An individual’s or organization’s computer networks are designed and maintained by network engineers.
They guarantee that network data is secure and that devices maintain dependable internet connections.
Network engineering may be a useful career path to explore if you’re interested in combining creativity with computer science.
This article covers the function of a network engineer, their daily responsibilities, typical employment requirements, and career options in this area.
What is a Network Engineer?
Computer networks are systems that enable computers to connect to and exchange resources and data.
Network engineers design, build, and maintain these networks. Network engineers’ work can facilitate communication and internet connectivity for individuals and businesses.
These individuals ensure that networks are operational and provide clients, supervisors, subordinates, and coworkers with explanations of how they operate.
They carry out regular maintenance, detect and resolve network problems, and safeguard data from online threats.
What does a network engineer do?
Computer network maintenance, enhancement, and operation fall within the purview of network engineers.
They could have tasks in common with network administrators or security system engineers, for example. Listed below are a few of their duties:
- Create and implement network settings, hardware, and infrastructure, including routers and switches.
- Put in place data security measures, including firewalls, antivirus programs, and data backups.
- Carry out regular network maintenance, which includes deploying service packs and updates and troubleshooting.
- Provide technical and customer support remotely or in person.
- Speak with clients to recommend network fixes
- Oversee junior staff and give team members access to training materials.
- Install and test new hardware, software, and applications for computers.
- Create engineering design packages that allow new processes to be integrated with current ones.
- Work together to maintain the caliber of networks with customers, other tech support services, and network providers.
- Report network status updates to important stakeholders.
- Look for strategies to lower network costs or increase network performance.READ ALSO: Business Intelligence Analyst In Canada: What They Do and How to Become One?
What Qualifications Do Network Engineers Need?
A person may be qualified for a position as a network engineer based on a variety of characteristics, such as their educational background, knowledge, and abilities.
Some qualifications for network engineers are as follows:
- Education
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer systems engineering, information technology, network security management, or a similar discipline can be beneficial for network engineers.
These courses cover topics including how networks work, how to build a network, and how to diagnose network problems—concepts that are crucial for a network engineer.
Candidates may have better employment opportunities and income possibilities if they pursue further education to get a master’s degree in the relevant profession.
Individuals in this position frequently engage in continuing education by taking professional development courses and staying current with trends and innovations in the business.
- Certifications and training
A lot of network engineers decide to get more certifications to become more specialized and earn more money. Among these certifications are:
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) Routing & Switching
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
- VMware Certified Professional — Network Virtualization
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What Skills Do Network Engineers Need?
Technical proficiency and the ability to interact with and navigate technology, particularly computers and computer networks, are prerequisites for network engineers.
The following additional abilities could help them succeed in their roles at work:
-
Solving issues
Network engineers might benefit from taking the initiative to solve issues because they are responsible for the regular maintenance of network systems.
This entails seeing any problems early on and resolving them, working with coworkers and superiors as needed.
-
Collaboration
Network architects and project managers are just two examples of the many IT, network, and computer staff members with whom network engineers frequently collaborate.
Their ability to interact with others will enable them to function well in groups and forge enduring bonds with clients and coworkers.
- Leadership
Individuals in this capacity may hold high management positions where they can use their leadership abilities, train others in network operations, and motivate subordinate staff members to do well.
Network technicians or other staff members may receive mentoring from network engineers.
- Communication
Network engineers frequently explain difficult technological ideas to clients and coworkers.
It’s advantageous if they can communicate ideas about computers and networks both orally and in writing with clarity and conciseness.
- Taking on multiple tasks at once
Network engineers must be able to multitask because they may deal with several companies and networks at once.
This may entail keeping track of various networks and business requirements by organizing data and documents.
- Project management
It takes a lot of work for network engineers to develop new networks for companies.
The network engineer can plan the network ahead of time and implement the new network more smoothly if they possess project management abilities.
How to become a network engineer
Take into consideration doing the following to become a network engineer:
1. Go for formal schooling
Earn a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or a similar discipline at the very least.
Consider obtaining a master’s degree to boost your income potential and work prospects.
A bachelor’s degree can usually be earned by full-time students after four to five years of study.
2. Obtain the necessary certifications
Obtain qualifications from the industry that are pertinent to the network engineering role you want.
To begin your career, think about looking into entry-level credentials that you can obtain.
To further your career after gaining expertise in your area, you may want to consider obtaining further certifications.
3. Learn about networking protocols
Become knowledgeable about networking protocols.
The following are some significant protocols that a network engineer may come across:
- Quality of Service (QoS) is a metric used to assess how well a computer network or cloud computing service is performing.
- Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP): This redundancy protocol gives users access to all of a system’s subnetworks.
Internet Protocol Security, or IPsec, is a network protocol that authenticates and encrypts data packets for later use. - Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is a networking protocol that facilitates the sharing of routing data between systems and users.
It’s beneficial to familiarise yourself with these regulations if you weren’t taught about them in your college classes, either by self-study or by enrolling in a formal training course.
4. Hone your communication skills
Being an effective communicator will help you succeed as a network engineer.
Determine how to make technical jargon easier to understand and how to make your operations more understandable to others.
This might assist you in establishing connections with coworkers who lack networking expertise or training.
This ability can also facilitate client communication, which is a critical component of a network engineer’s job.
5. Acquire professional experience
Network engineers with prior IT and networking experience are highly sought after by many firms.
Seek chances for entry-level work to get experience. Take into consideration working as an entry-level IT support professional, junior systems administrator, or help desk technician.
6. Finish writing your résumé.
Create a comprehensive CV that showcases your relevant work experience, tech-related qualifications, and desired skill set.
As you describe your duties from previous employment, highlight your analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Have a look at utilizing a template to assist with resume formatting.
When you’re done, think about showing it to a friend and getting their opinion.
FAQs
Is a job in network engineering rewarding?
Becoming a network engineer could be a great career choice for you if you enjoy dealing with computers and offering clients and customers technical assistance.
Gaining valuable knowledge of computers and networks, along with competitive compensation, are two benefits of being a network engineer.
If you appreciate picking up new ideas and techniques, this is also a great career path for you because network engineers frequently advance throughout their careers.
What kind of atmosphere does a network engineer work in?
Although they frequently work in teams, network engineers also undertake some solitary work.
They might cooperate with other IT professionals, guide tech support staff, and instruct staff members on how to properly utilize the network.
Network engineers are needed in many industries, including:
- Government
- Information technology.
- Healthcare
- Education
Conclusion
Network engineers may choose to follow other career paths in the networking industry.
For instance, network analysts focus primarily on network installation and maintenance and frequently bridge the gap between an organization’s business and technical departments.
Similar duties are performed by network managers, who also have to supervise and train network technicians.
The following is a list of positions that someone with network engineering expertise could be qualified for, aside from network engineer:
Network manager.
Network analyst.
Network administrator.
Network specialist.
Network technician.
Network architect.