So you want to become a network engineer?  I have a lot of people ask that exact question - "How can I get into Networking?"  or "How do I become a Network Engineer?".  I personally think that anyone who asks these questions and has a desire to learn about computer networks is doing themselves a big favor that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

There are many reasons to want to work as a network engineer, great pay, great company, good benefits, or to simply work with great technology. But getting yourself into a position like this may not always be the easiest thing to achieve.   In today's market competition is fierce.   in this post we will list some ways that may help you get that cool network engineering job and potentially boost your career.

Network Engineer Training and Certifications

The first and most direct way to easily get a job working as a network engineer is to do some self study and get a vendor certification like a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).  Anyone who already has a certification in Microsoft or Novell knows these certification tests are not easy.  And Cisco tests are, in my opinion, the hardest tests out there.  The current CCNA test not only will test your book knowledge on the theory of computer networking, TCP/IP, and the OSI model, but will also test  your "practical knowledge" of actually performing the task that may be called upon you as a junior network engineer.  The one thing that set Cisco tests apart from other vendors are the router simulations. Router simulations are very common on the CCNA and are very realistic. For this reason people who pass a Cisco exam not just good test takers, they are know their stuff.  To pass the CCNA I would highly recommend starting with one of the great books on the CCNA. Go the book store and find a book that keeps your attention and is easy for you to read.  Next, invest in a practice exam like one from Pass4Sure, or Test King. Test questions are worded very tricky and taking these practice tests will guarantee you getting the multiple choice stuff correct.  Finally, you will need to work on your router skills.   Either purchase a router on ebay or download GNS.  GNS is a free router simulator that can help you immensely and best of all its free.  These three things combined will land you that certificate, they will increase your value in the work place, and will most likely get in the door to do some real hands on networking.  Of course you still have to pass the interview

On the Job Training

Sometimes poring over the Career Builder web site or the Monster job boards can yield you a nice selection of network jobs you may qualify for without having a certification.  These jobs will typically pay less however will offer the opportunity to learn and may provide training to advance yourself to get a CCNA.

College

Colleges today recognize the demand for skilled I.T. people in the work place and have started to establish certification programs that will allow you to earn your CCNA or CCNP which will definitely launch you in the the networking hot seat.  The benefit of College programs is that these often qualify for grants and loans that may not otherwise be available.

Military

This option seems to be overlooked and is last on the list of where to find quality training, but really this should be one of the first on many peoples list.   The biggest problem is that working in the Army, Air Force, Navy or Marines is often misunderstood.   Each branch is significantly different and each has their own training and benefits.

Most people envision Hollywood movie footage of "Black Hawk Down" living in the dessert eating C-rations.   Of course those jobs, locations, and duties do exist,  however life in the military is far different and the educational benefits are tremendous!  The US military offers some great programs that will get your hands on some of the latest technology and networks that you can find in the civilian world.  No where else can you find a place that will immediately give you a paycheck, provide you with all the food you can eat, comfortable living quarters, new clothes and a world class education.

Summary

There are lots of ways for motivated people to change their life, and land a job as a network engineer.  Doing so will allow you to make a good living and work with some awesome technology.  Getting there is up to you. Whether it be self-study, class-room training, college or the military, if you truley want to work as a network engineer there is a way.  You just have to do it.

As Yoda once said - "Do or Do Not, There is no Try."

Related posts:

1. Networking Careers and Investing in Yourself
2. Interview Questions for Network Engineers
3. Cisco CCNA Certification Break Down
4. Preparing for Major Network Outages: Hope for the Best, Plan for the Worst
5. Network Troubleshooting: Structured is Best