A network engineer is someone who creates and monitors computer networks on behalf of individual clients and organizations. They ensure that devices have stable connections to the internet and that network data remains secure. If interested in pursuing a career that combines creativity with computer science, working as a network engineer with no experience may be a worthwhile role to consider. In this article, we will discuss how to become a network engineer, their salary, and typical interview questions for a network engineer. Read on to learn about the difference between a network engineer vs network administrator.
What is a Network Engineer?
A network engineer designs implements, and maintains computer networks, which are systems that allow computers to communicate with each other and share data and resources. They help people and companies stay connected with the internet and communicate with others. Those in this role make sure networks are functional and explain how they work to colleagues, junior employees, supervisors, and customers. Also, while they usually spend their time in an office working with computer equipment, they sometimes travel to individual business locations to provide tech support services. In addition, network engineers can work in the following industries:
- Information technology
- Education
- Government
- Healthcare
- Social media
- Military
- Telecommunications
What Does a Network Engineer Do?
Network engineers focus on delivering high-availability network infrastructure to sustain the users’ online and on-site information technology activities. Network engineers are also in charge of the operation, repair, and improvement of computer networks. Their job duties may overlap with those of similar roles, such as network administrators or security system engineers.
Network Engineer: Duties & Responsibilities
Here are some of their responsibilities:
- Develop and install network infrastructure, configurations, and equipment such as routers and switches
- Implement data security systems such as firewalls, virus protection software and data backups
- Monitor networks and troubleshoot issues or outages
- Perform routine network maintenance, including installing upgrades and service packs
- Provide remote or on-site customer and technical support to businesses and other clients
- Consult with clients to suggest network solutions
- Manage junior employees and provide training resources for team members
- Test and install new computer systems, hardware, software, and applications
- Develop engineering design packages to integrate new processes into existing ones
- Collaborate with clients, other tech support services, and network providers to ensure the quality of networks
How to Become a Network Engineer With No Experience
The primary qualifications for becoming a network engineer with no experience are a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a network engineering certification. But in this context, no experience means no professional experience, as many aspiring network engineers use internships to gain practical experience and help stand out from other applicants. Fulfilling your responsibilities and duties as an entry-level network engineer requires communication and research skills. In some cases, experience outside of network engineering, such as working in a helpdesk or other customer service role, can help prepare you for this job.
How to Become a Network Engineer With No Experience: Detailed Guide
Becoming a network engineer is a worthwhile goal. The demand does two things for the network engineer, it provides job stability for further growth, as well as a high salary. As these are motivators, starting steps can be made to understand how to become a network engineer with no experience.
#1. Education as a Requirement?
Yes. Education is required. But formal education is not. Network engineers come from a variety of backgrounds. From a degree in history to no degree at all. This means it is possible to become a network engineer given a diverse stack. The important thing is that an aspiring network engineer with no experience must learn to love self-education. This is absolutely true. Learn to love the routers and the switches behind the networking world. Learn to appreciate how traffic brings connection to happen across distances.
#2. Defining the Network Engineer
Engineers are people who build things into being. They make blueprints for buildings and skyscrapers are built. They write code so applications can be developed. A network engineer belongs to the same category. Their roles have varying ranges from designing to administrating a communication infrastructure. Here are a few titles they can have:
- Network Administrator – Maintain company networks, apply change management, expand site networks, etc
- Network Architect – Designs new implementations, plans projects, etc
- Network Specialists, Network Managers, Network Technician
- Descriptions and titles are usually interchangeable. The actual leg work for each position also carries different titles from one company to the next.
So, when starting out, it’s good to apply for roles with familiar job descriptions. However, this is not a hard rule.
#3. Choosing Your Career Blueprint
Before builders embark to build great buildings, they must first have a blueprint to guide them. In the same way, a blueprint for this tech career is crucial. This is especially true whenever you want to become a network engineer with no experience. By first creating a blueprint, you can be prepared for the next steps to allow the habit of goal setting.
#4. Start Your Training with Hard Skills
During the months of becoming a network engineer, it is always important to keep training. That means constantly being aggressive in learning about networks.
- Make sure you know the OSI Model
- Understand the difference between TCP and UDP
Additionally, becoming a network engineer with no experience is definitely not a cakewalk. But don’t be intimidated if you’re not familiar with the topics described. There are plenty of resources you can use to understand how all this fits together.
#5. Continue your Training with Soft Skills
While learning the hard skills to rotate into the next position, it’s important to also be aware of the classic ‘people skills. A good network engineer is able to collaborate effectively with team members. Below are a few soft skills to acquire,
- Ability to express ideas clearly and confidently in speech
- Work confidently within a group
- Understand the commercial realities affecting the organization
- Gather information systematically to establish facts and principles for problem-solving
- Ability to take initiative, identify opportunities, and be proactive in putting forward ideas and solutions
- Determination to get things done, make things happen, and constantly look for better ways of doing things
- Ability to express thoughts and ideas clearly in writing
- Ability to plan and execute effectively
- Adapt successfully to changing situations and environments
- Manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and work to deadlines
#6. Getting Started on Your Career
There’s a lot required to become a network engineer with no experience. But it really isn’t that difficult to get started. There are a few key points that you need to create your own blueprint to become an engineer like,
- Make a blueprint of skills and education you need for the next job role.
- Education and Certification Examples
- Network+ to CCENT to CCNA
What Skills Do I Need to Have to be a Network Engineer?
They are,
- Networking
- Programming
- An understanding of infrastructure
- Domain-name system expertise
- IoT knowledge
- An understanding of security and firewalls
- Virtualization abilities
- Ability to work with an MPLS network
Salary of Network Engineer
The estimated total pay for a network engineer is $100,459 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $82,198 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary total pay estimate model and is based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated additional pay is $18,262 per year. Additional pay could include cash bonuses, commission, tips, and profit sharing. The “Most Likely Range” represents values that exist within the 25th and 75th percentile of all pay data available for this role. depending on factors including education, skills, experience, employer & location, industry, seniority, company, job title, etc.
Salary of Network Engineer: By Seniority
Payscale reports the following average salaries by seniority:
- Entry-level engineer: $63,000–$72,000 per year
- Mid-level engineer: $72,000–$90,000 per year
- Senior engineer: $90,000–$96,000 per year
A network engineer’s salary range can also vary between specific roles within the network engineering field. ZipRecruiter reports the following job titles as the highest average earners:
- Network developer: $175,013
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) engineer: $144,120
- CCIE network engineer: $138,746
The average income of network engineers also varies regionally. The cities with the highest salary include the following:
- Green River, Wyoming: $115,305
- Richmond, California: $111,369
- Stamford, Connecticut: $110,021
- Bellevue, Washington: $108,731
Do Network Engineers make money?
The average salary for a network engineer is $83,557 in the US.
Network Engineer vs Network Administrator
Network administrators and network engineers are in similar positions within the information technology (IT) field. However, there are several differences between the two jobs. Though network administrators and engineers often work collaboratively, network engineers typically hold a greater level of responsibility and perform a broader scope of tasks. Also, both of the job roles are high in demand in the US market and are expected to grow due to the need for network security.
Network Engineer vs Network Administrator: Differences
Below are the differences between network administrators vs network engineers to help you know other areas in which network administrators and network engineers differ:
#1. Definition
A network administrator handles the maintenance and monitoring of computer infrastructures. While a network engineer’s responsibilities are typically broader than those of a network administrator.( Network Engineer vs Network Administrator).
#2. Duties & Responsibilities
Network administrators operate network management systems, schedule network repairs, and implement programs to prevent security breaches. while network engineers are responsible for determining network needs within a company as well as designing, developing, implementing, and supporting communication networks and testing systems for functionality.
#3. Salary
The national average salary of a network administrator is $71,296 per year, while the average salary of a network engineer is $102,763 per year. Network engineers tend to earn more on average since the role usually requires employees to have a higher level of education and prior work experience. They are typically also required to learn more complex concepts. ( Network Engineer vs Network Administrator).
#4. Educational Requirements
Becoming a network administrator usually requires an associate degree from an accredited institution at the very least. In contrast, a network engineer typically needs to have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, programming, or another related field.
#5. Corporate Ranking
Network administrators typically report to network engineers, and administrators often advance to eventually become engineers. Depending on the size of the company, network engineers usually work under the direction of a chief information officer (CIO) or chief technology officer (CTO).
What certifications are necessary for a network administrator or network engineer?
Though they aren’t always required, certifications can greatly impact your chances of getting hired as a network administrator. Certifications can help employees advance in their field and provide them with valuable technical knowledge, which can improve their job performance.
What are the Questions Asked in an Interview for a Network Engineer?
Below are the common network engineer interview questions,
- Tell me about yourself
- Tell me about your experience as an engineer
- Why did you become an engineer?
- What do you like best about becoming an engineer?
- What do you like least about being a network engineer?
- What is your greatest strength?
Which is Better Networking or Cyber Security?
Cybersecurity protects all the digital data of an enterprise against cyber-attacks. Network security offers limited protection, safeguards the network, and transmits data only. You
Does a Network Engineer Need Coding Skills?
Network engineers need to be problem-solvers and big-picture thinkers, and yet still be meticulous in their work, from properly setting up a wireless network in a business to coding the latest version of security into the network. You’ll need to know how to program in at least one language, such as Python, Ruby, or Java.
Is it hard to Study Networking?
Computer networking can be a challenge
References
- .techtarget.
- gigmocha.
- .pdq.com
- indeed.
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