How to Become a Network Engineer
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Network Engineer
What does a Network Engineer do?
A Network Engineer develops and deploys plans and designs of network systems that will meet an organization's requirements for performance, security, and compliance with relevant standards and regulations. Conducts network architecture design, feasibility, and cost studies. Being a Network Engineer defines monitoring, maintenance, expansion, contingency, and recovery plans and strategies to ensure the network is responsive to changes in demand. Troubleshoots network issues and develops appropriate solutions, resources, and deployment processes. Additionally, Network Engineer keeps informed of the latest technologies to enhance knowledge of networking hardware, software, and best practices. Usually is certified in vendor-specific products. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager. The Network Engineer works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. To be a Network Engineer typically requires 10+ years of related experience.
Network engineers design, build, implement and maintain the computer networks businesses and organizations use.
These networks may include the phone system, intranet, extranet and more.
Network engineers are responsible for the maintenance of these essential systems which may include assessing performance, completing regular maintenance, diagnosing issues and repairing problems.
Maintaining computer networks and all associated systems including software, hardware and applications.
Installing and configuring network equipment such as routers, switches, load balancers, VPNs, WAN accelerators and proxy servers.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Network Engineer
Best tips for those who want to become a Network Engineer
Here are some tips to become a Network Engineer.
Gain a cisco certification or networking degree.
Work in small organizations in the beginning.
It used to be that managing network performance just meant adding bandwidth when response times started getting slow.
Don’t let your users be the first to spot a problem.
Excel at math, physics, electronics and programming in high school.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Network Engineer
Best colleges and universities for Network Engineer
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Network Engineer
Is being a Network Engineer Worth it?
Network engineers design, develop, and maintain internal and/or external local area networks (LAN) or wide area networks (WAN).
In order to analyze network structures and model suggested changes, network engineers need to have knowledge of both hardware and software characteristics for network maintenance.
With enough experience and the right certifications, network engineers can move into management positions or specializations in telecommunications or network architecture.
Projects include expanding the Network, Building IPSec Tunnels to Remote Support entities.
Except our Network group (6 of us) is also responsible for all the Windows Servers, Enterprise Backup, SAN, Citrix Infrastructure, VDI, UCS, and anything else in the Data Center.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Network Engineer
What skills do you need to be a Network Engineer?
This is not a management position, but still requires important skills in order to fully execute the role. A keen understanding of the following is necessary for the role: Cloud Computing, Domain Management, Enterprise Networks, Firewall Administration, IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), Network Analysis, Network Architecture, Network Engineering, Network Monitoring, Network Operations. Some of the more basic skills utilized in this role include: Firewall and other Security Hardware, IT Network Software, Network Routers, Network Switches. These skills are certainly important to the role, but keep in mind, fit into a company culture and environment is often just as important.
Network engineer requirements include essential skills in the design, planning, implementation and monitoring a computer network that supports wireless network services, video, data, and voice.
Network Engineer requirements include being able to work with a variety of network types such as.
If required, they would need to replace the defective network hardware components.
They should have a solid understanding of the network infrastructure and hardware.
The person must have a good understanding of hardware and network infrastructure.
Step 6: View average salary for Network Engineer
How much does a Network Engineer make?
The average salary range for a Network Engineer is from $135,425 to $159,918. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Network Engineer jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Network Engineer jobs, and apply.
Looking for Network Engineer jobs?
Here are some Network Engineer jobs in the United States.