How to become a Network Engineer? In 6 Easy Steps

Do you aspire to become a highly paid Network Engineer? Then this article will guide you through that

A career in network engineering is always in great demand and is increasing extremely fast. Network engineers typically make between 6 to 8 lakhs rupees per year in India compared to $50,000 to $60,000 worldwide.

But there is doubt among people about what a Network Engineer does, so before moving further on how to become a Network Engineer, Let’s see what Network Engineering is, and what a Network Engineer does.

What is Network Engineering?

A network engineer is a qualified engineer with extensive knowledge in keeping networks’ connectivity for data, audio, calls, videos, and wireless network services. networks’ connectivity for data, audio, calls, videos, and wireless network services. The planning and administration of computer networks are the responsibilities of network engineers. Additionally, tasks related to their job profile include the setup
and configuration of network equipment, troubleshooting procedures, and technical support & help activities. This article will explain the steps and methods to becoming a network engineer.

How to become a Network Engineer? Step by Step Process

Here is the step‐by‐step process on how to become a Network Engineer

1. Complete the necessary Education

After completing your 10+2, you have the option of enrolling in a Bachelor of Science ﴾BSc﴿ degree
program in networking technology or a Bachelor of Technology ﴾BTech﴿ or Bachelor of Engineering
﴾BE﴿ program in computer science or a related subject. You can begin your career in network
engineering with a formal degree.

There are currently no set educational requirements, but the majority of companies do prefer
candidates to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, depending on the employment level. For
improved prospects, you can also pursue vendor certifications like CCNA, CCNP, etc.

2. Get to know about the Basics of Networking

You need to first know the fundamentals of networking concepts. You must learn how things actually operate, for example, “How are two systems connected?” or “Why do people use different kinds of cables,” etc.
Here are some of the basic technologies you need to keep an eye on in the Basics of Networking

• LANs/WANs
• Topologies
• Router/Switches / Hubs
• OSI Model
• Transmission Modes
• Firewalls
• Application Protocols
• IP Addresses
• Network Security, etc

3. Taking it to the advanced level

After finishing the Basic Networking Concepts, you must now go for the advanced understanding in this area. You need to work harder and dedicate yourself to this. You can choose from a variety of Live Training Sessions led by Experts, as well as Books, Journals, Blogs, and other Resources. Learn about other relevant topics such as Operating Systems ﴾Linux, Unix, etc.﴿, current networking developments, etc. in
addition to the fundamental networking ideas.

Interested in joining Advanced Network Training?

Do whatever you can to increase your understanding of the networking field. You can configure your computer, even set up your lab for practice, go to seminars and conferences, and more. To improve your skills and become more familiar with various networking tools, you can also complete several coding tasks and projects.

4. Getting Vendor Specific Certificates

You can choose from among the many networking certifications that recognized suppliers like CISCO, Juniper, etc. provide. Your exposure and confidence will increase greatly as a result of these qualifications. Additionally, employers like hiring applicants who hold these kinds of certificates. The following is a list of several well‐known networking certifications

Cisco Certified Network Associate ﴾CCNA﴿

The Cisco Certified Network Associate ﴾CCNA﴿ is an associate‐level ﴾early career﴿ credential and is widely regarded as a standard in the networking industry. Numerous networking fundamentals are covered. Given that Cisco is one of the biggest networking businesses, this credential is very important. Cisco also provides certificates at the entry‐level ﴾CCT﴿, professional ﴾CCNP﴿, and expert levels ﴾CCDE﴿.

CompTIA Network+

The CompTIA Network+ certification assesses your knowledge of networking fundamentals independent of the manufacturer of the networking technology you may be using. In addition, CompTIA provides the CompTIA A+ certification for those seeking entry‐level IT positions.

Juniper Networks Certified Associate – Junos ﴾JNCIA‐Junos﴿

The associate‐level certification for Juniper Networks technologies is the JNCIA‐ Junos. For anyone wishing to pursue more advanced certifications from Juniper Networks in data center technologies, enterprise routing and switching, or service provider routing and switching, this is the first step that must be completed.

SolarWinds Certified Professional

You can use and manage SolarWinds network and system products if you hold the SolarWinds Certified Professional credential. Products from SolarWinds are widely used in niche markets like accountancy and government.

Aruba Certified Mobility Associate ﴾ACMA﴿

Some employers can demand that you understand Aruba networking features. You may design, set up, and configure a fundamental Aruba Wireless Local Area Network if you have the Aruba Certified Mobility Associate ﴾ACMA﴿ certification. Switching, ClearPass, Design, and Security are the other four associate‐level Aruba certifications you can earn to become an Aruba Edge Associate.

VMWare Certified Technical Associate – Network Virtualization ﴾VCTA‐NV﴿

Obtaining the VCTA‐NV certification can be a fantastic approach to start learning about the fundamentals of the VMware NSX network virtualization platform if you’re interested in virtualization. Your familiarity with NSX terminology, graphical user interfaces, and other fundamental technical abilities will be tested as part of the certification process.

Also Read: 10 Essential IT Certifications for 2022

5. Getting Hands‐on Experience

The best way to become a Network Engineer is to, practice it. Now that you have the necessary knowledge of the networking domain, you must put that information into practice in real time. In general, organizations do not want to take the risk of hiring new employees to manage their operational network systems, hence network engineers are typically employed with some experience. Therefore, it is preferable, to begin with, an entry‐level position or internship in order to obtain some experience. Under the supervision of a more seasoned network engineer, you can learn here about the installation, configuration, and other operations of network systems.

6. Applying for Jobs

Okay, so you’re ready to apply for Network Engineer positions now that you have the necessary networking knowledge, the necessary certifications, and some practical experience. Making a list of networking companies and visiting their official websites to see their eligibility requirements and other requirements is a good place to start. In accordance with its relevance, you can also apply for the position there. Remember that joining a better firm as a network engineer is not the end goal; you can advance to roles such as network manager or chief technology officer. The leading networking firms in the world include Microsoft, Cisco Systems, Juniper, Intel, IBM, Sophos, and others.