp and hdlc are two different forms of encapsulation in WAN technology in serial links to connect the routers………………..so you are ought to use the same encapsulation or else the link state will show line protocol down…………….you just need to match the encapsulation ……….for example if a router ona line says "A" AND THE SECOND ROUTER SPEAKS "Z"……both are in dilema that the two of them are speaking differnt things…….same way both needs to speak either "A" or "Z"……………………….
i clearly and simply wanna know how to be net work engineer… step by step..i need from school leave.. what qualification need for that? are we want to pass A/L s have any option without a/ls ?and how much going for network courses ?
My doubt is that i have done +2 high school in the year 2001 and after that i had long gap period now i m doing
my bachelor's in computer applications(2nd sem) and i have also enrolled for CCNA at a institue.My question is that after a long gap period and without any college degree will i be able to get a job as network engineer in any firm
Sir, i reali appreciate ur concern about CCNA, mean while am just into it and i need some advice on it,steps and procedur,and also i've an advance certificate on MISC data/program administration(as a developer)please a-light me more on steps and others thanks….
I got another little doubt. I have heard that lot of companies have started their own certification courses.Sorry if am wrong. So after doing a CCNA will all the companies consider it or my opportunities ll be limited only to CISCO..
Other network equipment manufacturers have their own certifications, this is true. Juniper, Riverbed, Foundry, etc. They each have programs to certify engineers on their equipment. Cisco was one of the first, is the most popular and widely accepted.
Hi Babu,
You do not need a degree to get any certification. You can take the CCNA at anytime you would like. But know that the CCNA is one of Cisco's entry level certifications. The first is the CCENT, and the second is the CCNA. Both may help you to get a junior engineer position.
I need your help, i've completed my btech It course.I'm interested in doing some course like ccna or mainframe from IBM,or ccna or RHCE .plz tell me which one is the best among ths..waiting for your reply.
Sanjay,
Congratulations on your btech! First I would ask in what way do you mean best? They all have potential to create a great career. As far as salary goes, again it depends a lot on experience and aptitude.
I would also say that there is a big difference between the three different courses you are considering. Aligning to Mainframe, Networks, and Systems.
When choosing one of these paths, I personally would not use money or potential salary as a compass to point you in the proper direction. Use your passion and emotion: use your heart to guide you to a path of work that interests you the most. where does your personal interests lie. Which field is most interesting to you, that YOU like the best.
Learning Mainframe maybe something good to know, many of the people who currently work on mainframes today are getting older, retiring and companies no longer have people to run them. This carrier however is limited as very little investment being made in mainframes today and most companies are investing in virtualization and cloud computing.
The CCNA is Cisco entry level certification. You will need at least a CCNP to be able to work extensively with networking technologies.
The RHCE is a server certification in RedHat Linux. With this cert you will be working extensively with linux servers and the administration of linux servers.
All three are viable career paths, but what you need to ask yourself is which path is most interesting to you. Mainframe (older technology, but with a growing need of people to run them), Networking (Cisco and Juniper), or Systems/Servers (RedHat, VMware, etc).
Salaries are really dependent on experience and location. I have seen entry level positions pay anywhere from high $20K per year (USD) up to low $50K (USD).
Thanks for providing all of this great information. I'm interested in your advice as it may pertain to my situation. I am 43 years old. I started with a B.S. in Microbiology and worked for 15 years in that field as a medical researcher and biotechnologist. This type of work is very technical but technical in terms of working with DNA in a laboratory, not technical as in working with computers. I went back to school because salary and advancement opportunities are very limited at the B.S. level. I earned my MBA with a focus on MIS and project management and also earned my PMP. As a project manager in the airline industry in network infrastructure I quickly became interested in working with the technology (network analysis, visio diagrams of network device implementations) and not the people (conference calls, project tracking, etc.). I'm wondering where to go from here. I want to study and pass the CCNA but am concerned about finding a job without the technical experience at my age. Just a couple of years out of school with the MBA/PMP I am making $81K as a project manager but I hate it. I'm really interested in your take on my prospects.
Hi Jerry,
Well honestly you sound a lot like me. 🙂 I dont now if my opinion will be of much help but here goes.
In networking, I've worked in operations, done some light project management, as well as straight up hard core engineering. Doing too much of any one of these, for me, tends to get old quickly. My wife jokes with me and tells me I'm ADD, that I need to have something new going on in my work to keep my attention or I get bored.
It sounds to me that you're the type of person who likes to have is hands in the project, on the gear, while its going on. Engineering the architecture, creating the implementation, implementing it, and then supporting it — soup to nuts. Creating a solution and seeing it through to production.
If this is your case, then getting your CCNA will always be a good thing. I would even tell you you should pursue getting your CCNP. A CCNP along with your experience and background should open some doors for you to find a position where you maybe satisfied. Once your satisfied with your work, the money will come.
A good CCNP with 4 years or more of experience can get $80-98K/year (depending on geo region). A good CCIE – will easily get $110K+
Stick to small to medium sized companies when looking for work. Find a place that has few if not any project managers 🙂 What this means is that you will be managing your own projects. Which isn't a bad thing. You will wear more "hats" at a smaller company but you also get to see the fruits of your labor make a difference. This in my opinion is one of the most satisfying parts of my job. Plus smaller companies are more relaxed, laid back and fun places to work. Bigger companies often mean more policy, and more complexity when it comes to getting things done.
Honestly with your background you should hook up with some engineers and start your own company!
Its really an awesome work you have done!!! Hats off!!! I had lots of doubts about certification courses especially CCNA, you cleared em all. Still i need help in few thing. Am doing my B.Tech Information Technology final year in chennai, India. Am very passionate about a career in Networking. I have knowledge about basic networking.
I want to do my Masters which is doubtful due to financial and lack of good academic records. Alternately i find certification courses like ccna ccnp etc…. very interesting and ll open my opportunities wider. But these courses expire in some time. And am very much interested in linux environment. I see you have mentioned about redhat and sun. I am looking forward to those courses too.I am lack of direction. How does an MS in an average institute weigh against these courses. Although this might not be you specialization word of advice would be nice.
As i said my academic records are not good. My cgpa is 6.6 out of 10. I want to do MS in a good institute. I need lot of time preparing for GRE. And still i may not be able to enter in an good institute. If i get into an good institute i need to focus on my MS. Workload ll high. So which option should i take.
One thing am very sure of is i want to achieve big in my career.
I would be very much glad if advice me on my career. It would mean a lot to me!!!
Raja,
I would suggest first that you try to finish your B.Tech. After you get this finished, then see which direction you want to go. If you feel you have a passion for networking, then try taking and passing the CCNA. It is a good thing to have under your belt when look for a new position with a company.
You say you also like working with Linux. This is a good thing too, but you should pick one, either networking or servers/systems and learn it well.
Its sounds like you maybe spreading yourself a bit thin in your study's and your direction. Try to get some focus on what you would like to learn most and study it and learn it well. If you stay in school to go for your masters you need to bring up your GPA. But also know that if you're still in school your career has yet to begin. Let your passion drive you to where you need to be. Do what you love to do and you will find reward. Be patient and it will happen.
Now i'm doing BE(ECE) 3rd year sir.I am interested in a career as a network engineer.it's my long days dreams also sir .so what step i'll take for become an network engineer sir .please your kindly information give me sir.
After reading ur posts here i thought u r the person who can guide me along because the way u have answered doubts here tempted me to ask u that WHAT R THE PRESENT AND FUTURE JOB OPPORTUNITIES in networking field. also i read about cloud computing that it might affect the networking job sector. please guide me over this issue.
Cloud computing is changing the way computers and applications interact that is for certain. But no matter what, computers require a network to communicate and this will never go away.
Networks are advancing too. With cloud computing comes the virtualization of the network itself which helps to create the cloud. Virtual switching and routing adds new dimensions to networks and how we design and management them.
But cloud computing is nothing new. We have had cloud computing for a long while now, we've just never called it by that name. The internet itself is a cloud. Bit-torrent and peer to peer applications create a cloud. There are more examples, but my point is that the future is very bright for opportunities and growth.
Technology is expanding at an exponential rate. And yes I mean exponential NOT linear. Technology and computing are doubling about every ten years. This is huge for all of us as this means there is plenty of work to do, and many companies out there willing to hire you to work on there networks and systems.
The networking job sector is changing. It is growing and advancing. But so are all of the job sectors. Newer technologies means higher and higher demand for experienced engineers in these advanced fields, like cloud computing and virtualization.
I am a student in faculty of engineering and am still in my first year, i will pick my choice in major in the next semester and i want to be a computer engineer what i know about computer engineering is that it concentrates mostly about network, do you think that i should wait until i finish my Bdegree then take the ( CCNA ) or i do it while am in college? If i will do it after i finish my degree, then should i study anything besides my studying in college until i finish to help me later? or just concentrate in my studies? I have some free time to study anything else besides my studies, thanks.
I am a student in faculty of engineering and am still in my first year, i will pick my choice in major in the next semester and i want to be a computer engineer what i know about computer engineering is that it concentrates mostly about network, do you think that i should wait until i finish my Bdegree then take the ( CCNA ) or i do it while am in college? If i will do it after i finish my degree, then should i study anything besides my studying in college until i finish to help me later? or just concentrate in my studies? I have some free time to study anything else besides my studies, thanks.
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302 Responses
Hi Joe,
I hv a question regarding the PPP protocol.
* Is this protocols works if the source and destination are same devices?
* For example if i hv two router configured with encapsulation PPP and connected than the interface will be
UP/UP.
* If one having PPP encapsulation and another having HDLC encapsulation then the interface will be UP/DOWN.
* MY QUESTION IS If the Router is hardlooped in the interface,is there any thing like we need to change the encapsulation to HDLC if it was cofigured before as PPP.
ppp and hdlc are two different forms of encapsulation in WAN technology in serial links to connect the routers………………..so you are ought to use the same encapsulation or else the link state will show line protocol down…………….you just need to match the encapsulation ……….for example if a router ona line says "A" AND THE SECOND ROUTER SPEAKS "Z"……both are in dilema that the two of them are speaking differnt things…….same way both needs to speak either "A" or "Z"……………………….
REGARDS………….
SOUGATA ROY
hi
i clearly and simply wanna know how to be net work engineer… step by step..i need from school leave.. what qualification need for that? are we want to pass A/L s have any option without a/ls ?and how much going for network courses ?
My doubt is that i have done +2 high school in the year 2001 and after that i had long gap period now i m doing
my bachelor's in computer applications(2nd sem) and i have also enrolled for CCNA at a institue.My question is that after a long gap period and without any college degree will i be able to get a job as network engineer in any firm
Sir, i reali appreciate ur concern about CCNA, mean while am just into it and i need some advice on it,steps and procedur,and also i've an advance certificate on MISC data/program administration(as a developer)please a-light me more on steps and others thanks….
Hi sir,
I got another little doubt. I have heard that lot of companies have started their own certification courses.Sorry if am wrong. So after doing a CCNA will all the companies consider it or my opportunities ll be limited only to CISCO..
Other network equipment manufacturers have their own certifications, this is true. Juniper, Riverbed, Foundry, etc. They each have programs to certify engineers on their equipment. Cisco was one of the first, is the most popular and widely accepted.
hi joe
I need your help iam a vfx diploma student and +2(higher secondary) this is my education any degree is must for ccna carrer
iam sorry iam very week in english iam planning to take ccna then ccnp&ccie
I would be very much glad if advice me on my career. It would mean a lot to me!!!
Thanks in advance!!!!
Hi Babu,
You do not need a degree to get any certification. You can take the CCNA at anytime you would like. But know that the CCNA is one of Cisco's entry level certifications. The first is the CCENT, and the second is the CCNA. Both may help you to get a junior engineer position.
Good luck!
hi Joe
I need your help, i've completed my btech It course.I'm interested in doing some course like ccna or mainframe from IBM,or ccna or RHCE .plz tell me which one is the best among ths..waiting for your reply.
regards
sanjay
Sanjay,
Congratulations on your btech! First I would ask in what way do you mean best? They all have potential to create a great career. As far as salary goes, again it depends a lot on experience and aptitude.
I would also say that there is a big difference between the three different courses you are considering. Aligning to Mainframe, Networks, and Systems.
When choosing one of these paths, I personally would not use money or potential salary as a compass to point you in the proper direction. Use your passion and emotion: use your heart to guide you to a path of work that interests you the most. where does your personal interests lie. Which field is most interesting to you, that YOU like the best.
Learning Mainframe maybe something good to know, many of the people who currently work on mainframes today are getting older, retiring and companies no longer have people to run them. This carrier however is limited as very little investment being made in mainframes today and most companies are investing in virtualization and cloud computing.
The CCNA is Cisco entry level certification. You will need at least a CCNP to be able to work extensively with networking technologies.
The RHCE is a server certification in RedHat Linux. With this cert you will be working extensively with linux servers and the administration of linux servers.
All three are viable career paths, but what you need to ask yourself is which path is most interesting to you. Mainframe (older technology, but with a growing need of people to run them), Networking (Cisco and Juniper), or Systems/Servers (RedHat, VMware, etc).
Best of luck
hi Joe
thanks for the reply …
And one more question which course will you consider the best in terms of Salary SAP or RHCE???
Salaries are really dependent on experience and location. I have seen entry level positions pay anywhere from high $20K per year (USD) up to low $50K (USD).
Hi Joe,
Thanks for providing all of this great information. I'm interested in your advice as it may pertain to my situation. I am 43 years old. I started with a B.S. in Microbiology and worked for 15 years in that field as a medical researcher and biotechnologist. This type of work is very technical but technical in terms of working with DNA in a laboratory, not technical as in working with computers. I went back to school because salary and advancement opportunities are very limited at the B.S. level. I earned my MBA with a focus on MIS and project management and also earned my PMP. As a project manager in the airline industry in network infrastructure I quickly became interested in working with the technology (network analysis, visio diagrams of network device implementations) and not the people (conference calls, project tracking, etc.). I'm wondering where to go from here. I want to study and pass the CCNA but am concerned about finding a job without the technical experience at my age. Just a couple of years out of school with the MBA/PMP I am making $81K as a project manager but I hate it. I'm really interested in your take on my prospects.
Thanks again,
Jerry
Hi Jerry,
Well honestly you sound a lot like me. 🙂 I dont now if my opinion will be of much help but here goes.
In networking, I've worked in operations, done some light project management, as well as straight up hard core engineering. Doing too much of any one of these, for me, tends to get old quickly. My wife jokes with me and tells me I'm ADD, that I need to have something new going on in my work to keep my attention or I get bored.
It sounds to me that you're the type of person who likes to have is hands in the project, on the gear, while its going on. Engineering the architecture, creating the implementation, implementing it, and then supporting it — soup to nuts. Creating a solution and seeing it through to production.
If this is your case, then getting your CCNA will always be a good thing. I would even tell you you should pursue getting your CCNP. A CCNP along with your experience and background should open some doors for you to find a position where you maybe satisfied. Once your satisfied with your work, the money will come.
A good CCNP with 4 years or more of experience can get $80-98K/year (depending on geo region). A good CCIE – will easily get $110K+
Stick to small to medium sized companies when looking for work. Find a place that has few if not any project managers 🙂 What this means is that you will be managing your own projects. Which isn't a bad thing. You will wear more "hats" at a smaller company but you also get to see the fruits of your labor make a difference. This in my opinion is one of the most satisfying parts of my job. Plus smaller companies are more relaxed, laid back and fun places to work. Bigger companies often mean more policy, and more complexity when it comes to getting things done.
Honestly with your background you should hook up with some engineers and start your own company!
I hope this helps.
Take care
Joe
Hi Joe,
Its really an awesome work you have done!!! Hats off!!! I had lots of doubts about certification courses especially CCNA, you cleared em all. Still i need help in few thing. Am doing my B.Tech Information Technology final year in chennai, India. Am very passionate about a career in Networking. I have knowledge about basic networking.
I want to do my Masters which is doubtful due to financial and lack of good academic records. Alternately i find certification courses like ccna ccnp etc…. very interesting and ll open my opportunities wider. But these courses expire in some time. And am very much interested in linux environment. I see you have mentioned about redhat and sun. I am looking forward to those courses too.I am lack of direction. How does an MS in an average institute weigh against these courses. Although this might not be you specialization word of advice would be nice.
As i said my academic records are not good. My cgpa is 6.6 out of 10. I want to do MS in a good institute. I need lot of time preparing for GRE. And still i may not be able to enter in an good institute. If i get into an good institute i need to focus on my MS. Workload ll high. So which option should i take.
One thing am very sure of is i want to achieve big in my career.
I would be very much glad if advice me on my career. It would mean a lot to me!!!
Thanks in advance!!!!
With regards
Raja.
Raja,
I would suggest first that you try to finish your B.Tech. After you get this finished, then see which direction you want to go. If you feel you have a passion for networking, then try taking and passing the CCNA. It is a good thing to have under your belt when look for a new position with a company.
You say you also like working with Linux. This is a good thing too, but you should pick one, either networking or servers/systems and learn it well.
Its sounds like you maybe spreading yourself a bit thin in your study's and your direction. Try to get some focus on what you would like to learn most and study it and learn it well. If you stay in school to go for your masters you need to bring up your GPA. But also know that if you're still in school your career has yet to begin. Let your passion drive you to where you need to be. Do what you love to do and you will find reward. Be patient and it will happen.
hello joe sir !
Now i'm doing BE(ECE) 3rd year sir.I am interested in a career as a network engineer.it's my long days dreams also sir .so what step i'll take for become an network engineer sir .please your kindly information give me sir.
Hi Joe,
After reading ur posts here i thought u r the person who can guide me along because the way u have answered doubts here tempted me to ask u that WHAT R THE PRESENT AND FUTURE JOB OPPORTUNITIES in networking field. also i read about cloud computing that it might affect the networking job sector. please guide me over this issue.
Cloud computing is changing the way computers and applications interact that is for certain. But no matter what, computers require a network to communicate and this will never go away.
Networks are advancing too. With cloud computing comes the virtualization of the network itself which helps to create the cloud. Virtual switching and routing adds new dimensions to networks and how we design and management them.
But cloud computing is nothing new. We have had cloud computing for a long while now, we've just never called it by that name. The internet itself is a cloud. Bit-torrent and peer to peer applications create a cloud. There are more examples, but my point is that the future is very bright for opportunities and growth.
Technology is expanding at an exponential rate. And yes I mean exponential NOT linear. Technology and computing are doubling about every ten years. This is huge for all of us as this means there is plenty of work to do, and many companies out there willing to hire you to work on there networks and systems.
The networking job sector is changing. It is growing and advancing. But so are all of the job sectors. Newer technologies means higher and higher demand for experienced engineers in these advanced fields, like cloud computing and virtualization.
I hope this helps a bit.
Regards
Can anybody . List sum networking compy in chennai.
Hi Joe,
I am a student in faculty of engineering and am still in my first year, i will pick my choice in major in the next semester and i want to be a computer engineer what i know about computer engineering is that it concentrates mostly about network, do you think that i should wait until i finish my Bdegree then take the ( CCNA ) or i do it while am in college? If i will do it after i finish my degree, then should i study anything besides my studying in college until i finish to help me later? or just concentrate in my studies? I have some free time to study anything else besides my studies, thanks.
Hi Joe,
I am a student in faculty of engineering and am still in my first year, i will pick my choice in major in the next semester and i want to be a computer engineer what i know about computer engineering is that it concentrates mostly about network, do you think that i should wait until i finish my Bdegree then take the ( CCNA ) or i do it while am in college? If i will do it after i finish my degree, then should i study anything besides my studying in college until i finish to help me later? or just concentrate in my studies? I have some free time to study anything else besides my studies, thanks.