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Another tip for landing a job in this field is to learn about specific devices and brands you may be using in a role. For example, some companies may require that you’re experienced using Cisco products. So, you need to either have worked with them previously or learned how they function. A network engineer is in charge of designing and implementing complex computer networks that companies depend on. This may include Wi-Fi/internet, phone systems, and intranet systems. Once these infrastructures have been built and launched, the network engineer maintains it all.
You can then gain critical on-the-job experience to become a valued member of your team and move up within your organization or onto other senior-level opportunities. Network engineers are expert critical thinkers and have lots of experience working within complex networks for businesses. They have a background in information technology and security and understand the latest software and hardware trends. Many network engineers oversee multiple aspects of a network, from security and data management to software updates. Some paths take longer than others, but each can take your skills and expertise as a network technician to a new level.
Get the Right Certifications
This means that a network engineer is right up there with the best jobs in tech in terms of earning potential. The salary data also indicates that the most successful network engineers, those in the top 10 percent of all earners, make more than $126,000 per year.
How long does IT take to be a network engineer?
4 Years. Since most network engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree, it usually takes around four years to become a network engineer. Many in this field also pursue a bachelor's degree and certifications to deepen their knowledge and value.
Not all of these roles require a master’s degree, including senior-level roles. But, some prefer that you have a computer science or engineering graduate degree. A network engineer gets to work with both technology and people. Part of the job is sitting behind a computer and configuring things like routers, diagrams, and switches, but it also involves interfacing with coworkers and managers.
Step 3: Start Your Job Search
Different companies use different types of hardware and software, so specializing in a specific type of networking practice can windows network engineer be beneficial. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for network engineers is $90,926 in the United States.