Working as a network engineer can be challenging but is an enjoyable career that has a lot of prospects. It is also very attractive because of the high remuneration that can be obtained. Professionals in this field also have the chance to move on to other positions if they so desire. This article contains tips that will help you to become a network engineer to earn with telecom companies.

• How to Start a Career in Telecommunication
• What Does a Network Engineer do?
• What is Telecommunications Engineer Salary?
• Types of Jobs in Telecommunications
• Network Engineer Job Profile
• How to Become a Telecommunications Engineer
• How Much Does a Telecoms Engineer Earn?
• Do Network Engineers Make Good Money?
• What Qualifications do I Need to be a Network Engineer?
• Are Network Engineers in Demand?
• What is The Starting Salary For Telecoms Engineer?
• How to Become a Network Engineer With no Experience
• Telecommunication Network Engineer Salary
• Telecommunications And Network Engineering Degree
• Network Engineer Training Free
• L1 Network Engineer Roles And Responsibilities
• Network Engineer Career Path
• Network Engineering Course

How to Start a Career in Telecommunication

Determine your starting point

The first decision that you have to make is where to start your career in the field of networking. Some people may choose to get a degree first while others may start with certifications. This really depends on your circumstance or personal preference.

Read Also: How do I Become a Security Architect?

It is better if you can have a degree as well as certifications. A degree will provide you with a lot of knowledge about the IT industry. Certifications are designed to provide you with industry specific training that will enable you to work on certain platforms.

Experience is essential

If you want to advance quickly in this career, you have to obtain a lot of practical experience. It is vital to gain experience working on different types of networks. The best way to get the experience that you need is to get a job.

You may be able to do some practicing by using a home-based network. However, you can only use this system to learn the basics of small networks. Nothing beats working in real life situations.

Look for jobs that require little qualification or experience

You can start your career as a network engineer by looking for entry level jobs that do not require any experience. You can search for these types of jobs through job portals on the internet. Look for the ones with job descriptions that you like and of course they should specify that no experience is required.

You may not be paid a lot of money in this type of position but what you are really looking for is experience. The money will definitely come when you have acquired a reasonable level of experience.

Getting networking certification

Network engineering certifications are offered by a number of companies. The most popular ones are CompTIA, Cisco, and Microsoft. The Network+ is a certification from CompTIA that cuts across all vendors. The Cisco Certified Network Associate is a very popular entry-level certification from Cisco.

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist or the Microsoft Certified IT Professional certifications have different subcategories for networking. These certifications will provide you with a lot of knowledge in this field and will also enable you to get jobs more easily.

Other skills

If you want to be successful as a network engineer, you will need more than technical knowledge. Your ability to interact smoothly with other people and work excellently with a team will set you apart in your career.

You have to work on your negotiation, communication and problem-solving skills. If you are a good communicator, you will easily get jobs when you go for interviews. You will also be a favorite candidate for promotions.

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 often overlap with other roles, such as computer network architects or security systems engineers, and work internally within an organization or as outside consultants.

Network engineers design and implement network configurations, troubleshoot performance issues, carry out network monitoring and configure security systems such as firewalls. They often report to a CIO, chief information security officer and other line-of-business leaders to discuss and decide upon overall business goals, policies and network status updates.

In many situations, network engineers work closely with project managers and other engineers, manage capacity and carry out remote or on-site support.

What is Telecommunications Engineer Salary?

A typical network engineer’s salary ranges from $49,000 to more than $132,000 annually, depending upon skills and experience level, according to Glassdoor. Engineers can also earn bonuses, and some employers offer profit-sharing as well.

Network engineers typically work 40 hours a week, but they may be called in for weekends, evenings, and other times outside of business hours to resolve technical problems.

Types of Jobs in Telecommunications

The telecom industry is constantly changing to meet customers’ demands and keep up with the latest technologies. New job opportunities are popping up every day. Whether you’re a digital marketing specialist, an engineer or a programmer, you can make a career in telecommunications. It’s one of the most exciting industries out there – just think about how far telephones have come over the past decades.

As more and more telecom operators are digitizing their services, candidates with analytics-driven operational abilities will have a competitive edge in the job market. Depending on your skills and experience, you could work as a global security network engineer, head of IT customer experience, technical project manager or data analyst.

However, there are still plenty of jobs available for telecom equipment installers and repairers. In 2017, workers in these areas earned at least $53,380 per year. If you have experience in marketing sales, consider applying for a role as a sales representative, telemarketer or retail salesperson. The demand for computer systems analysts and computer software engineers is on the rise too.

Telecommunications Engineers

The average annual salary of a telecommunications engineer is $85,500 per year. The more experience you have, the higher your income. Senior roles pay up to $145,351 per year.

Those who are interested in starting a career in this field need specific technical training. Most companies require a bachelor’s or a master’s degree and industry-related certifications, such as Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), and Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) certification.

Job seekers with advanced math skills, analytical capabilities and strong communication abilities have a competitive advantage.

Telecom engineers regularly interact with co-workers, customers or other technicians. Therefore, it’s essential to have good interpersonal skills and the ability to convey complex concepts to people with varying skill levels.

In this role, you are responsible for managing telecom infrastructure, routers and computer networks. Telecommunications engineers also need a good understanding of VoIP and telephony networks, cabling standards, WAN protocols and ISO documentation.

Equipment Installers and Repairers

Also known as telecom technicians, those who work in this field usually handle telecom equipment maintenance and repairs. Their duties include planning network installations, troubleshooting outages, testing circuits and preparing installation diagrams. They must possess troubleshooting and mechanical skills as well as strong customer skills.

Most companies prefer job seekers who have completed a postsecondary education program in computer science, telecom or electronics. Since this industry is evolving at a fast pace, continuing education is a necessity. Workers are encouraged to attend technical workshops, enroll in technical courses and renew their certifications.

Telecom Project Managers

Projects managers in the telecom industry earn an average salary of $72,500 per year. This number can go up to $112,836 for those in senior roles. If you’re just getting started, you can expect to make around $32,000.

This is one of the most sought-after jobs in the telecommunication sector. Responsibilities include developing personnel policies and procedures, directing specific projects and making adjustments when needed, ensuring timely installations, implementing network security policies and more.

Project managers handle a variety of projects from start to finish while ensuring compliance with the estimated timelines and costs.

Those who are interested in this role need to possess a wide range of skills. They must be good communicators, manage their time efficiently and stay up-to-date with the latest industry standards and regulations. Telecom operators usually prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering.

Data Analysts and Data Scientists

In this digital age, companies worldwide manage vast amounts of data on a daily basis; the telecom industry is no exception. According to the latest estimates, the accumulated volume of data will reach 5.2 zettabytes by 2025. This information needs to be sorted out, processed and analyzed for operational and marketing purposes.

If you’re passionate about numbers, consider a career as a data analyst or data scientist. Workers in these areas develop visual dashboards, turn data into actionable insights, identify opportunities and risks, and manage security threats. They also ensure data quality, develop solutions based on hard facts and help the organization learn more about customer behavior.

In general, companies that hire for these roles seek candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mathematics, computer science or business intelligence. Strong programming skills are necessary. Some employers prefer job seekers with experience in Clickstream, Teradata SQL, Tableau and other industry-specific tools.

Working as a Telecommunications Specialist

If you’re familiar with the different types of telecommunication networks and systems, you may work as a telecom specialist. Most employers seek candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science.

The day-to-day responsibilities include maintaining and securing computer systems, detecting and troubleshooting potential issues, implementing innovative networking solutions and managing policies and procedures.

Telecom specialists earn $35,571 to $88,750 per year depending on their skills and expertise. They ensure the proper functioning of telecom devices, administrate and optimize telecommunication channels, and compile reports about the systems they manage. Telecom specialists develop and implement communication networks, provide technical advice and coordinate telecommunications activities.

Network Engineer Job Profile

Network Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring and managing the local and wide area networks of an organization to ensure maximum uptime for users. The role can include designing system configurations, documenting and managing the installation of a new network, and maintaining and upgrading existing systems as necessary.

Network Engineer duties and responsibilities of the job

Network Engineers will work in-house or be assigned to project management teams working with outside clients. As part of an organization’s IT team, Network Engineers work closely with Business Analysts, Network Architects, and IT Managers. A Network Engineer job description can therefore comprise of:

• Designing and implementing new network solutions and/or improving the efficiency of current networks
• Installing, configuring and supporting network equipment including routers, proxy servers, switches, WAN accelerators, DNS and DHCP
• Procuring network equipment and managing subcontractors involved with network installation
• Configuring firewalls, routing and switching to maximise network efficiency and security
• Maximising network performance through ongoing monitoring and troubleshooting
• Arranging scheduled upgrades
• Investigating faults in the network
• Updating network equipment to the latest firmware releases
• Reporting network status to key stakeholders

Network Engineer job qualifications and requirements

Holding a degree and having a technical background will be required to gain a Network Engineer role. Degrees in the following subjects can be included:

• Computer science
• Computer software/computer systems engineering
• Computer systems and networks
• Electrical/electronic engineering
• Mathematics
• Network security management
• Physics

Organizations may also have specific requirements depending on their current network configuration. As a guide, a CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) certification is desirable.

As well as formal qualifications, a Network Engineer job description should include the following qualities:

• An analytical mind
• An ability to learn new technologies quickly
• Good time management skills
• An ability to follow processes
• Strong documentation skills
• Good communication skills – both written and verbal
• Commercial and business awareness

How to Become a Telecommunications Engineer

If you’re interested in becoming a telecom engineer, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We’ve determined that 59.9% of telecom engineers have a bachelor’s degree.

In terms of higher education levels, we found that 11.3% of telecom engineers have master’s degrees. Even though most telecom engineers have a college degree, it’s possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.

Choosing the right major is always an important step when researching how to become a telecom engineer. When we researched the most common majors for a telecom engineers, we found that they most commonly earn bachelor’s degree degrees or master’s degree degrees. Other degrees that we often see on telecom engineer resumes include associate degree degrees or diploma degrees.

You may find that experience in other jobs will help you become a telecom engineer. In fact, many telecom engineer jobs require experience in a role such as an engineer. Meanwhile, many telecom engineers also have previous career experience in roles such as network engineer or systems administrator.

How Much Does a Telecoms Engineer Earn?

The average telecom engineer salary is $75,640 per year, or $36.37 per hour, in the United States. In terms of the salary range, an entry-level telecom engineer’s salary is roughly $61,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $92,000.

If you like following the crowd, technology and telecommunication companies tend to attract the most workers in this field. But if you’re in it for the money, then you’ll want to seek out finance, technology, and telecommunication companies, as employees in each industry have reported the highest salaries.

As most things go, location can be critical. Connecticut, Rhode Island, California, Virginia, and Maryland provide the highest telecom engineer salaries.

According to Paysa, the telecom engineer salary is as low as $23/ hour and as high as $41/hour. The average telecommunications engineer salary is $32/hour. According to Indeed, the Telecommunications Engineer salary can range from approximately $44,082 per year for a Telecommunications Technician to $107,283 per year for a Voice Engineer.

Glassdoor states that the average telecommunications engineer salary is $86,527 in the United States. Neuvoo estimates that the average telecommunications engineer salary is $85,800 per year or $44 per hour.

When compared this to freelance telecom engineer, they earn as high as $38/hour. Working as a freelancer has its own advantage: no fixed timings, work from anywhere, no routine work, diverse opportunities & high income.

Do Network Engineers Make Good Money?

If you are thinking about attending school to become a network engineer, the first thing that you may want to do is research the network engineer salary.

Network engineers play a crucial role in planning, implementing, and even supporting computer networks in commercial settings. Since networks are relied upon in virtually every setting, all professionals that hold this IT title need to be thoroughly trained and technically knowledgeable.

This is why all employers require these IT engineers to earn a degree before they are assigned high-level design and planning duties.

Network engineers, who are also referred to as network architects, can earn a sizable salary. Based on all of the salaries that have been reported in the United States, the average professional will bring in about $73,400 per year as a network engineer.

What Qualifications do I Need to be a Network Engineer?

Network engineers need at least a bachelors’ degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, or another computer-related field. Some programs might offer a concentration in network security. These programs, which usually take four years to complete, include classes in computer fundamentals, databases, computer servicing, and management principles.

Network-related classes might cover topics like networking concepts, network communications, network infrastructure, and network design. Some bachelor’s degree programs might be available online.

Some bachelor’s degree programs allow students to complete an internship. These internships help students to obtain hands-on experience working in the field and network with other professionals, which might make it easier to find a job after graduation.

There are multiple certifications that you can receive to become a network engineer. One way is by receiving a vendor-neutral certification. These certifications offer basic knowledge of the IT field, meaning you don’t receive in-depth instruction on a particular company’s devices.

Each certification requires that you pass one or more exams to receive your credentials. This process can take between 6-18 months to complete. Below is a list of some beneficial certifications for a network engineer:

CompTIA A+

This is an entry-level certification that allows candidates to gain beginner knowledge on IT-related matters, which can be built upon by achieving more advanced certifications. Once you have received the CompTIA A+ certification, you can work toward the CompTIA Network + certification, which is slightly more advanced.

CompTIA Network+

This certification is classified as a follow-up to the CompTIA A+ and it is recommended that you work toward the latter before pursuing the Network+ certification. However, it is important to note that you do not necessarily need the CompTIA A+ certification before trying for this more advanced option.

The CompTIA Network+ option is designed to teach candidates about troubleshooting, and operating different types of devices. In addition to training materials, there is only one exam.

CompTIA Security+

This certification focuses specifically on network security and related areas. This is a highly sought after certification for those who want to pursue a career in network security. To receive this certification, you must first pass an exam.

Obtain vendor-specific certification

Once you have completed one or more vendor-neutral certifications and determined what tract you want to pursue, you can decide which vendor-specific certification is the best fit. You will have to complete additional training that is specific to your company and its devices.

Below is a list of network engineer certifications that some organizations may require you to have:

Cisco

• Cisco (beginners): This certification will provide a recipient with the ability to traverse multiple positions and the potential to earn a high-paying salary. As there are no prerequisites to this course, it offers you baseline knowledge in the IT field. There are two exams to complete to achieve this certification. It is important to note that the CCIE certification is a prerequisite for the CCNP.
  
• Cisco (mid-level): This mid-level Cisco certification is a follow-up to the CCIE. It requires those considering this option to get their CCIE credentials first, but this more advanced option allows you to choose from 6 additional tracts: security, enterprise, data center, collaboration, service provider and DevNet professional. There are two required exams you must pass to achieve your certification.

SolarWinds

• SolarWinds: The SolarWinds certified professional certification is the only certification offered by the company, but it allows aspiring network professionals to choose between two different tracks in addition to a career within the company. The process to obtain this certification entails one written exam.

Microsoft

• Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate: This certification provides you with in-depth training on Microsoft 365 software. Participants are taught how to identify potential threat-risks and general network security practices used in the program. To receive this credential, you must pass an exam.
  
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate: This network management certification gives you the needed expertise to work with Azure software. It enables you to oversee virtual networks, storage and other program resources. This network certification requires that you pass an exam.

These are just a few examples of entry- and mid-level certifications that you can obtain by following a vendor-specific credential path. As certifications must be renewed every few years, they allow you to secure new certifications and discover the best course to enhance your knowledge in the IT field.

Are Network Engineers in Demand?

According to Burning Glass Technologies, which tracks data on U.S. job growth and labor market trends, network engineers are in high demand with 147,448 job postings over the past 12 months and a projected growth rate of 6.5% through 2030.

This occupational growth is based on American companies’ ongoing investment in newer, faster, and more efficient network technology. The growing use of network applications in industries that previously underutilized the technology, such as healthcare, also accounts for the projected increase in employment.

One area to note: as cloud computing continues to rise, the productivity of network administrators will continue to improve as well. Thus, earning an advanced degree or certification in cloud computing will help you remain competitive. 

What is The Starting Salary For Telecoms Engineer?

The average annual pay for a Telecommunications Engineer in the United States is $80,577 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $38.74 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,550/week or $6,715/month.

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $118,000 and as low as $30,000, the majority of Telecommunications Engineer salaries currently range between $67,500 (25th percentile) to $93,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $107,500 annually across the United States.

The average pay range for a Telecommunications Engineer varies greatly (by as much as $26,000), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.

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.

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.

Telecommunication Network Engineer Salary

The average annual pay for a Telecommunications Network Engineer in the United States is $112,775 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $54.22 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,169/week or $9,398/month.

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $169,500 and as low as $65,000, the majority of Telecommunications Network Engineer salaries currently range between $88,500 (25th percentile) to $142,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $164,500 annually across the United States.

The average pay range for a Telecommunications Network Engineer varies greatly (by as much as $54,000), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.

Telecommunications And Network Engineering Degree

Telecommunications network engineers generally possess a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. Some employers prefer job candidates with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a concentration in information systems. Relevant work experience is generally required in addition to formal education and training.

Certification, either through information technology vendors or computer associations, such as the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society (IEEE) or the National Center for Women and Information Technology, can enhance a telecommunications professional’s job prospects. For example, Data Management International awards the designation of CDMP (Certified Data Management Professional).

Network Engineer Training Free

Although there are dozens of classes in networking, we’ve narrowed the choices down to 5 terrific options that will cost you nothing. These courses were chosen using a methodology we developed to sort through only the most helpful and content-rich free courses online. 

1. Cisco CCNA

Offered by Charles Sturt University

This short course is offered by Charles Sturt University and takes five weeks to complete. For students aspiring to become network administrators, it serves as the ideal certification track. Detailed and thorough, it teaches basic networking, IP addressing, routing, IP services and security, and troubleshooting. 

The free online course covers each part of the Cisco CCNA blueprint, including the foundational technologies & theories you need to master to complete the CCNA exam successfully. Presented by senior industry based Cisco Lecturer Matt Constable, it’s designed to give students a taste of the more advanced online postgraduate online offerings at Charles Sturt. 

Upon completion of the course, you will take a timed, open-book exam from your computer. Provided you pass the exam with a 50 percent or more, you’ll receive a completion certificate. Additionally, if you complete three or more short courses on the platform you will qualify for one credit for an industry elective subject in the University’s postgraduate courses. 

Because of the many benefits of this offering—including certification and the chance to receive credit—we’ve determined it to be our top pick for free online courses for networking.

• Cost: Free
• Certificate: Yes
• Time to Complete: Five weeks
• Curriculum: Intermediate
• User Experience: Excellent
• Quality of Instruction: Excellent

2. Juniper Open Learning

Offered by Juniper Networks

Juniper is one of the largest developers of networking products in the world. Since those who are skilled with Juniper networks technologies and the Juno OS are in high demand, it makes sense that the firm would offer free training. Juniper Open Learning is the company’s web-based, self-paced exam preparation courses hosted on Junos Genius. 

Once you’ve signed up and you’re inside, you can choose from eight separate certification tracks, a getting started series, associate, specialist, and professional level practice tests, certification prep videos, and tons of other great resources.

The platform is a little hard to get used to, but once you’ve got it mastered, the user experience is top-notch. Well-designed and visually appealing, it keeps you on track with your learning experience.

The courses in Juniper Open Learning are free just for signing up, which can be done by providing an email address and creating a username and password. After you’ve registered, you can complete the modules at your own pace, as there are no time constraints. If you need to stop, you can easily pick it right back up later where you left off.

If you want to obtain the certification, there is a fee. However, if you pass the assessment test on the platform, you will be awarded a 75 percent off voucher to take the certification exam through Pearson VUE.

• Cost: Free
• Certificate: Yes, with a fee
• Time to Complete: Varies
• Curriculum: Introductory to advanced
• User Experience: Excellent
• Quality of Instruction: Excellent

3. Cisco Networking Academy

Offered by Cisco

Cisco Networking Academy (also called “NetAcad”) offers several free beginner courses to get students started with networking. Cisco teaches about a million students each year, and they have virtual and live training all over the world. 

This training is virtual, of course, and designed to introduce students to some of the key concepts of networking. There are five courses in all:

Introduction to Cybersecurity—15 hours

Introduction to The Internet of Things—20 hours

Entrepreneur—70 hours

Programming Essentials in Python—70 hours

Linux Essentials—70 hours

A thriving community and several other helpful resources rounds off this excellent option.

• Cost: Free
• Certificate: No
• Time to Complete: Varies
• Curriculum: Introductory
• User Experience: Good
• Quality of Instruction: Excellent

4. The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking

Offered by Google via Coursera

This beginners networking course offered by Google is an ideal choice for those who need a fundamental overview of networking as well as those who need to brush up on some skills. It covers networking technologies, protocols, the cloud, practical applications, and troubleshooting over six lessons including:

• Introduction to Networking

• The Network Layer

• The Transport and Application Layers

• Networking Services

• Connecting to the Internet

• Troubleshooting and the Future of Networking

This is a comprehensive offering and one of the best free online networking courses on our list. It takes around 33 hours to complete, but the schedule is flexible, so if you need more time, take it. Although those who opt for the audit option will not be eligible for certification, it’s worth participating if you want the most thorough explanation of the concepts available. 

• Cost: Free
• Certificate: Yes, with a fee
• Time to Complete: 33 hours
• Curriculum: Introductory
• User Experience: Excellent
• Quality of Instruction: Excellent

5. Introduction to Open Source Networking Technologies

Offered by the Linux Foundation via edX

This self-paced course on edX is taught through the Linux Foundation and is designed as an exploration of open-source networking projects. Students will learn 

• All about the open-source networking landscape

• How networking hardware is being disaggregated

• How NOS runs on different networking hardware

• How to automate networking tasks

• How software-defined network (SDN) controllers manage underlay networks

• How the network function virtualization can help reduce the complexity of data center environments

• Building bridge between applications and networking using orchestration tools 

Intended to be taken over 14 weeks for three to four hours a week, students can opt to purchase a shareable completion certificate, but are not required to pay to participate. The free online class for networking is taught by Reza Toghraee, Director at ArpaWare Ltd.

• Cost: Free
• Certificate: Yes, with a fee
• Time to Complete: 14 weeks
• Curriculum: Introductory
• User Experience: Excellent
• Quality of Instruction: Excellent

L1 Network Engineer Roles And Responsibilities

The Network Engineer (L1) is an entry-level position in the Networking Engineers job family. Under the guidance of more senior Networking Engineers, they provide a service to clients to ensure that their IT infrastructure and systems remain operational through proactively identifying, investigating and resolving technical incidents and problems and to restore services to clients by managing incidents to resolution.

Their primary objective is to ensure zero missed service level agreement conditions. The Network Engineer (L1) focuses on first-line support for standard and low complexity incidents and maintains the Networking environmental and monitoring equipment.

Monitor infrastructure
They ensure that assigned infrastructure at the client site is configured, installed, tested and operational. In this regard they will perform necessary checks, apply monitoring tools and respond to alerts. Where software is a component of the solution they will also take responsibility for ensuring that the software is installed and configured according to client requirements.

Identify problems and errors
The Network Engineer (L1) identifies problems and errors prior to or when they occur. He or she will log all such incidents in a timely manner with the required level of detail with all the necessary. They liaise with all stakeholders including client IT environments, vendors, carriers and Dimension Data colleagues to expedite diagnosis of errors and problems and to identify a resolution.

Ensure resolution of incidents and requests
They investigate first line support calls assigned to them and identify root cause of incidents and problems. They ensure that efficient and comprehensive resolution of incidents and requests. This could involve ensuring that repairs are carried out by coordinating product request and liaising with other team members.

They will also report and escalate issues to 3rd party vendors if necessary. They take full ownership for managing the incident to resolution with the service level conditions.

Where necessary, they escalate requests and exceptions to the 2nd line support team.
They provide continuous feedback to clients and affected parties and update all systems and/or portals as prescribed by Dimension Data procedures.

Incident management
When required they will take responsibility receiving calls and incidents at the services desk. They assist in analysing and escalating the support calls. They also provide telephonic support to clients where required.
They update incidents with progress and resolution details.

Shift management
Network Engineers (L1) that work shifts will be required to follow the required handover procedures for shift changes to ensure service continuity. They complete and maintain any shift handover schedules.

Reports
Network Engineers (L1) are also responsible for producing breach and other reports that are necessary for the correct operation of processes. They identify failures and short-comings in the current processes and escalate with recommendations.

Network Engineer Career Path

1. Get to Know About the Basics of Networking

There is a very famous quote, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”., it also fits here. You can’t expect to master the Networking skills from Day-1. The first thing you have to do is understand the fundamentals of Networking Concepts. You have to understand how things actually work such as “How two systems are connected?” or “What is the purpose behind using different types of cables”, etc.

Some of the Basic Concepts of Networking are listed below:

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

2. Gear Up to the Advance Level

Once you’ve done with the Basic Networking Concepts, now you have to look out for advanced knowledge of this field. You have to put more effort and dedication here. You can opt for various Live Training Sessions by the Experts, Recommended Books, Research Papers, Journals, Blogs, etc.

Along with the core networking concepts, gain knowledge of other related stuff like – Operating Systems (Linux, Unix, etc.), latest trends in Networking, etc.

Try to do everything that enhances your knowledge about the Networking domain. You can set up your lab for practice, customize your computer, attend seminars and workshops, etc. You can also solve various coding assignments and projects to enhance your knowledge and be familiar with various networking tools as it will be very beneficial.

Some important virtual lab tools for practice purposes are listed below:

• CISCO Packet Tracer
• VIRL (Virtual Internet Routing Lab)
• Boson NetSim
• Eve-NG
• Graphical Network Simulator-3

3. Be Certified!

You can go for the various networking certifications offered by the reputed vendors like CISCO, Juniper, etc. These certifications will provide you a lot more exposure and confidence. Also, companies prefer to hire those candidates who have earned these kinds of certificates. Below we have listed some popular Networking Certifications:

• Cisco Certification – Cisco is a hardware and software networking multinational company. It offers various level of network certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
• Juniper Certification – It is provided by the Juniper Networks Company at various levels – JNCIA (Associate Level), JNCIS (Specialist Level), JNCIP (Professional Level) and JNCIE (Expert Level).
• CompTIA Certification – The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) provides Networking Certifications in four areas – Core Certifications, Infrastructure Certifications, Cyber Security Certifications and Additional Professional Certifications.
• Wireshark WCNA Certification – The Wireshark Certified Network Analyst (WCNA) Certification program concerns with analyzing of packets and protocols for the network troubleshooting, optimization and security purpose. The topics covered in this certification are – Wireshark Functionality, TCP/IP Network Communications, Network Troubleshooting and Network Security.
• SolarWinds Certified Professional Certification – It is offered by the SolarWinds Company. This certification exam concerns with the ability to handle network and system management products.

4. Get Some Hands-on Experience

Since the best way to learn networking is by doing it, so after getting appropriate knowledge of the Networking Domain, now what you have to do is some real-time implementation. Network Engineers are generally hired with having some experience as companies do not want to take the risks by hiring freshers to maintain their active network systems.

So it’s better to start with an entry-level job or internship to gain a fair amount of experience. Here you can learn about the installation and setup of network systems and various operations under the guidance of a more experienced network engineer. Some of the entry-level networking jobs are listed below:

• Network Analyst
• Network Technician
• Technical Support Engineer
• Network Operations Associate, etc.

5. Apply for the Networking Giants!!

Okay, so now having adequate knowledge about Networking, relevant certification and some hands-on experience, you’re all set to look out for Network Engineer jobs. You can start it by preparing a list of Networking Companies and visit their official websites to view their eligibility criteria and other requirements. You can also apply for the job from there as per the relevancy.

Keep in mind that becoming a Network Engineer in a better company is not the final destination, you can reach on various higher positions such as – Network Manager, Chief Technology Officer, etc. The top networking companies across the globe are Microsoft, Cisco Systems, Juniper, Intel, IBM, Sophos, etc.

Network Engineering Course

The Best Networking courses mentioned below can provide conceptual knowledge and develop the hands-on skills required to build, maintain, operate, and troubleshoot the network. Here are the Top 5 Networking Courses that will help you be a Certified Network Professional and achieve success.

1. Cisco CCNA 200-301

Cisco Certified Network Associate (200-301 CCNA) is one of the most sought networking certifications. Enterprises these days are diverting towards controller-based architecture. The skills required for networking engineers are also evolving as businesses have increased demands, and numerous advancements are happening every day.

To meet these challenges, engineers need to be up-to-date with networking skills. Cisco Certified Network Associate (200-301 CCNA) Networking Course/Certification is for individuals who want to start their careers in networking by learning the Cisco Networking Fundamentals. The course provides you a comprehensive range of fundamental knowledge for all IT careers.

The course focuses on installing, operating, managing, configure, and verifying IPv4 and IPv6 networks. The course helps you learn about configuring network elements such as routers, switches, and WLC-wireless LAN controllers; maintaining network devices; and recognizing primary security threats.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (200-301 CCNA) course also provides you a foundation in network programmability, automation, and software-defined networking.

2. Cisco CCNP Enterprise-ENARSI

Cisco CCNP Enterprise – Implementing Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services (ENARSI) networking course/Certification provides you with the skills and knowledge to implement and troubleshooting for advanced routing technologies and services, including – Layer 3 VPN services, Infrastructure security, Infrastructure services, and infrastructure automation.

This certification will provide you the knowledge and skills you need to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot an enterprise network. This networking course helps prepare you to take the exam, 300-410 Implementing Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services (ENARSI), which leads to the new CCNP® Enterprise and Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Advanced Infrastructure Implementation certifications.

3. Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (300-415 ENSDWI)

Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (300-415 ENSDWI) is one of the most demanding SD-WAN Certifications in the IT Networking Industry. SD-WAN means “software-defined networking in a wide area network (WAN). SD-WAN solutions are more advanced alternatives for traditional WAN routers.

The networking certification tests your knowledge of Cisco’s SD-WAN solution, including SD-WAN, architecture, Controller deployment, Edge router deployment, Policies, Security, Quality of Service, Multicast, SD-WAN Management, and operations.

During Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (300-415 ENSDWI) training, you will master the most useful methods for configuring routing protocols in the data center and the branch, as well as how to implement advanced control, data, and application-aware policies.

4. CCNP SECURITY

Cisco CCNP Security is one of the most widespread networking courses & certifications among Network Security Engineers. Experienced Network Security Professionals opt for the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP Security) Certification.

This certification proves your skills with security solutions.  To obtain CCNP Security, you pass two exams: a core exam and a security concentration exam of your preference.

5. Certified Ethical Hacker

A Certified Ethical Hacker is an expert in Ethical Hacking Methodology used in Ethical Hacking Situation and Penetration Testing. CEH is one of the top-rated networking courses amongst the Top Networking Courses globally. EC-Council (International Council of E-Commerce Consultants) issues The Certified Ethical Hacking Certification.

Read Also: How do You Become a Crypto Developer?

The certified understands the strengths, weaknesses, and sensitivities in a target system. A CEH Professional abides by the law and makes use of the same tools and knowledge to evaluate the security of the target system.

This certification constitutes of in-depth conceptualization of detailed security devices and networks. CEH Certification also covers Network Security Discipline of Ethical Hacking. It is one of the top networking courses that the candidates should opt for to become an Ethical Hacker.

Finally

Technical ability isn’t enough for a successful engineering career. Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking are crucial.

In one study, over half of employers reported that communication and teamwork were more important than academic results.

A great IT project will fail if it’s poorly communicated. Network engineers can’t manage teams without leadership skills. Building optimized networks are impossible without creative problem-solving.

Luckily, soft skills can be learned. A recent study by Boston College, Harvard University, and the University of Michigan found that soft skills training boost productivity and retention by 12 percent, and can deliver a 250 percent return on investment in productivity.