Can You Picture Yourself Becoming a Network Engineer?

Can you picture yourself becoming a Network Engineer? If  yes, why is that? Well, it might just feel right (which is awesome), but let’s start by exploring and articulating some data and facts that might support your potential “whys” for pursuing a Network Engineer career path.

You’ll Be Valuable to Your Organization

Your role is considered one of the most valuable within most companies, so you’ll likely have a huge amount of responsibility. Businesses rely on their computer networks for day-to-day operations, and they will rely on you to make sure those operations always run smoothly. When there’s a disruption to a network, it affects the bottom line of the company. You’ll be responsible for fixing any issues quickly and effectively, making you an indispensable part of your organization’s team.

You’ll Be Challenged

While there are some duties in the various network engineering roles that may be repetitive, these positions offer you many opportunities think “outside-the-box” and solve challenging problems. You may get to utilize new, creative approaches to handling issues and improving network efficiency.

You’ll Have Access to New Technology

Because technology is constantly advancing, you’ll continuously learn exciting, new things, increasing your knowledge significantly. If technology is your thing, you’ll never get bored in a network engineer role.Become a network engineer >>

You’ll Be in Demand

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of network engineers has a promising outlook for the future – it’s predicted to grow 6 percent between 2016 and 2026. The demand for network engineers may increase even further as many organizations continue to grow their computer networks and systems.

You’ll Earn a Good Salary

Also according to the BLS, the median salary for network engineers is $104,650 USD, which is significantly higher than the overall national median salary of $37,690. Most network engineers work a full-time 40-hour week, with about a quarter of them working more hours. Typically, most organizations offer full-time employees health insurance, paid time off, and various other benefits.

You’ll Have Opportunities for Advancement

Network systems are central to the operations of nearly every business, from non-profit activism to manufacturing to hospitality and education. As a network engineer, you have the opportunity to work in nearly any industry as an integral part of the team. Once you’ve established yourself within an organization, you may be able to promote yourself as a valuable asset in any position that catches your eye.Now that we’ve covered a few “big picture” items about the network engineer career path, let’s drill down on the courses, labs and assessments to take when starting your career path. Here at Cybrary, we recommend:Courses:

• CCNA
• CompTIA Linux+
• Virtualization Management
• Python for Security Professionals
• Security Operations
• Risk Management
• Peripheral Devices and Connectors
• CompTIA Cloud+
• CompTIA Network+
• CCSP

Labs:

• Block Incoming Traffic on Known Port
• Monitoring Network Traffic
• Parse Files Out of Network Traffic
• Specialized Linux Port Scans
• Cisco CCNA: Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices 105
• Cisco CCNA: Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices 205
• Cisco CCNA: Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices 305
• CompTIA Network+
• Microsoft Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud
• Microsoft Networking Fundamentals Virtual Lab
• Introduction to Network Security Tools Virtual Lab

Assessments:

• Network Devices
• Strategic DNS Ops and Security
• Manage a Network Infrastructure

Next, let’s move to a big question: what about Network Engineering jobs? The Business News Daily website shares if you’re just starting a career in networking, consider this short list of types of positions and networking jobs:

• Network Specialist
• Network Technician
• Network Administrator
• Network Analyst
• Network Manager
• Network Engineer
• Network Solutions Architect

 Become a network engineer >>The article continues by saying that as you develop your networking career further, you may decide to specialize in one or more areas of networking. At which point, the jobs you may apply for might include:

• Network Security Specialist
• Cloud Networking Architect
• Networking Research and Development Specialist
• Wireless Networking QA Engineer
• Wireless Infrastructure and Mobility Specialist
• Mobility Solutions Architect
• VoIP Engineer
• Telecom Project Manager
• Data Center Networking Specialist

Further, the article notes there are also plenty of networking jobs in sales and consulting, so don’t overlook these positions:

• Networking Sales Specialist
• Networking Account Manager
• Networking Consultant
• Networking Program Manager

In summation, picturing yourself becoming a network engineer is a worthwhile endeavor and may lead to many benefits and opportunities. Upon completion of your studies, you’ll hold a valued position that allows you to work with a diverse group of departments and employees, think outside-the-box, continue learning and evolving, all while you get to work with technology and earn a good salary. Network Engineering roles will always offer excitement and interest as you experience new technologies and strive to improve your organization’s networks.Sources and Resources:

• https://www.cybrary.it/become-network-engineer/
• https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10776-networking-career.html
• https://www.cybrary.it/2018/06/become-network-engineer/
• https://www.cybrary.it/2018/06/network-engineering-good-career/

 Become a network engineer >>