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Businesses worldwide rely on internet and cloud services to support their daily tasks, and it鈥檚 crucial that the computer networks their teams use every day stay reliable and secure. Additionally, the demand for network professionals continues to grow due to the increasing reliance on computer networks for work. Network engineers create, build, implement, and manage computer networks. Becoming a network engineer offers many options and opportunities for you to pursue, depending on your background, experience, and interests. Learn more about how to become a network engineer, what network engineer jobs are like, and the projected salary you can earn as a network engineer.

What is a network engineer?

A network engineer is an information technology (IT) professional who provides computer network support to businesses and organizations, whether developing new networks or maintaining existing ones. These networks often include intranets, extranets, phone systems, wide area networks (WANs), or local area networks (LANs).听

Network engineers spend their days monitoring networks for performance, troubleshooting issues, and completing regular maintenance. They are also responsible for network security, ensuring that virus protection software and other security tools are updated consistently.

Network engineers design networks that can simultaneously support hundreds, if not thousands, of users.

Network engineer vs. network architect vs. network administrator: what鈥檚 the difference?

Some jobs use these titles interchangeably, but each role has its specifications that set it apart. Network engineers design, build, and manage a network. Network administrators monitor and support an existing network. A network architect creates the designs for a network that other professionals use to build it.

How to become a network engineer

To become a network engineer, you must have a robust educational and experiential background that provides expertise in hardware, network protocols, and analytical and technical skills. Typically, that means earning a degree and obtaining an IT certification. Then, you鈥檒l need to gain hands-on experience, which also involves continuous learning.

Education and certification paths

To become a network engineer, you鈥檒l most likely need to earn some sort of degree before pursuing any entry-level role. According to Zippia, 62 percent of network engineers have a bachelor鈥檚 degree, while an additional 21 percent have an associate degree []. Finding a role without a degree might be possible. Still, it鈥檚 important to remember that employers tend to prefer potential hires with one, which means you might find yourself at a disadvantage otherwise.

Relevant degrees

Look for degrees that offer courses in systems administration, network security, and hardware. Electrical and network engineering are popular choices, while computer science and information technology offer similar learning opportunities.

Certifications

IT certifications are a highly valued asset in this field, as they help further demonstrate your skills and commitment to the industry. You might expect to spend between six and 18 months earning certifications. Some widely accepted, vendor-neutral options include the following:

• CompTIA A+

• CompTIA Network+

• CompTIA Security+

Some organizations might prefer you to hold a vendor-specific certification. These might include the following:

• Cisco鈥檚 CCNA

• Juniper鈥檚 JNCIA-Junos聽

• SolarWinds Certified Professional

• Wireshark鈥檚 WCNA

Steps to start your career in network engineering

Once you鈥檝e earned the necessary degrees and certifications to make you qualified for a network engineer role, you can increase your competitiveness and advance your expertise through the following steps.

Gain relevant experience

Practical experience is key to becoming a network engineer. It helps expand your knowledge base and prepares you to advance into more complex roles. If you鈥檙e new to the field, look for entry-level positions, internships, or lab work to help sharpen your skills. Even volunteering to manage a small company鈥檚 network provides you with vital experience.

Adjacent roles, such as help desk technician, IT support specialist, or junior systems administrator, can also give you opportunities to learn network engineering skills.

Build a portfolio

A portfolio effectively displays all the hard work you鈥檝e accomplished and the experience you鈥檝e gained to succeed as a network engineer. Include configurations, diagrams, and explanations for your methods and any troubleshooting you鈥檝e done. This way, employers can see what you鈥檝e learned and how you鈥檝e implemented that knowledge in real-world situations.

Network in the field

Networking is an excellent opportunity to advance your career by building genuine relationships with other professionals in your field. It provides you with the chance to find internships, mentors, and job openings. Look for professional associations to join and participate in social media groups or online forums. You can also meet new people and develop connections by attending boot camps or conferences.

Required skills as a network engineer

Network engineers use a combination of technical and workplace skills to succeed in their roles. Some of these skills include the following:

Technical skills

• Analytical skills

• Network fundamentals, such as switching, routing, and public cloud

• Network devices and configurations

• Firewalls and cybersecurity

• Network design and implementation

• Automation and scripting

• Network monitoring and analytics

Workplace skills

• Communication skills

• Project management

• Adaptability

• Collaboration

• Written communication

Job outlook and career growth

Network engineer jobs exist across a wide range of industries, from private organizations to federal departments. Some industries that employ network engineers include health care, financial services, technology, education, and telecommunications.

Network engineers are in demand. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that network architect and engineer jobs will grow 13 percent between 2023 and 2033 []. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a network engineer in the US is $102,656 [].

Learn more about network engineering on 糖心vlog官网观看.

To become a network engineer, you鈥檒l first need to earn a degree and certification, then pursue hands-on experience through networking and entry-level jobs. You can uncover more about this dynamic field and take the first steps toward a network engineering career with courses and certificates on 糖心vlog官网观看. With options such as IBM鈥檚 IT Support Professional Certificate or Google鈥檚 UX Design Professional Certificate, you can gain more foundational IT knowledge and a competitive edge.