Network Engineer & it’s Career Pathway You Must Know

Dependency on digital environments continues as the global workforce constantly depends on it to get the tasks completed making the network infrastructure health crucial for digital organizations. The network is the core thing that is required by these business organizations to function, be it a wireless LAN (WLAN) or local area network (LAN). If this network encounters a problem, all users running the task will get a pause. This leads to a rapid decline in productivity.

Well, to save the networks from all such issues and safeguard them from threat, Network engineers are hired. Network engineers, sometimes called computer architects of networks, create, design, and manage hardware, servers and software of the network infrastructure. At the time when engineers create the plan for the network, they might execute the tasks based on deciding the network types, creating data communication networks layout and estimating network needs for security. Network engineers observe the intricacies of all crucial systems. They keep in mind that all the factors of the network are aligned well and are performing efficiently. We will see the role of network engineer, how one can become network engineer, their salary and career path in this blog:

Who is a Network Engineer?

A network engineer has the responsibility to create and install a network on which the computer network depends. It consists of intranet, internet, and the phone systems. The network engineer manages this network infrastructure once they are created and implemented.

Network engineers have expertise and have extensive experience working in complicated infrastructures of networks for organizations. They belong to the information technology segment and have great knowledge of advanced software along with updated hardware. Right from overseeing data security to advance software updates and management, network engineers execute pervasive elements of the network.

They have to make the perfect blend of knowledge related to IT and experience in problem-solving. They usually need to work on the issues when the network fails to respond normally, and they must be able to implement proactive solutions to prevent issues faced by the network.

To make yourself ready for a career in the IT sector earning the CCNA certification is the initial step. One must have to pass the exam which focuses widely on the IT careers and its fundamentals, based on advanced technologies related to networking, software development and other core skills. CCNA certification helps you to gain foundation knowledge so that you can make your way in your career in any direction. The CCNA certification substantiates the knowledge and skills in IP connectivity, security fundamentals, network access and fundamentals, automation, IP connectivity and so on.

Well, if you are aiming for a more advanced level then CCNP certification related to security. For CCNP security certification, it is significant to clear two exams i.e., a security concentration test as per your choice and one that gives you the knowledge of security technologies. This can help you in customizing the credential for focusing and gaining core technical expertise. And now, each exam in the CCNP security program earns you an individual certificate for a specialist, so you'll be recognized for your achievements over the years.

Let’s see some of the core responsibilities of a network engineer:

• Maintain and update networks and systems.

• Installing advanced software and integration of hardware.

• Integrating necessary equipment for network distribution with routers and servers.

• Troubleshoot network problems.

• Optimizing services by working with software vendors.

• Making sure that network productivity always meets business needs

• Providing technical knowledge for business and department heads

• Management of security systems such as firewalls, anti-virus software and best practices for data storage.

• Create robust network infrastructure for the organization.

The network engineer job is not usually on beginner level because they usually have to maintain the IT team along with their own tasks. Along with it, they need to have patience, serve, good communicator, leadership quality and cooperative as well.

There are several crucial pathways you need to take when aiming for this career. Understanding how you can start it:

Opt Appropriate Segment:

For most network engineering positions, it is significantly important to have a bachelor's degree in the concerning domain. Many times, an associate's degree works best for getting hired. This degree includes computer science, computer engineering, information systems, information technology and so on. Some institutions offer training programs based specifically on networking. All of these roles do not require a postgraduate degree with senior positions. However, some prefer a computer science or engineering degree.

Keep Checking the Job Posts:

For getting the idea about the eligibility about the position, it is crucial to keep checking current openings of the job. Companies usually create an outline of what an engineer needs to do, including educational eligibility as well as experience of work. It makes you realize how to plan your future and how to get the right credentials as well as experience.

Join the beginner-level job:

The network Engineer position usually needs 5 to 10 years of computer experience. After you graduate, look for positions such as network engineer, network administrator, computer network analyst, system admin and so on. This job gives you real experience managing and working within a corporate network.

Have a conversation with experts of industry:

Here you rely on a different kind of network: expanding your professional circle. Finding or contacting an industry leader or mentor will make you understand what skills you possess and what will be the pathways you have to opt to reach your goal.

Get the right certificate:

Certificate will help you get the right skills to boost the career as an network engineer and will definitely look great on your resume. Certifications like CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, ITIL Foundation' will prove to be a milestone.

Understand Core Products:

For getting a job in this domain, it is significantly crucial to research specific equipment and elements which are important for the position. Such as, some organizations require that you have experience with Cisco products. So, you must have worked with them before or learned how they work. Some vendors enable the individuals to earn certification for the core products, which can be an add-on merit for those who want to dive into network engineering jobs. Brands like Cisco, Microsoft and Linux offer brand credentials.

Salary of a network engineer:

The salary for the role of a network engineer is based as per the role's level and the location of the job. It also depends on the industry you are a part of. You are not limited to just one task when you become a network engineer. You have to work in education, legal, finance and various other sectors so that they can run their network seamlessly. As per the report and data published by US Bureau of Labor Statistics, network engineers or network architects earn an average salary of 116,780 per year, system admins and network admins earn $84,810 per year.

Overall, the work related to the computer is forecasted to increase by 11% between 2019 and 2029, with network admins and system admins going to experience 4% growth over that period. So a career in network engineering is for you.

To be a network engineer, it is critically important to have knowledge related to information technology and networking. Also, the professionals should have eligibility with the right degree and certifications. Digital transformation is at its peak in this tech-driven market. Henceforth, jobs related to network engineering are experiencing a good boost in the market.  

Aiming to take a giant leap in the field of software engineering?

Vinsys is a leading institution offering training for certifications related to network engineering. We offer certifications like CompTIA Security+ in the USA, CompTIA Network+ and across the globe. If you are aiming to take your career to the next level, you can contact us anytime or email us at training.us@vinsys.com.