How to Get a Job as a Network Engineer

Generally speaking, a network engineer performs infrastructure design on a company's computer network. This includes hooking up all of the computers to the Internet and setting up all of the internal systems, such as routers and firewalls. If you want a job as a network engineer, keep in mind that it'll be your job to ensure that the computers are connected and functioning properly, so the people in your company can connect and be productive.

To get a job as a network engineer, you must have at least a bachelor's degree in a computer field such as programming, engineering, or computer science. Some employers even require you to have at least a master's degree in information systems or a related field. You may also consider taking a vocational course to become a network engineer. These courses of study include electrical engineering, computer systems analysis, computer engineering, and management information systems. To increase your likelihood of job opportunities, you may consider obtaining certifications relating to the field. Certifications for a network engineer include Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician Training (CCENT) and Red Hat Certified Engineering (RHCE).

Those qualifications can help you get a network engineer job, but there are a other skills that can help you be an above-average network engineer.According to the Princeton Review, networking is a mindset. You'll likely face problems that will require serious persistence, so you'll need patience and problem solving skills. You'll also work with a number of other employees from various backgrounds, so you'll need to be comfortable with interaction. If you plan to become a network engineer, it can help to study math during your undergraduate studies. Other must-have engineering skills include attention to detail, leadership, organization, and good teamwork. As an engineer, you will need to create and read complex blueprints to make sure all the systems work together properly. As a network engineer, you may also lead a team of other engineers, so you need to know how to give instruction and delegate authority.

A network engineer usually starts out in another related field, but many employers require you to have work experience in the IT field or as a network administrator. Some companies will let you train on the job and move your way up. A technology training position will not pay as well as a network engineer, but it's a good way to get your foot in the door with a large corporation. After you work your way into a network engineer job, you'll likely earn an annual salary near the national average of $72,840, according to the Nexxt salary center.

Getting a job as a network engineer requires education, prior experience, and the ability to solve problems. The pay can be excellent, and you get to work with technology on a daily basis, but you should be prepared to work hard and stay up-to-date on training.

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