To work as a network engineer, you’ll need a solid understanding of how to set up, maintain, and secure computer networks of various sizes and types. You’ll also need to know how to install, uninstall, update, and configure software, as well as how to set up computer servers and have above-average hardware knowledge. If you want to work in the United States, you’ll need a clean criminal record and the ability to pass a drug test because most employers require it. Some employers, especially if you do not have a college diploma, will require you to have at least a year of experience. If you are a recent graduate or do not intend to pursue a degree, there are several options for gaining experience, including volunteering at a nonprofit organization.
It’s best to major in computer science, information technology, or a related field if you decide to pursue a college degree as part of your training to become a network engineer. In the United States, majors in these disciplines are generally only available at four-year colleges and universities. However, associate’s degree programs in network administration, engineering, and information systems management are available at two-year colleges, also known as community colleges. To improve your career prospects, you should strongly consider obtaining professional certification. Cisco offers internationally recognized certifications, including the CompTIA Network+ certification, which is also very valuable.
Knowledge of how to select the type of cables required for wired networks, as well as how to install, terminate, and test them, is part of network engineering. When setting up a publicly accessible wireless network, such as those found in many coffee shops, having a strong understanding of network security is critical. Whether you get a college diploma or teach yourself, you’ll need hands-on experience, which can be difficult for self-taught students. Setting up practice computer networks requires expensive equipment such as network routers, switches, and bridges. Working with them, on the other hand, will be an important part of your job responsibilities.
Although it is possible to work from home as a network administrator, this is a rare position. In most cases, you will work full-time in a company’s or organization’s information technology department. The course work you complete in order to become a network engineer should closely resemble the most common job responsibilities you will encounter in the real world. A network engineer’s responsibilities include knowing how to subnet, supernet, and program routers and switches.
Because many companies have deployed Linux® as a server, experts recommend that college degree programs or independent studies for a career in this field include training in at least basic UNIX® administration. Linux® is an open source operating system that is similar to UNIX®, so if you are familiar with that operating system, you will be familiar with working on the command line in Linux®. If you want to start your own business setting up computer networks or work as an independent consultant, you should take business administration, marketing, or entrepreneurship courses as part of your education.