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
hey i am an electrical engineer.Isccna and ccnp useful for me?
plz answer
Thanks for all the comments here, really help me with my doubts. I starting my Networking Certification on the College, i have no experience but im planning to add Cisco Certifications to my education. Do you think this gonna help me to get a job on networking??
Thanks and any advice its welcome!!
So I am 22 and I am not in college. I have been self teaching myself c++ and now java. I was interested in software development at first but I am also really really interested in networking. At the moment I am not going to be able to go to college money problems and such.
Would it be possible for me become a network engineer by purchasing study materials and reading and doing certs? I would want to go to college later and get something like a cis.
Hey Anthony,
Sure you can "do it yourself". I did and many network engineers have also. College will help you gain a more well rounded understanding of computer sciences… but you can get similar knowledge through real world experience and self study. Studying yourself will help you not only gain a cert or two… but those certs will also help you get hired. Don't expect too much at first… especially if you don't have any work experience in I.T. But you will definitely be able to get your foot in the door… gain some work experience and work you're way up from there. Make sure you goal is at the least the CCNP. Work with simulators or buy a used router or two and practice. You can do it.
good luck
Thank you 🙂 one more question i'm truly a noob here so i'm not sure what books to purchase or materials or what exactly to read up on. I found a few simulators but I need some guidance lol.
I am btech holder in E&C 2008 batch.I got in to healthcare marketing for period of four years and now i am planning to switch in to networking.I am doing CCNA+LINUX now and after that planning to do CCNP.will this help me to achive my mission…………………..?looking for your reply
hiii … i am pursuing Beachler of Engineering in Computer science branch .. and i don't want to enter in Programming field because i am very interested in Networking … so what to do … how to become networking engineer …. is there networking subjects in BE course .. or do i have to join any type of extra courses … please help me reply me on my email vasubirla@gmail.com
Finding a network engineering position in a location that is not a major city is very difficult. i have my ccna, net+, security+, and mcitp windows 7 certs, an associate degree in computer science (networking), over the years,I have worked as a computer tech, tier 1 and tier 2 support for major ISPs supporting startup businesses to medium sized businesses. i have also done some network consulting as a contractor and supported multiple sites yielding around 1000 users and 2000+ devices to support. I currently am a jr network administrator and find it hard for employers to put me in a network engineering position. i do have a great understanding about networking, mainly routing and switch and some security. i work every day with multiple microsoft products, just not enough cisco hardware, hyperv, exchange, active directory, group policy, etc etc is very easy to support and build. any pointers on what i am doing wrong? i honestly feel it is my location and im bored at my current job. also to mention i am working on my mcitps for exchange administrator, server admin 2008, mcitp for virtualization, cissp, and ccna security. any help?
hello Sir,
m interested in the networking world…i have completed my ccna and want to do a job in related field…can u pls guide me as to how to take a step in networking career..what position i would be working on in beginning, is it network engineer or network administrator or something else ?? and how will i get promoted in this field on what basis ? pls do rply
Today is my first time visiting this site and I must say it's a treasure island because of the many pearls of wisdom one gets by just viewing the many topics. I'm a lifelong learner and i believe this site is going to mentor that perspective. I have a Bachelors in Engineering, some decade ago, worked in a help-desk supporting users on Systems, more of a computer operator position. Anyway, I moved over to US in 2005, worked with Verizon, installing and repairing POTS lines, DSL and Fios services. I like any thing outside plant, i guessed its the way I'm wired.
I quite agree with you about the various learning curve of becoming an engineer. It's an ever learning experience. I remembered when I started out studying for my CCNA, Subnetting was a just too daunting for me to comprehend, but after some going after it , it's my strongest skill in networking!
Engineering is equivalent to Flow process. One dots connects to another dots. I passed my CCNA some couple of weeks back and i discovered that the more you study, the more you discover things you don't know.. I liked the way you explained redundancy (HSRP and VRRP) in different devices (Cisco & Juniper).
I'm three classes away from my Masters program in Telecoms Management, where I've been studying network design, management, performance, security, wireless, project management etc. I discover that to be a good engineer, one needs the practical experience to tshoot devices and the relevant education to design and implement solutions.
I'm starting out studying for my CCNP ROUTE, and the first two chapters in the Cisco official guide by Wendell Odom piqued my curiosity to really understanding the purpose of the exams. I observed that it's not just about configuring routers etc, but rather a methodology to implementing a network design. it sure does emphasis a structured implementation planning methodology that includes FCAPS, ITIL, TMN, PPDIOO.
I was intrigued because I had studied about FCAPS and TMN in my graduate classes. I'm even an ITIL v3 certified. I have an entirely new perspective about the CCNP, CCIE, CCDE exams. It's going to be a lifelong learning, practicing career and there is not going to be a time out.
I just started sending out my resume for a entry-level Network Engineer position, and I've got quite a bit of responses and I would most likely get an interview and possibly an offer next month as all things goes well.
My ultimate goal is to be a Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr), but I know I would need a lot of tools, experinces and education. I have planned the next six months to get the CCNP, thereafter I'll take the two exams for CCDA and CCDP towards the end of the year. Next year I would be looking into Network /Cybersecurity and do more network implementations in preparation for either the CCIE or CCDE.
I just hope I'm on the right path so far?
Thanks for the wonderful site and keep the fire burning.
This indeed is very helpful. I'm preparing for an interview tomorrow for a network engineer post. I don't have much experience yet but I have the attitude and sense of accountability that I think would be my edge. I only have the basic skills and knowledge. Your advice especially when you mentioned " You can be the greatest network engineer in the world but be the biggest ass hole too. Remember you can teach someone to be a good network engineer. You can't teach someone NOT to be an ass hole.". I have handled people in my current job as a Real Time Analyst, this is indeed TRUE. Knowledge can be acquired through constant practice and training, however, when it comes to attitude… This is all I can say " You can't teach old dogs new tricks" .. More power sir 🙂 This is very inspirational 🙂
I found the answers very casual and random. I mean to be a network engineer you first understand networking protocols then design toplolgy based on a senario to a desrable outcome. This is not enough you need to know the hilgh level applications built on the naked Router and switch infrastructure such as 2008 R2.
certfiction wise
A+, Introduction to Networking, Introduction to Programming,CCNA, MCITP(AD,DNS,DHCP….etc), CCNP
That is agood strat to a junior level job start
Then work your way up
Excellent article and very useful. I am workign as a network engineer and have CCNA and hoping to take CCNP. I do have basic knowledge on most configurations in regard to SSH, TACACS, Routing protocols, VLAN, VTP,etc. But i work remotely and havent seen much of the devices or worked on them physically (cable connections and stuff).
I was hoping that you could help me out here on how to proceed to learn to move to the next level. I had read in many sites that sometimes the Job description requires architectural knowledge or hands on experience on various models of routers, switches,etc.
I always find myself a bit lagging in networking expertise…..How can i approach studying the difference in various models and how do i actually learn in-depth about networking? I want to specialise in Routing & switching!
Hope you can help me out.
It's tough sometimes working remotely and not being able to learn as much from a team when your not face-to-face. I will say that the feeling of not knowing enough, or the feeling of lagging in your network expertise never really goes away. There is always something more to learn, either to have deeper understanding of the technology or more variety of technologies to learn. That's the tough part of being a network engineer. You never stop learning and there is always something interesting to learn about.
I would say stick to your CCNP goal for now. The knowledge you get from studying for that certification is amazing. Out of all three tests I would say the TSHOOT test is probably the most challenging.
I would also try to attend instructor lead training. This will help you network with other people who have the same goals as you. You may even find your not a lagging in your knowledge as you may think 🙂 Also think about attending conferences. This is a great way to learn more and get introduced to other network engineers. There a many conference besides Cisco Live! or Cisco networkers (which is very expensive – but well worth it). Finally, try searching for local Cisco User Groups, Juniper User Groups, Linux User Groups, etc. These are great places to meet other people, learn new technologies, and be connected.
Best of luck to you and drop back by and let us know how your doing!
Take care
Hello Joe,
I want to become a Network Engineer. I have read many comments and their quite uncertain to me what the real advise are from many contributors, though they’re all sharing inner-most thoughts. I would like to know from you, Where should I start from? Is it necessary to study in a University or College for a diploma before I under take either CCNA or MCSE certificate and the rest? What are the right steps, please?
I really need this critically. I would be more than grateful for your intellectual and professional advise on this troubling choices.
Thanks a lot.
Hello. sir, i m going to study U.G computer science in Canada.i have a great passion in learning about computers,but m confused in deciding my career after U.G.i want to have a nice job with proper salary.I came to know about networking,m interested in it also.I need to gain proper knowledge in networking for that what should i do? …………thank you in advance,
I am currently doing my Bachelors in Computer Systems & Networking in The University of Greenwich (UK), do you think I should take a CCNA test before I get my degree? Thank you.
hi sir
i attend a professional school in Ghana (IPMC)…i am offer a professional course which hardware and network engineering….this course after completion can lead to the qualification of a Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) also Linux Certified Engineer and MCITP Enterprise Messaging Administrator…i also plan to write an international MCITP exam from Microsoft….i want to know if its ok with these qualifications to get a job in the United States of America….since i plan to travel there someday….THANK YOU
Dear joe, i am rasheed i had completed ccna and mcse i am looking for fresher network engineer job how can i get the networking job as a fresher? and another one is i completed UG degree in distance education only . is distance education is ok for our field because i am getting scared about this some people said to me distance education is not ok for this field like that only they told to me pls let me know about this joe thanks in advance waiting for your reply joe
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302 Responses
hey i am an electrical engineer.Isccna and ccnp useful for me?
plz answer
yes It would be useful for you for the upliftment of your career in Networking field
Thanks for all the comments here, really help me with my doubts. I starting my Networking Certification on the College, i have no experience but im planning to add Cisco Certifications to my education. Do you think this gonna help me to get a job on networking??
Thanks and any advice its welcome!!
So I am 22 and I am not in college. I have been self teaching myself c++ and now java. I was interested in software development at first but I am also really really interested in networking. At the moment I am not going to be able to go to college money problems and such.
Would it be possible for me become a network engineer by purchasing study materials and reading and doing certs? I would want to go to college later and get something like a cis.
Hey Anthony,
Sure you can "do it yourself". I did and many network engineers have also. College will help you gain a more well rounded understanding of computer sciences… but you can get similar knowledge through real world experience and self study. Studying yourself will help you not only gain a cert or two… but those certs will also help you get hired. Don't expect too much at first… especially if you don't have any work experience in I.T. But you will definitely be able to get your foot in the door… gain some work experience and work you're way up from there. Make sure you goal is at the least the CCNP. Work with simulators or buy a used router or two and practice. You can do it.
good luck
Thank you 🙂 one more question i'm truly a noob here so i'm not sure what books to purchase or materials or what exactly to read up on. I found a few simulators but I need some guidance lol.
Hi joe
I am btech holder in E&C 2008 batch.I got in to healthcare marketing for period of four years and now i am planning to switch in to networking.I am doing CCNA+LINUX now and after that planning to do CCNP.will this help me to achive my mission…………………..?looking for your reply
hiii … i am pursuing Beachler of Engineering in Computer science branch .. and i don't want to enter in Programming field because i am very interested in Networking … so what to do … how to become networking engineer …. is there networking subjects in BE course .. or do i have to join any type of extra courses … please help me reply me on my email vasubirla@gmail.com
Joe,
Finding a network engineering position in a location that is not a major city is very difficult. i have my ccna, net+, security+, and mcitp windows 7 certs, an associate degree in computer science (networking), over the years,I have worked as a computer tech, tier 1 and tier 2 support for major ISPs supporting startup businesses to medium sized businesses. i have also done some network consulting as a contractor and supported multiple sites yielding around 1000 users and 2000+ devices to support. I currently am a jr network administrator and find it hard for employers to put me in a network engineering position. i do have a great understanding about networking, mainly routing and switch and some security. i work every day with multiple microsoft products, just not enough cisco hardware, hyperv, exchange, active directory, group policy, etc etc is very easy to support and build. any pointers on what i am doing wrong? i honestly feel it is my location and im bored at my current job. also to mention i am working on my mcitps for exchange administrator, server admin 2008, mcitp for virtualization, cissp, and ccna security. any help?
hello Sir,
m interested in the networking world…i have completed my ccna and want to do a job in related field…can u pls guide me as to how to take a step in networking career..what position i would be working on in beginning, is it network engineer or network administrator or something else ?? and how will i get promoted in this field on what basis ? pls do rply
Hello
Today is my first time visiting this site and I must say it's a treasure island because of the many pearls of wisdom one gets by just viewing the many topics. I'm a lifelong learner and i believe this site is going to mentor that perspective. I have a Bachelors in Engineering, some decade ago, worked in a help-desk supporting users on Systems, more of a computer operator position. Anyway, I moved over to US in 2005, worked with Verizon, installing and repairing POTS lines, DSL and Fios services. I like any thing outside plant, i guessed its the way I'm wired.
I quite agree with you about the various learning curve of becoming an engineer. It's an ever learning experience. I remembered when I started out studying for my CCNA, Subnetting was a just too daunting for me to comprehend, but after some going after it , it's my strongest skill in networking!
Engineering is equivalent to Flow process. One dots connects to another dots. I passed my CCNA some couple of weeks back and i discovered that the more you study, the more you discover things you don't know.. I liked the way you explained redundancy (HSRP and VRRP) in different devices (Cisco & Juniper).
I'm three classes away from my Masters program in Telecoms Management, where I've been studying network design, management, performance, security, wireless, project management etc. I discover that to be a good engineer, one needs the practical experience to tshoot devices and the relevant education to design and implement solutions.
I'm starting out studying for my CCNP ROUTE, and the first two chapters in the Cisco official guide by Wendell Odom piqued my curiosity to really understanding the purpose of the exams. I observed that it's not just about configuring routers etc, but rather a methodology to implementing a network design. it sure does emphasis a structured implementation planning methodology that includes FCAPS, ITIL, TMN, PPDIOO.
I was intrigued because I had studied about FCAPS and TMN in my graduate classes. I'm even an ITIL v3 certified. I have an entirely new perspective about the CCNP, CCIE, CCDE exams. It's going to be a lifelong learning, practicing career and there is not going to be a time out.
I just started sending out my resume for a entry-level Network Engineer position, and I've got quite a bit of responses and I would most likely get an interview and possibly an offer next month as all things goes well.
My ultimate goal is to be a Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr), but I know I would need a lot of tools, experinces and education. I have planned the next six months to get the CCNP, thereafter I'll take the two exams for CCDA and CCDP towards the end of the year. Next year I would be looking into Network /Cybersecurity and do more network implementations in preparation for either the CCIE or CCDE.
I just hope I'm on the right path so far?
Thanks for the wonderful site and keep the fire burning.
Hi Sir,
This indeed is very helpful. I'm preparing for an interview tomorrow for a network engineer post. I don't have much experience yet but I have the attitude and sense of accountability that I think would be my edge. I only have the basic skills and knowledge. Your advice especially when you mentioned " You can be the greatest network engineer in the world but be the biggest ass hole too. Remember you can teach someone to be a good network engineer. You can't teach someone NOT to be an ass hole.". I have handled people in my current job as a Real Time Analyst, this is indeed TRUE. Knowledge can be acquired through constant practice and training, however, when it comes to attitude… This is all I can say " You can't teach old dogs new tricks" .. More power sir 🙂 This is very inspirational 🙂
I found the answers very casual and random. I mean to be a network engineer you first understand networking protocols then design toplolgy based on a senario to a desrable outcome. This is not enough you need to know the hilgh level applications built on the naked Router and switch infrastructure such as 2008 R2.
certfiction wise
A+, Introduction to Networking, Introduction to Programming,CCNA, MCITP(AD,DNS,DHCP….etc), CCNP
That is agood strat to a junior level job start
Then work your way up
Hi Joe,
Excellent article and very useful. I am workign as a network engineer and have CCNA and hoping to take CCNP. I do have basic knowledge on most configurations in regard to SSH, TACACS, Routing protocols, VLAN, VTP,etc. But i work remotely and havent seen much of the devices or worked on them physically (cable connections and stuff).
I was hoping that you could help me out here on how to proceed to learn to move to the next level. I had read in many sites that sometimes the Job description requires architectural knowledge or hands on experience on various models of routers, switches,etc.
I always find myself a bit lagging in networking expertise…..How can i approach studying the difference in various models and how do i actually learn in-depth about networking? I want to specialise in Routing & switching!
Hope you can help me out.
Thanks!
Hi Thomas and thanks for your kind words.
It's tough sometimes working remotely and not being able to learn as much from a team when your not face-to-face. I will say that the feeling of not knowing enough, or the feeling of lagging in your network expertise never really goes away. There is always something more to learn, either to have deeper understanding of the technology or more variety of technologies to learn. That's the tough part of being a network engineer. You never stop learning and there is always something interesting to learn about.
I would say stick to your CCNP goal for now. The knowledge you get from studying for that certification is amazing. Out of all three tests I would say the TSHOOT test is probably the most challenging.
I would also try to attend instructor lead training. This will help you network with other people who have the same goals as you. You may even find your not a lagging in your knowledge as you may think 🙂 Also think about attending conferences. This is a great way to learn more and get introduced to other network engineers. There a many conference besides Cisco Live! or Cisco networkers (which is very expensive – but well worth it). Finally, try searching for local Cisco User Groups, Juniper User Groups, Linux User Groups, etc. These are great places to meet other people, learn new technologies, and be connected.
Best of luck to you and drop back by and let us know how your doing!
Take care
Thanks Joe for the tips…so i guess will start with CCNP! Will update any methods i find helpful! 🙂
Hello Joe,
I want to become a Network Engineer. I have read many comments and their quite uncertain to me what the real advise are from many contributors, though they’re all sharing inner-most thoughts. I would like to know from you, Where should I start from? Is it necessary to study in a University or College for a diploma before I under take either CCNA or MCSE certificate and the rest? What are the right steps, please?
I really need this critically. I would be more than grateful for your intellectual and professional advise on this troubling choices.
Thanks a lot.
Sam.
Hello. sir, i m going to study U.G computer science in Canada.i have a great passion in learning about computers,but m confused in deciding my career after U.G.i want to have a nice job with proper salary.I came to know about networking,m interested in it also.I need to gain proper knowledge in networking for that what should i do? …………thank you in advance,
kind regards
priyan
I am currently doing my Bachelors in Computer Systems & Networking in The University of Greenwich (UK), do you think I should take a CCNA test before I get my degree? Thank you.
hi sir
i attend a professional school in Ghana (IPMC)…i am offer a professional course which hardware and network engineering….this course after completion can lead to the qualification of a Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) also Linux Certified Engineer and MCITP Enterprise Messaging Administrator…i also plan to write an international MCITP exam from Microsoft….i want to know if its ok with these qualifications to get a job in the United States of America….since i plan to travel there someday….THANK YOU
Dear joe, i am rasheed i had completed ccna and mcse i am looking for fresher network engineer job how can i get the networking job as a fresher? and another one is i completed UG degree in distance education only . is distance education is ok for our field because i am getting scared about this some people said to me distance education is not ok for this field like that only they told to me pls let me know about this joe thanks in advance waiting for your reply joe