In today’s digital global economy, it has become necessary for organizations to have seamless networks. It is required to connect them across their multiple locations for all their products and services. Organizations have to invest in newer and faster technologies. Their need for networking engineers is growing rapidly, and organizations are paying well to experienced network engineers. Cisco offers networking courses for professionals interested in becoming network engineers.
Network Engineer
A network engineer manages an organization’s network system. As a network engineer, you are responsible for creating an organization’s IT system, assisting with day-to-day IT, and troubleshooting tasks. You also plan and construct the IT architecture of the organization. In addition, you create and design physical and wireless networks. Your role also includes integrating newer and better technologies to give the optimal solution based on the needs of the organization.
How can you become a Network Engineer?
Cisco certified networking professionals are in high demand as many organizations worldwide use IT-based on Cisco Systems and architecture. Hence Cisco networking certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE, amongst other Cisco courses, are in great demand by both professionals and employers. You also require practical experience in the IT field to successfully become a network engineer.
Educational Qualifications
So, if you are getting interested in the networking field, you need to develop skills in networking. First, graduate in the relevant field. For example, computer science, information systems, or computer engineering.
You may need a Masters degree in some organizations.
You can then enroll in specialized networking courses. The basic entry-level networking Cisco course is CCNA – Cisco Certified Network Associate. It will help you in understanding fundamental concepts of networking. After gaining the CCNA training, the next certification in the course of Cisco training is CCNP – Cisco Certified Network Professional. It will increase your knowledge and help you rise in your career path. It is also a qualification for the next level of Cisco certification – CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert). It is one of the most prestigious networking certifications.
Practical Experience
It is essential to gain practical experience while getting cisco training. You can work on different projects on the job, which will expand your working knowledge of the networks. It would help you in selecting your specialization area based on your interest. So, after building a networking foundation, you can start with a support role in networking. It will be a good start to gain clarity and future direction. You can volunteer for small businesses or start-ups as well.
You need to build the following skills to become a network engineer:
- Learning about clients and servers. It includes understanding how email, websites, and pages connect using networks.
- Learning about IP addresses: It includes understanding Unique identification codes required for the network devices.
- Learning about hardware, including network hubs, cables, and switches.
- Learning about tools like firewalls and routers.
Job Prospects
Identifying and choosing the right path is also driven by the job market conditions. But as of today, there are multiple options in most networking areas, and networking courses are available in each of them.
- Network Engineer
- Network Specialist
- Network Administrator
- Network Technician
- Network Analyst
- Network Manager
- Network Solutions Architect
Future Opportunities
If you want to experiment and learn about all networking aspects, then you could also aim to become a full-stack network engineer (FSNE). Since companies are looking to add network engineers who have cross-functional skills, it’s better to get experience and do networking courses in all areas of IT – be it in routing, security, wireless, data center management, automation, cloud, and VoIP.
Conclusion
But if not sure of which way to start first, you can reach out to other network engineers in different areas and learn from their experiences. Your manager could also help and guide you on the needs of the organization. It would give you an idea of where to start learning about networking courses and then sign up for one of them. Another option is to look for current job postings to understand the requirements of networking engineers and their skills and then choose the right networking courses and training opportunities.
Along with the networking courses and certifications, you need to have good soft skills like communication skills, presentation skills, teamwork, time management, etc. All this will make you a complete networking professional and help you succeed as a networking engineer.
