Network Engineering Full Profile: Wired For Success

Network engineering is an evolving area of information technology. With organizations automating their networks and integrating innovative technology like artificial intelligence, now is the time to make your move into this thriving industry. Find out everything you need to know about network engineering and how to get into the field!

Network Engineering

A network engineer is a professional who has the skills to plan, implement and oversee the computer networks that support in-house voice, data, video and wireless network services. Moreover, working closely with other key IT managers including network administrators, network engineers focus on planning, designing, and implementing network configurations and troubleshoot performance issues. 

Network engineers often report to a CIO and a chief information security officer to discuss and decide upon overall business goals, policies, and network status updates. Furthermore, in some situations, they work closely with project managers and other engineers to provide remote or on-site support. Their responsibilities often overlap with other roles such as security systems engineers or computer network architects, and they work internally within an organization or as consultants.

Here are several key responsibilities of a network engineer:

• Set up and install routers, servers, and WAN accelerators
• Plan for new initiatives and expand the existing network infrastructure
• Provide solutions based on issues like traffic congestion, infrastructure upgrades, and routine troubleshooting
• Monitoring and enhancing network performance
• Overseeing capacity planning and scaling
• Integrating new technology into existing networks
• Procuring network equipment and testing network capacity and functionality
• Upgrading data network equipment to the latest firmware releases

Network Engineering Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Network and Computer Systems Administrator positions are forecasted to grow by 5% through 2030, with almost 25,000 openings each year. This increase in jobs is due to the increased usage of technology in fields such as healthcare and logistics, which require faster technology and more advanced mobile networks. 

Network engineers may also pursue different paths within the networking field. Besides network engineer, here is a list of jobs for someone with network engineering skills:

• Network analyst
• First/second-line support
• VoIP/Cisco engineer
• Network specialist
• IT/systems support engineer
• Network solutions architect

Starting a career in Network Engineering

Before getting into the networking industry, there are many specialties you can concentrate on. Moreover, this includes work area organization, security, server management, WAN (wide area network) monitoring, cabling, and equipment installation. To pursue a career in network engineering, you will usually need a bachelor's degree in: 

• Computer science
• Computer software/computer systems engineering
• Electrical/electronic engineering
• Mathematics
• Network security management
• Physics

A good place to start your career in network engineering is by learning one or more programming languages like Ruby, Python, or Java. You may want to learn the different aspects of network engineering by taking certifications such as: 

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• LPI Linux Essentials
• ITIL Foundation Certification
• CompTIA Cloud Essentials
• Extreme Networks Certified Specialist (ECS)
• HP Accredited Integration Specialist (HP AIS) – Network Infrastructure
• IPv6 Forum Silver Certified Engineer

If you're looking for high salary levels, a positive job outlook, and lucrative opportunities, a career in network engineering could be a great option for you. So, are you ready to be the next network engineer? 

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