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 g
et 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."
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hi joe
I need your help iam a vfx diploma student and +2(higher secondary) this is my education any degree is must for ccna carrer
iam sorry iam very week in english iam planning to take ccna then ccnp&ccie
I would be very much glad if advice me on my career. It would mean a lot to me!!!
Thanks in advance!!!!
Hi Babu,
You do not need a degree to get any certification. You can take the CCNA at anytime you would like. But know that the CCNA is one of Cisco's entry level certifications. The first is the CCENT, and the second is the CCNA. Both may help you to get a junior engineer position.
Good luck!
Hi sir,
I got another little doubt. I have heard that lot of companies have started their own certification courses.Sorry if am wrong. So after doing a CCNA will all the companies consider it or my opportunities ll be limited only to CISCO..
Other network equipment manufacturers have their own certifications, this is true. Juniper, Riverbed, Foundry, etc. They each have programs to certify engineers on their equipment. Cisco was one of the first, is the most popular and widely accepted.
Sir, i reali appreciate ur concern about CCNA, mean while am just into it and i need some advice on it,steps and procedur,and also i've an advance certificate on MISC data/program administration(as a developer)please a-light me more on steps and others thanks….
My doubt is that i have done +2 high school in the year 2001 and after that i had long gap period now i m doing
my bachelor's in computer applications(2nd sem) and i have also enrolled for CCNA at a institue.My question is that after a long gap period and without any college degree will i be able to get a job as network engineer in any firm
hi
i clearly and simply wanna know how to be net work engineer… step by step..i need from school leave.. what qualification need for that? are we want to pass A/L s have any option without a/ls ?and how much going for network courses ?
Hi Joe,
I hv a question regarding the PPP protocol.
* Is this protocols works if the source and destination are same devices?
* For example if i hv two router configured with encapsulation PPP and connected than the interface will be
UP/UP.
* If one having PPP encapsulation and another having HDLC encapsulation then the interface will be UP/DOWN.
* MY QUESTION IS If the Router is hardlooped in the interface,is there any thing like we need to change the encapsulation to HDLC if it was cofigured before as PPP.
ppp and hdlc are two different forms of encapsulation in WAN technology in serial links to connect the routers………………..so you are ought to use the same encapsulation or else the link state will show line protocol down…………….you just need to match the encapsulation ……….for example if a router ona line says "A" AND THE SECOND ROUTER SPEAKS "Z"……both are in dilema that the two of them are speaking differnt things…….same way both needs to speak either "A" or "Z"……………………….
REGARDS………….
SOUGATA ROY
hi sir i have doubt it is necessary to go for networking certification, without certification means with knowledge can i enter for networking job?
hi sir i am belong to verray poor femilay can i parchech ccna certificat. then i will work very hard .can i do like this think
Hi,
I want to become a network engineer. But presently i am working in a BPO as TSE. I have done CCNA also. But i am not getting any offer in an IT sector related to networking. How can i get that? I want to work as network engineer in it sector. kindly help me out.
Hi, i just started studying for ccna and am wondering if studying ccna limits me to only cisco routers.networking is getting increasingly interesting to me and am looking to go into it…thanks
for ccna required the knowledge of basic networking
hi sir, i wanna become network engineer,but my qualification is diploma in electrical and electronics engineering(but i have backlogs pending)even i can become network engineer huh
for some days now I've been looking out on how to develop my self cos I've been faced with various chalengies at work. Your writeup is very encouraging. more importantly, the last pargraphy mativates me alot and I just hope I'll find a training centre of materials soon.
Thank you!
you mean I can be a Network Engineer without a college degree in Engineering? Can I put the engineer title before my name, example, Engr. Smith?
No. The term Network Engineer refers to a job title only and is not a substitute for an engineering degree. Many network engineers has degrees in electrical engineering or computer sciences, but to get a job as a network engineer does not always require a degree.
There are folks who have engineering degrees that don't appreciate IT "engineering" titles. These folks work very hard to become an Engineer.
The terms network engineer or systems engineer again are job titles and you can not/should not use Engineer as a title in your name.
Joe
Hi, i am really confused if i will be employed after acquiring the Cisco Certificates. I graduated from the University as a Sociologist under the Faculty of Social Sciences but i wish to be an IT certified Network Engineer. I observed that most companies normally request for B.Sc in Computer Science or Info Tech.
Please, if there is another professional IT certified course l can go for? let me know or advice me to continue if OK.
Hello sir,
i have completed my hardware & networking short course of 1 year from "OXFORD INSTITUTE" and i have some basic knowledge of CCNA can you tell me that i'm suitable for a good job or not.
Hi,
I'm currently working as a Trainee Engg in a small firm. I've completed 4 months in this firm.
I've also done CCNA and want to do further certifications. But I'm a little bit confused, in which path I must go, i.e.
towards Wireless or Voice or Security.
I also want to switch my job since I have less pay. I have learnt about fiber optics, establishing a private network
(both wired and wireless) using plug and play switches and wireless routers. I also have experience of Telecom
IBS Project. So my question is "Is this experience sufficient for getting my next good job"??
And what would be my Job Profile and Post for 2nd job.
THANKS
Hi teacher Joe. I called you teacher base on the time and the way you have treat each and every question here. I have no response for mine yet but I would say a big thank you for others.
Am a degree holder in Statistics. recently I am passing true stress in my job search. Over the year I have a big interest in computer work and connections. would it be ok for me to aim at networking career as a statistician? thx and God bless. Awaiting your swift response
Osagie,
Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad I can help.
To answer your question, Yes a background in statistics could be a benefit to you if you were to decide to learn computer networking. Much of our work relies on analysis of various metrics to determine traffic patterns, capacity, and through put. Another role with in networking you could also pursue would be in Network Management. This role is someone who works on applications such as Nagios, Cacti, MRTG, Solarwinds, HP OpenView, etc., to create graphical representations of network statistics for use in monitoring and capacity planning.
Really as long as you truly enjoy the work that you are doing then you will have no problem excelling in this field.
Good luck in your journey.
I have completed my Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science and have obtained my CCNA certification. I have successfully completed the course and have obtained my certificate with a mark of 933/1000. I have been applying to each and every company on this earth. But everybody is asking for experience. As you have said that their is a lot of scope for getting a job after doing this certification. How will I get experience if I dont get into a job. It is very difficult as I have passed this exam by putting a lot of effort and hardwork. I still am trying, but haven't received a reply from any of the companies.
George,
I completely understand. It is tough right now, and in many places employers are not hiring. Here are a few suggestions that may, or may not help.
Apply to new locations, everywhere, different city, different country. (be ready and willing to relocate if needed0
Continue your study and get your CCNP. (While your interviewing, keep studying and working on your CCNP)
Work on your interview skills (many times employers are looking for someone who will mesh well with the team)
Buy a router and switch off of eBay and practice, or download GNS router simulator and keep practicing.
Try to consult or do part time work to get some experience
Apply for Technical Sales positions or even Sales Engineering positions
It is frustrating when you are unemployed. Keep plugging away at it and eventually you will find some place that is perfect for you.
good luck
Joe
Hi Joe,
Great article and information. Just a little on my background and then a couple questions for you. I was active duty army for a few years (not IT related), got out of the army a few years back and held a few sales positions. The IT field is something I've always had an interest in. I'm always either on the computer or have one nearby. It just kinda makes since for me to go after a career in the IT field and I think Networking is it. So, now that I've come to this decision I've been doing research on how i get into the field, etc. My question is, for me, a person with a military background, 29 years old, no college, no IT experience. What would be the best route? Would I need to go to college and get a degree in something, then shoot for being a network engineer? I found a ccna program through The University of Oklahoma outreach that is 100 hours. I think my gi bill or the VA work/study program would cover the program and the certification. I guess I'm trying to figure out is would all i need to do is take the ccna program through the OU Outreach, pass the ccna certification, then seek employment as a network associate? or would i need to go to college and get a degree, then take some kind of ccna certification course, pass the certification, then seek employment as an associate?
From some of my own experiences going to a technical school or college to get your certification has a lot of bonuses besides just getting and passing your certification. You get to network with like minded people and make a lot of really good connections and friendships. Also many schools will help students with placement into an entry level position.
One thing that will definitely help you become a great network associate or engineer is to thoroughly understand how servers and other computers function on the network. To make a network run well requires an excellent understanding of the systems that use the network. When you start troubleshooting network problems, many times the network does not have a problem at all. The problem is with the server or client itself, however the network is many times blamed for the issue. Knowing how to differentiate between real network issues and systems issues is key to your success.
One final thought. If you get your CCNA don't stop there. Keep studying for your CCNP. If you don't have the experience and dont have a way to get the experience, don't give up. Keep learning, keep studying. If you look the technology then this will be fun for you. Also don't forget about eBay. Invest in your own router and switch to help improve your skills. Or download GNS3 (router simulator). Many IT careers start out as a hobby at home. And no matter what have fun!
Good luck!
Dear Sir
i have done BCA IN 2004 in regular mode . iand i breakup my educatiioon due to finacial problem. i joined the company in 2008 and countinu MCA Distance mode, i have the experiance Technical Support Engineer in Biomatcies field. i have the knowladge of networking and router and system Admin and i want to become a network engineer Or server engineer so please guide me i am very confused and disturbed . pls guide me
I have not networking knowledge,have storage info…..can i go directly to ccir r and s….i m into software support L2
sir i am a graduate in chemistry .i will become a network engineer .what i do?
You are a chemistry graduate and you want to become a network engineer?!? Why? The energy sector is a great paying industry and (from what I understand) can use good chemists.
But if you are dead set on becoming a network engineer, my first question is "What is your experience with computers?" You should understand how computers work extremely well before working on the infrastructure they communicate on. Network devices are basically computers after-all, mostly Unix based systems, they are created to perform a specific task. And that is forwarding packets and making routing/switching decisions.
Understanding how computers communicate is the first step. Learn TCP/IP and the ISO model forwards and backwards. Then start reading and learning about how computer networks function. Check out our Network Videos section for some introductory videos.
Good Luck!!
Hello Sir,
I am a recent graduate in computer science interested to pursue career in computer networking.I am ccna certified as well.I am not able to find good jobs in related fields.Could you kindly tell me if technical support engineer job is related to network engineer job?
Hi
This is sunil rajput i want to make my carer in Networking. How I will make it. After complete this course., what is my salary package . and where is the best collage in inida.
thanks
sunil
OH YAHHHHHHHH it very nice to be network engener trust me
hi joe
i need your help . i have completed my bac. degree BCA( bach. of computer application) and now i am pursuing msc(computer science). i wanna be a network engeer then what should for that .Plz tell me…
thnxxxxx ….
hi joe
i need your help . i have completed my bacholer degree BCA( bach. of computer application) and now i am pursuing Msc(computer science). i wanna be a network engineer then what should i do for this .Plz tell me…
thnxxxxx …
Sir i just wanna ask if its worth it to continue my CCNA career.. i am a Fresh graduate of Electronics engineer,licensed. We have this cisco modules 1-4 included in our curriculum way back in college. Now i was wondering if my title as a registered ECE would fit being a network engineer. I have a job offer now that is a data comm engineer, which i have in mind that is this the career for me?or is it out of my line as an Electronics engineer? my colleagues shifted into IT jobs..linux,SAP, etc.. I think they work so hard in college goes to nothing because IT grads didn't goes to what kind of hardship we undergo(im not under estimating them) but they still got the same job. I'm very confused now. hope i can hear from you.sir
Hi Gino,
There are many Network Engineers who are licensed electronics engineers from their work in college. There is no problem with someone with your credentials doing work in networking. however, one thing to keep in mind with your job offer is exactly what the job entails. Many I.T. job titles use the word "engineer" but do not necessarily include engineering duties in the day to day work. Look closely at the company and the position, ask questions during the interview to get the best understanding you can about the job. If you know others who work for the company ask them if they like the work and like the company. In many places IT work is not regulated and the work can be very grueling.
You have great skills that are in demand, be selective about the company you wish to work for. And above all be happy. We spend most of our day at work, make sure you enjoy being there every day, you like the company, you like the people you work for, and you like the job itself.
Good luck!
thank you sir, ill keep that in mind. im now currently working in one of a major distributor of telecom equips in asia pacific as a data comm engineer. hopefully i can succeed with networking. thank you sir
Hello joe,
I am Banu shekar reddy, I have been certified in CCNA past 1 year back and looking for a job since january 2011, but i never been selected in anyone. Can you suggest me some ideas or tips, and also I don't get enough interview calls to attend interviews even though I have registered and submitted my resume in naukri, monster, shine, career builder etc.
Please tell me the general package given for network engineers with CCNA for freshers.
Teacher Joe
From what I have been reading on this site you are like a father to all of the visitors, You are the best, My name is Amabo and currently in am a student of ITT Tech with a major of Computer Network Specialist (CNS) I will be graduating with a associate degree December 2012, What can you advice me to do as a NEXT STEP?? Please respond to me, I was considering going for a bachelors and a Masters is something else than Technology but like I said please advise me on what do do next, thank you sir.
Amabo,
Thank you for the kind words. But it's very hard to give you advise without knowing what direction you are wanting to take with your career.
The first question I must ask is want do YOU want to do? Follow your heart. If you wish to continue your education then by all means you should pursue a bachelors degree. This is a fine plan and will also give you more time to collect your thoughts and figure out which direction you wish to go. Remember, don't follow the money, follow your heart. Do want makes you happy and success will come!
Best of luck!
hi sir, im an IT student and i will take the ccna exam soon and i will also fines school soon so i will be having BSIT and CCNA so will they call me network engineering ,if not i want to be call an a networking engineering ? thanks alto
is tech support job in any company for networking is 1st step in networking..?
hi sir
i attend a professional school in Ghana (IPMC)…i am offer a professional course which hardware and network engineering….this course after completion can lead to the qualification of a Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) also Linux Certified Engineer and MCITP Enterprise Messaging Administrator…i also plan to write an international MCITP exam from Microsoft….i want to know if its ok with these qualifications to get a job in the United States of America….since i plan to travel there someday….THANK YOU
I am currently doing my Bachelors in Computer Systems & Networking in The University of Greenwich (UK), do you think I should take a CCNA test before I get my degree? Thank you.
Hello. sir, i m going to study U.G computer science in Canada.i have a great passion in learning about computers,but m confused in deciding my career after U.G.i want to have a nice job with proper salary.I came to know about networking,m interested in it also.I need to gain proper knowledge in networking for that what should i do? …………thank you in advance,
kind regards
priyan
Joe,
Finding a network engineering position in a location that is not a major city is very difficult. i have my ccna, net+, security+, and mcitp windows 7 certs, an associate degree in computer science (networking), over the years,I have worked as a computer tech, tier 1 and tier 2 support for major ISPs supporting startup businesses to medium sized businesses. i have also done some network consulting as a contractor and supported multiple sites yielding around 1000 users and 2000+ devices to support. I currently am a jr network administrator and find it hard for employers to put me in a network engineering position. i do have a great understanding about networking, mainly routing and switch and some security. i work every day with multiple microsoft products, just not enough cisco hardware, hyperv, exchange, active directory, group policy, etc etc is very easy to support and build. any pointers on what i am doing wrong? i honestly feel it is my location and im bored at my current job. also to mention i am working on my mcitps for exchange administrator, server admin 2008, mcitp for virtualization, cissp, and ccna security. any help?
hiii … i am pursuing Beachler of Engineering in Computer science branch .. and i don't want to enter in Programming field because i am very interested in Networking … so what to do … how to become networking engineer …. is there networking subjects in BE course .. or do i have to join any type of extra courses … please help me reply me on my email vasubirla@gmail.com
Hi joe
I am btech holder in E&C 2008 batch.I got in to healthcare marketing for period of four years and now i am planning to switch in to networking.I am doing CCNA+LINUX now and after that planning to do CCNP.will this help me to achive my mission…………………..?looking for your reply
So I am 22 and I am not in college. I have been self teaching myself c++ and now java. I was interested in software development at first but I am also really really interested in networking. At the moment I am not going to be able to go to college money problems and such.
Would it be possible for me become a network engineer by purchasing study materials and reading and doing certs? I would want to go to college later and get something like a cis.
Hey Anthony,
Sure you can "do it yourself". I did and many network engineers have also. College will help you gain a more well rounded understanding of computer sciences… but you can get similar knowledge through real world experience and self study. Studying yourself will help you not only gain a cert or two… but those certs will also help you get hired. Don't expect too much at first… especially if you don't have any work experience in I.T. But you will definitely be able to get your foot in the door… gain some work experience and work you're way up from there. Make sure you goal is at the least the CCNP. Work with simulators or buy a used router or two and practice. You can do it.
good luck
Thank you
one more question i'm truly a noob here so i'm not sure what books to purchase or materials or what exactly to read up on. I found a few simulators but I need some guidance lol.
Yes i want to leave my present company if i can find a new job as a Network Engineer. I am ready to start a new job immediately if i can find one. Any pointers will be greatly appreciated