Network Engineer

What Is the Role of a Network Engineer?

Network engineers (also known as network architects) design, build, and maintain networks to ensure that they are efficient and working properly.

As a network engineer, you’re in charge of an organization’s IT system’s basis (and by default, the entire organization).

Network engineers take on the high-level challenge of developing and enhancing networks, while network technicians and IT administrators assist with daily IT and troubleshooting responsibilities.

You’ll be designing and deploying physical and wireless networks, diagnosing issues, and studying and integrating new technologies, depending on the company. Here are some often asked networking career questions:

Is networking a viable career option? Network engineering is a rapidly expanding field. Network engineer employment is expected to expand by 6% between 2016 and 2026, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or computer engineering is often required by employers. Some firms require you to have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or computer science before applying, depending on the position.

Get IT Experience That Matters

A bachelor’s or master’s degree will help you acquire a job. However, this is insufficient. To become a network engineer, you’ll need to learn on-the-job IT skills.

You must first establish a networking foundation. A help desk or entry-level IT assistance position is an excellent method to gain practical IT experience.

• Clients and servers are both important. How networks connect email, websites, and pages
• IP addresses are unique identifying codes for network devices that regulate data flow. Hubs, cables, and switches are examples of network equipment. Any network’s hardware building blocks
• Routers and firewalls:
  Organize and control network traffic flow with these tools.

When it comes to finding venues to earn experience, be inventive. Volunteering for small businesses or friends is a great way to give back. Consider doing an internship. Make your own computer or work on a full-stack networking project. You’ll improve your networking abilities, broaden your project portfolio, and have something to talk about in job interviews.

Look for more relevant networking positions once you’ve mastered the fundamentals of IT. You can obtain networking experience by working as a junior network engineer or network analyst. You’ll be aiding senior engineers with networking duties, which will allow you to expand your skill set.

In every capacity, make the most of your experience. Working on as many different tasks as possible is a good idea. Volunteer to take up more responsibilities. Make contact with engineers or vendors who can help you. You’ll be more well‑rounded, and you’ll be able to focus on your speciality.

After you’ve gotten some basic IT expertise, you’ll need to decide on a professional route. Careers and employment in networking engineering vary greatly based on the industry, company, and technology.

If you’re just getting started, here’s a list of some networking opportunities:

• Specialist in Networking
• Network Solutions Architect
• Network Administrator
• Network Analyst
• Network Manager
• Network Solutions Architect

Throughout your networking career, you may choose to specialize even further. Cloud and security specialties, such as network security specialist or cloud networking architect, are available, as are wireless and VoIP specializations, such as wireless networking quality assurance or VoIP engineer.

As a full‑stack network engineer, you might choose to do a little bit of everything (FSNE).

Networks are difficult to understand. Companies are increasingly searching for employees with cross‑functional abilities, rather than hiring people who specialize in each area of IT. Routing, wireless, security, data center, automation, cloud, and VoIP…