As a network engineer, I often get asked how long it takes to become one. The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on various factors such as your experience, certifications, and the effort you put in. However, I can share my own experience and what I did to become a network engineer.
For me, it took about three years before I considered myself an engineer who could design and troubleshoot networks. During this time, I studied extensively and worked crazy hours, including late nights and weekends. But if you're wondering how long it takes to get your certifications and land a network engineering job, it won't take you very long if you do the right things.
Typically, the path to becoming a network engineer starts with an entry-level help desk position. There, you'll deal with basic PC issues and gain some IT experience. The goal is to move up from the help desk to a junior network admin or network engineer position, which shouldn't take long if you do things right.
To move up, you need to study and be vocal about it. Let everyone know you're working on your certifications, and try to get your hands on network engineering tasks. Volunteer to shadow the network admin during maintenance weekends and learn as much as you can. This may require working extra hours without pay, but the value you gain is worth it.
It's crucial to market yourself and get into a good position to get your feet wet. If you're just studying for your certifications without any effort to get IT experience, you won't get far. Try to get onto an IT position as soon as possible, as it's the fastest way to get into network engineering.
Alright, I've got it. Here's the completed article:
Becoming a Network Engineer - Part 2
In the previous article, we covered the fundamentals of becoming a network engineer. We talked about the importance of having a solid foundation in networking concepts and obtaining the necessary certifications to prove your skills. In this article, we'll discuss some additional tips and insights to help you on your journey towards becoming a successful network engineer.
One thing that many aspiring network engineers overlook is the importance of hands-on experience. Sure, you can read all the books and watch all the blogs you want, but nothing can replace actually working with networking equipment and software. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to gain this experience. You can set up your own home lab, or you can seek out volunteer opportunities to help out schools or companies that can't afford to pay for IT support.
Additionally, networking events and forums are great places to meet other professionals and expand your network. Attend local Cisco user group meetings or search for networking events in your area. You never know who you might meet or what opportunities may arise from these connections.
Of course, hard work is the most critical factor in your success as a network engineer. It took me six months of dedicated effort to start working with Cisco equipment, but others have completed the Cisco Net Academy course and landed a job right out of the program. There's no one-size-fits-all path to success in networking, but determination and effort are universal requirements.
I hope this article has been encouraging and informative for you. If you have any questions or would like further advice, please don't hesitate to leave a comment below. Remember, becoming a network engineer is a journey, but with hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals.
