If you have arrived on this page then I would assume you know what a network engineer is and would like to find out how to become a network engineer?
A network engineer is somebody who is responsible within a company for all the equipment that makes up the network. The network is what connects all the PC’s and servers together, internet access, links to remote sites, wireless, adsl links etc etc.
Now in a small company the network might just consist of one switch to connect 20 PCs, one server, and internet connection and maybe a wireless router. You would not need a full time network engineer to look after this and the task is usually performed by the computer system administrator or just the person who knows the most about IT in the office. A lot of small companies do not even have anyone responsible for their network and outsource the work to a support company.
Over time the network will grow as the company increases in size and it starts to become a requirement to have somebody work full time to manage the network, as it is the network that is the backbone of the office. With Phones, Video, Internet all using the network, it needs to be working.
So if you like the sound of a network engineer job the big question is “How to become a Network Engineer?”
The biggest problem is experience. No company is going to let you work on their network if you have not got any experience, but how do you get the experience to be able to work on a network?
The way in is to either get a job as a junior network engineer or offer to help small businesses for free.
Which certification is best for networking?
IT Certifications are always going to be the entry level requirement for a network engineer, it is your way of showing an employer that you can study and have earned an industry recognised qualification.
Based on a recent job survey the ultimate networking certification is still the CCIE, but with much greater numbers of job offers the CCNP is by far the most popular. Then the CCNA and finally the entry level CompTIA certification.
Network Engineer Courses
There are so many courses, you can take from free courses to 5-10 day CCIE Bootcamps. It all depends on what area of network engineering you want to go into and how much money you have to spend. If you are interested in Network Automation, I have created a Network Automation Course which you can take a look at but this is really for more advanced network engineers and not really if you are just starting, but take a look, you will learn something new!
Junior Network Engineer
The junior network engineer route is one that most people take, but to get your first foot in the door you are going to need to have some experience of networks, what they do and how they work and how to fix them.
The way to do this is to buy some second hand switches from ebay and start to configure them at home.
Look into getting some qualifications and teach yourself – its the best way!
So what do you buy? I would always recommend starting with Cisco as that is the most common but closely followed by Juniper, HP, 3com the list goes on.
So lets look at a basic switch that you can purchase from ebay today – (27/03/2014)
This switch is perfect to start learning on and for £65 is a bargain.
Network Engineer Qualifications
The next step is to look at getting some qualifications.
CCNA used to be the starting block for most engineers and there is now an entry level certification called CCENT –
http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/certifications/entry/ccent/index.html
The next step is the CCNA
http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/certifications/associate/ccna/index.html
You can purchase this book from Amazon and you need to read it cover to cover
CCNA Routing and Switching 200-125 Official Cert Guide Library
So you now have a switch, the book and you also need to get access to some routers. The good news is that you can do this for free with GNS3
GNS3 is a router simulator that lets you run up real Cisco images of Routers so you can actually configure a real router all on your laptop.
If you really want to get advanced you could look into the Cisco Cloud Services Router running on an ESXi server but I will leave that for a later post.
The great news is that there is an amazing amount of information on the internet to teach you about all of this, just look on youtube for CCNA tutorial or google free CCNA training.
The key to it is finding some good material and sticking with it – I can highly recommend the CCNA programme from ine.com
At the time of writing this all you had to do was register on their site to get full free access to their excellent CCNA video training course.
The full course details are below and if you watch the 23 hours of video you will learn a lot of very valuable information that you can use in your future career as a network engineer.
CCNA Associate – 640-802 Outline :: Runtime 23 hours 06 minutes
- Introduction
- Network Devices & Components
- OSI Model & TCP/IP Model
- Network Applications
- Connecting to the IOS Command Line Interface
- Cisco IOS PING, Traceroute, & TFTP
- IOS File & Configuration Management with TFTP
- TFTP Servers & Network Management Systems (NMS)
- Local Area Networks (LANs) Overview
- IP ARP, MAC Address Flooding & Learning
- Collision Domains, Broadcast Domains, & VLANs
- Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP)
- VLAN Trunking & VTP
- Spanning-Tree Protocol (STP)
- STP Path Selection & RSTP
- IP Addressing, Subnetting, & VLSM
- IP Routing
- Inter-VLAN Routing & Static Routing
- Static vs. Dynamic Routing
- Dynamic Routing Configuration
- RIPv2 Overview & Configuration
- EIGRP Overview
- EIGRP Configuration
- OSPF Overview
- OSPF Configuration Part 1
- OSPF Configuration Part 2
- IPv6
- Cisco Security Device Manager (SDM)
- Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
- Domain Name System (DNS)
- Network Address Translation (NAT)
- Access Control Lists (ACLs)
- Wide Area Network (WAN) Overview
So you have now bought the switch, installed GNS3, got the book from Amazon, signed up for the free CCNA programme from INE
The next step is to go an pass the CCNA exam
You can sit the exam at your local Pearson Vue test centre – all worldwide locations can be found here.
So I am hoping now you have passed your CCNA! Congratulations you have come a long way and know a lot more about networking than you did before you started this process. What next?
Well I am assuming that during this journey you have now got an appetite for all things network and have started to think about things you can do with your home wireless router? How you can network together all the computers in your house. Could you setup a network at your local church/school/dads office.
Anywhere where there is more than one computer you need a network. For most smaller networks this is usually going to be wireless but if there are PC’s you are going to need a switch, and some Cat5e or Cat6 cable. You also need to know how to give all the computers addresses so they can talk on the network.
So go out there and find somewhere that needs a network, or has a network that is not working very well and offer to fix it. Speak to all your family and friends. Once people start to know that you know about computer networks they will be asking you to fix their broadband, wireless, office network.
The thing is you just need one break to get that first chance to prove yourself, and when you do you will be glad that you have the knowledge behind you.
How did I become a network engineer.
I first started my journey into IT by purchasing my first PC and on it was Windows 95. After a few weeks of running it I started to try to install different programs and then broke it so had to re-install windows. The hard disk broke and I had to replace that and eventually I got another computer and connected them together with a switch, plugged the internet router into the switch and setup my first network. I then passed my MSCE, became a CCNA, CCNP and I am now studying for my CCIE. 20 years on an I am working for a company with a network that spreads around the world with over 10,000 end users.
You can read about My CCIE Journey and if you are really interested you could purchase my book The CCIE Blueprint which is my non-technical guide to passing the CCIE Lab Exam, covering study techniques, how to focus and how to not burn out!
Network Engineer Salary
Now to start off with do not expect to be paid much, if you are learning a company is not going to want to pay you to learn so offer to work for free, once you have proved yourself that you know what you are doing you can ask for payment.
Network Engineer Jobs
Now there are 1000’s of network engineer jobs all you have to do is google it and you will find many job agencies looking for skilled network engineers. Once you have your CCNA and have started to work at a small company and are getting some experience you then then start to write your network engineer cv – put down all your experience (even if it was just fixing the broadband at your local school) include your qualifications, which should be CCENT and CCNA! and send it to all the job agencies, saying you are looking for a junior network engineer role.
Everyone has to start somewhere and you can vastly improve your chances of getting a job if you have some experience, knowledge and qualifications behind you.
One final tip is to start a blog, just like this one!
You can easily setup a free wordpress blog over at wordpress.com
Every time you learn something new – write a blog post about it. After a while this blog will also become your CV which you can show to potential employers, even advertise your services on there. So if anyone googles network engineer or computer engineer (your local town) your blog comes up with all the things you have done.
Sign up on twitter and say that you are going for your CCNA, you will soon meet others who are also studying for the exam.
What certifications do you need to be a network administrator?
You actually don’t need any certifications to be a netowork administrator – if you could prove yourself at an interview. However without any certifications you need something to set you apart from all the other candidates who are applying for the same job.
A CCNA is the standard qualification to get your foot in the door, it also shows employers that you have studied for something and have some basic knowledge.
So the short answer is you don’t actually need any certifications but they do really help to set you apart from the rest.
If you had a great website and were already running your own computer support business – all these things set you apart from someone just applying for a job.
Anyway this post has gone on far too long and I hope that it helps somebody somewhere reach their goal of becoming a network engineer. The career path is not for everyone and is mainly a male dominated field but if you are female and reading this don’t let that put you off. If you enjoy technology and the internet and wireless and networks then why not get paid to do what you enjoy.
If you have any questions on any of the above just leave a comment below and I will respond to you as soon as I can.
Roger
Hi roger, am a student pursuing my b.tech degree and completed my CCNA(R&S) training ,but am thinking to take the CCIE(DC) directly with out any experience preparing for ten months ..wat u suggest for me whether to take my CCNA or i can take CCIE directly?
Wow Sai, taking the CCIE DC is directly without any experience is a big undertaking. It is not impossible, your biggest problem is access to kit. I don’t know if you have access to Nexus 7K or not. If not you either have to rent rack time or buy Nexus 7K (which is not cheap) Out of all the CCIE tracks the CCIE Data Center is the hardest to prepare for due to the kit requirements. I would take the CCNA certainly and then do the CCIE DC written as a next step if you really want to jump into it. As I say its not impossible but you will need access to a lab to practice. And with no experience you need to get your head around UCS, Storage and Nexus – engineers with many years experience struggle. Try out a few CCNP data centre exams to get your feet wet – but going straight to CCIE DC will be very expensive, you really need to be a job where your employer will help out.
Hi Roger. Your blog is very informative and a good starting point. I wish to buy a switch. The recommended switch is out of production in the US. What is the next best switch to buy for a beginner to learn networking???
Save your money and just use GNS3 – you can run up routers with switch modules in them and its free
Wow Roger,
YOU’RE SO HELPFUL AND THANK YOUR FOR YOUR KIND WORDS.
Great post Roger! I’m currently studying electronics engineering, and I graduate next year. I recently developed an interest for computer networking once I started reading a book called ‘Head First Networking’ by Al Anderson and Ryan Benedetti (http://shop.oreilly.com/product/9780596521561.do). I’ve been good with computers since a young age. I’m also studying Java programming as I’m interested in web development too. The internet fascinates me. Do you think an electronics engineer has a chance in the networking field? Do I need to study anything extra? Are there many electronic engineers in your field? Also, what exactly does an IT coordinator do? I’ve searched about it, and I’ve just gotten some vague answers like ‘taking care of the IT stuff in a company’ or ‘troubleshooting IT issues’, etc. Thanks in advance!
P.S. When I tried the CCNA course at ine.com, they let me watch their ‘Intro to Networking’ video for free, and further videos required me to purchase an “All Access Pass”. Am I doing something wrong?
Ashwin,
I started off as an electronics engineer fixing radio equipment, if networking interests you then go for it, I would say that if you are coming into networking now that it is going towards programming skills. INE will let you watch the intro video for free then you have to sign up. They used to release the CCNA course for free but I believe they are now charging for it. I can highly recommend their material
Hi Roger,
Thanks for posting this! I’m currently about to start my career in IT. I would like a bit of advice from someone in the industry as I am yet to meet any IT pros! 🙂
My current idea was network engineer then maybe cross into network security (wireless intrests me) with the experience. What are your thoughts on this path.
Also, while I’m studying for the CCNA my idea was to get a job in basic support for experience while i study. This will entail a drop in pay from my current job(not IT related). Would this additional experience be worth it? Or are there other jobs that would give a more beneficial path?
Working for free is certainly not a viable option for me to get started and the current jobs i see require a vast amount of experience in addition to a CCNA.
Thanks in advance for your time!
Chris,
It is always very difficult to change jobs and take a drop in pay. And to also get a job without experience. My advice would be to learn everything you can. I started off supporting a small network on evenings and weekends before I moved into IT
Hi Roger,
I have gone through your post and I am very keen to networking.
Currently I am doing M.tech in Network Engineering but I couldn’t find anything useful in this course.
All the paper are theory so I am thinking to quit it and go for different certification in Cisco and Microsoft.
So please suggest me. Am I doing right?
Samrat, I would suggest you go for your CCNA and try and get a job to gain some experience, I know this is easier said than done, but I did a degree in electronics engineering and then started to work in IT, I was working in a microsoft support role whilst studying for my CCNA – I then moved into the network team and never looked back. Four jobs later and I am now a CCIE – if you want something bad enough and are prepared to put the work in you will get there.
Hi roger is there any possibility to move from server admin to network engineer ?
Hari,
That is exactly what I did, I used to be a server admin back in the days of NT4 & Windows 2000 – I passed the MSCE and then after that I started to study CCNA and transitioned over to being a network engineer.
Good day to you sir Roger, reading your post inspired me a lot. I want some advice. I passed CCNA this year. And my first job is an IT Staff in a Call Center. Will this experience help me achieving my goal to a network engineer? Coz landing a networking engg job is hard without experience. Thanks
Kindo,
Congratulations on passing the CCNA and getting a job in IT, from on you just need to keep learning. You need to gain knowledge on your network now, try to speak to the more senior staff, ask them what they need help with, then learn it. Then when a role becomes available your name will be mentioned. Also press on with your CCNP and also learn VMware, Linux, F5 – just for awareness so you know a bit more. If you are keen to learn and progress it will be recognised.
hi Roger
great site. alot of great stuff. keep on the good work. we all appreciate it.
Im thinking of making the giant leap and pursue my CCIE (R&S) – i have my CCNA (R&S, Security) CCNP (R&S) and have around 8 years in networking – doing R&S, Firewalling . (multi vendor)
what tips do would you provide to starting the journey to CCIE? Would it be lab work on GNS along with reading (which im not a big fan of) or would it be INE course? how much experience/exposure do you need to MPLS/IPv6 etc in your job to start and complete the journey? having a family, study time at home will be difficult and near impossible i feel..
PS like you based in the UK.
thanks
SC
Thanks for the comments,
My advice to you if you want to start your CCIE Journey is to print out the blueprint and go through it honestly. You need to be a master of all the technologies so make a plan to start learning each one.
That can be with videos, labbing or reading.
My personal route was watch the videos then do loads of labbing and then write a blog post on some topics to really cement them in.
I am not a great reader, but did towards the lab and running this blog has really helped me focus.
As for family / time etc that is a discussion you need to have with them, the main point is to have them on board and that they are prepared for you to be studying for many nights and weekends.
If they are against you it is really tough.
It took me a long time but I got there in the end!
Hi,
Juts read your blog.I have not a graduate if i pass ccie certification.IS it helpful to get a good job
Thanks
Rana,
Having a CCIE certicication is not a ticket to a job. It is a great way to get an interview but once you get the interview, (if you are applying for a CCIE level job) you will be questioned on that and you need to be able to talk the talk. Passing the CCIE will not teach you late night change management, vendor management, multi vendor hardware. All skills which make a great network engineer.
It is certainly a massive qualification to get and one that only 1% of all cisco certified professionals attain so you will certainly stand yourself out from the crowd,
You have to consider though if you are going for a job against another CCIE what other skills they are bringing.
I would say go for it as it is a great learning experience and something I am very glad I completed.
hi roger, thx for the post i am a 4th year ECE( electronics and communication engineering ) student i was just wondering if this field required a lot of programming. I never worked with networking,but i am not so good at programming ,so i just wanted to know if i should try my luck with networking or not??
John,
Networking is going more and more towards programming and the network engineers of the future and now are using programming skills to drive Software Defined Networks.
Take a look at Python
There are already big debates over CCIE vs Python https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRMvMrIfthE and if network engineers now should pursue a cisco certification or get very good with Python.
hi Roger,
I just wanna know growth for job of network engineer. where will i stand after 5 years. or i am doing same stuff all the way after some years or so….
thanks in advance
Rahul,
This is up to you and your ambition, you could land a helpdesk or NOC role and stay there for the rest of your life you wanted, or if you are ambitious and study and want to progress you can move up the ranks.
It is the same as any job the only thing stopping you progressing is you
hi roger i have just completed my N+ certification. Is that good enough for an entry level network engineering job or should i just do CCNA
Tommy,
It all depends on if you can talk confidently about basic networking, having a CCNA is great and if you are being paper sifted with your CV and another candidate has a CCNA they will be looked at over you, but other than that if you can get an interview and talk the talk and say that you are studying for CCNA then thats good. My advice is to just keep learning every day.
Hello Roger,
Currently I am employed in a company as a service desk engineer will this help me to grow as a network engineer or else shall I quit this current job?
Are you solving service desk issues? Printer problems, Passwords etc?
Is there a network team that you pass tickets onto?
if so you are in the perfect place.
Keep studying, let your manager know that you are keen to progress to the next level and have already started studying for CCNA etc
Then make contact with the network team, let them know also you are interested to move up to a network engineer role. Maybe you can help with some tickets.
If you quit this job – what are you going to do?
If it is a big company then great – if it is a small company and there is no room for progression then you need to consider your options.
HTH
thank you for this interesting post, in my country(nigeria), the industry is more of microsoft. my question is is there any difference btween cisco and microsoft networking
Daniel,
There is a huge difference, Cisco make network hardware, switches, routers, firewalls, wireless controllers etc, whereas microsoft typically make software. Anything termed microsoft networking is usually configuration on a server between NICs or any load balancing setup.
Hi Roger,
Can I practice MPLS and BGP on GNS3 ? IF yes , Can you please advise which images I should use and where I can find it?
thanks in advance.
Bilal
Bilal,
Of course, if you have a valid router image you can practice MPLS and BGP
The most stable image I have found on GNS3 is c3725-adventerprisek9-mz.124-15.bin
Hie Roger.
Thanks for the helpful post. I have a degree in Computer Science and some vast experience in PHP programming but little experience with JAVA programming. However, I want to be a network Engineer. Im travelling out of Zimbabwe in the next 4 months to Australia and I want to be doing network engineering there. Can you advise on what I can do in these 4 months so that I can do network engineering
Jethro,
If you have some free time and have 4 months and you have a programming background, I would do some research into Network Automation / Devops
Look into Ansible, Chef, Jenkins etc – so have you an awareness of what they do – learn some linux and start learning CCNA
With your programming background you can be very effective in the new world of network engineers which will all be Linux / Python and automation.
Thank you so much
hello Roger,
Just found your post online. I may sound stupid, but i thought i would ask you this question anyways. I’m 39 yrs old & currently working in retail ( previously in tourism). I was going through this idea of changing career ( mid life crisis 🙂 ) because i’m not happy with what i’m doing now. I have learned about networks , software dev long time ago (2002, really enjoyed then ) but due to some personal set backs i had to gave it up totally. Even now i enjoy repairing my pc , installing os, etc. I would like to ask you how realistic to enter this industry for a old chap like me? i don’t mind learning again, even doing prof qualification like ccna. would it be worth it ? thank you for your time.
Hi Sam,
It all depends on what salary expectations you have. And what you can currently offer.
My suggestion would be to specialise in a certain area i.e wireless or security – the main problem you will face is the expectation of experience of someone older. You need to skill up and be a benefit to an employer or do something on your own. Maybe start doing local computer support in your area – setup a simple website advertising your services, then progress to wireless and then start offering your services to small businesses. It’s not going to happen overnight but this is how I started,
Roger
hello rogger
Thanks for the helpful post. I have a degree in Network engineering and CCNA,ccnp,iins,mcsa and mcse. so i would like to start ccie in this april and already FINISHED WRITTEN exam. further i have video course of cbt nuggets and INe and could you please let me know which one is the best to face lab exam.
Mohamed,
I would focus on the INE material as it is very thorough. But it is not only solution you need to be working through your own labs, working with a study partner, reading forums, blogs etc. You also need to never give up as most people who start the CCIE journey never finish it. Keep the focus and you will become a CCIE