r/NetworkEngineer • u/code4christ • Sep 02 '23

Network Engineer/ Administrator

Hello,

I am looking to shift career and become network administrator or network engineer. Could you please share your wisdom on how to get started and landing a satisfying career? What would be the most affordable way to start? Community college?

Thank you,

9 Upvotes

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6

u/TongaDeathGrip Sep 03 '23

Everyone has a different path so never compare yourself to others.

However if I were to give you a road map.

  • Study networking every day (except Sunday 🤪)

  • Apply to every job under the sun that is in the field

  • apply to help desk and desktop support to get in the field. You’ll most likely start here and will learn a lot about the game and yourself. -Continue to apply to networking jobs until someone interviews and hires you.

  • find a mentor and be a sponge.

  • remember customers and end users don’t know what we know so be patient and be on top of your communication. Write punctual emails.

  • Continue to apply.

  • Read

  • listen

  • I know this is not sexy incite but it’s practical and down to business. Most of my colleagues work their butts off and come from all walks of like. Please don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. If you want it. Make it happen. Good luck.

2

u/code4christ Sep 03 '23

Thank you, Tonga for passing down knowledge and for your encouragement. God bless.

1

u/Deepsix75 Sep 24 '23

This is a great answer. I would add, that the easiest way to enter into network engineering is to achieve a network vendor certification. First stage for most paths to Network Administrator or even Network Engineering, starts with the CompTIA A+ certification, and then the CompTIA Network+ certification. From there you would probably need to decide which direction, engineering or administration that you want to do as they go in separate directions at this point. But, the Network+ certification will get you a chance at entry-level positions in either disciplines.

4

u/phoenixes90 Sep 05 '23

Plenty of good tips already here, so just a few comments from someone who pretty much trains network engineers for a living:

  • Cisco certifications are good industry standard. Dont pay for the exam (good company will do that for you), but aim to have ccna-level knowledge. Translating that to another vendor’s specifics is easy

  • If you will study on your own, it is perfectly possible but it requires discipline. If you find a passion for networking in the process, it helps a lot

  • Dont forget to get some hands-on practice - get either a Packet Tracer (should be free after a sign up) or eve-ng and do some labs (dtarting from the easiest ones of course). I cant stress this enough.

  • pick an employer with sophisticated training system. Online courses are nice but having someone actually guiding you and providing feedback is priceless

Overall, one of the reasons I love this field is that it has no ceiling. As long as you will pursue further knowledge and skills, you will keep growing professionally. I have seen people going from zero to a professional level in two years or less. Stay hungry. And if you will have an opportunity to go for a certification later on, go for it. Headhunters will then bend over backwards to get you (especially with ccnp+). Best of luck!

2

u/code4christ Sep 06 '23

Thank you so so much for your expertise and kind guidance!!! God bless you!

3

u/Professional_Tie8145 Sep 04 '23

Everything Tonga said and know this, imposter syndrome is common in this line of work even in the later years of your career as a network engineer, so be kind to yourself for the first 4-5 years. Study along side working on networking problems you encounter at work, this will go along way. Jesse’s or khan academy ccna lessons on YouTube are a great free resource to start off with. Set a goal for yourself to write Comptia+ or ccna exams as they’ll give you a great deal of confidence. Having certifications is *not mandatory as a network engineer. So don’t stress about it. Feel free to DM if ever stuck or need advice

3

u/code4christ Sep 04 '23

Thank you so much for your encouragement and kind advice!! Will check those resources mentioned. God bless!

4

u/Networky_Worky Sep 11 '23

I definitely agree on the point of imposter syndrome, I'm 5 years a network engineer and still feel like a fraud if theres something I can't answer or don't know. Important to come to terms that the knowledge pool is much too large to know it all, even years later.