The information technology industry is advancing rapidly by providing reliable solutions that have fundamentally changed people’s personal and professional lives. 

As a result, the demand for IT professionals is increasing day by day. One of the most attractive jobs in the world of technology is information network engineer. People who decide to enter the world of information technology as network engineers are faced with a wide range of job opportunities.

To be a competent network engineer in this field, you need to be familiar with the specialized courses and skills you need to become a network engineer. Only then will your chances of finding a job of interest increase.

What do network engineers do?

Network engineering is one of the most important IT job opportunities that all companies that use some kind of computer network for their day-to-day activities need. They ensure that the company’s network systems and hardware work smoothly and have acceptable performance. Installing new hardware, running troubleshooting programs, and installing software updates are common tasks.

In addition, some companies expect network engineers to take precautionary measures against security threats, malware, and other potential threats that may pose a serious challenge to network infrastructure. Therefore, these people should have basic information related to security issues.

How to become a network engineer?

To become a network engineer, you have to be patient and take enough time to get acquainted with various topics in the network world. People who want to start working as network engineers must follow a well-codified plan to succeed. If you can follow the program below, you will have the chance to submit a resume for a network engineer job posting.

1. Think about getting a college degree

The first step in this regard is to obtain a university degree. While most sites and resources in various articles point out that companies are looking to attract people with the skills they need instead of a degree, most job advertisements still refer to a university degree. It is therefore recommended that you obtain a bachelor’s degree in a field related to system engineering or computer science.

Given that entering college at the undergraduate level is not as complicated as it used to be, and people easily have the opportunity to study in the field of their choice, so it is best not to miss a bachelor’s degree. While some companies recognize an associate’s degree as an acceptable option, a bachelor’s degree is valid and recognized.

2. Think about getting valid certifications

It is better to think about getting a neutral certificate at the beginning of the road. A neutral certificate is a document that provides general information about the concepts of a field without focusing on introducing the products or services of a particular brand or seller. To be able to participate in job interviews as a full-fledged network engineer, you need to think about getting some credible networking credentials. Basic international documentation provides a minimum of information related to the field of information technology.

Of course, it is important to note that these documents are not intended to provide in-depth and specialized information about the devices or solutions offered by a vendor, but rather to prepare you for more serious courses.

Normally, to receive each certificate, you must take one or more theoretical and sometimes practical tests to obtain the required degree. This process may take 6 to 18 months.

CompTIA A +

• This elementary level certification allows candidates to acquire basic knowledge related to information technology issues and to be able to participate in more advanced courses with full readiness. After obtaining the CompTIA A + certification, you can move on to the NetworkPlus certification, which is slightly more advanced than A +.

CompTIA Network +

• This certification is indirectly synonymous with an A + degree, as Compita advises scholars to consider obtaining an A + degree before attending the NetworkPlus course. Scholars do not need to obtain an A + certification to attend the NetworkPlus course, however, CompTIA recommends obtaining an A + certification to become more familiar with the hardware and utility requirements of the network world and how devices work. The main focus of the Network Plus course is to get acquainted with different types of equipment, protocols, and standards in the network world and how to troubleshoot network problems. To obtain the above degree, you only need to pass one test.

CompTIA Security +

• This certification focuses specifically on network security and security-related issues. This certificate is for people who want to enter the world of professional security. As mentioned, some companies expect network engineers to have at least basic information on security issues, so it is not a bad idea to consider getting this degree. You only need to take one exam to get this certificate.

3. Choose the right path

After receiving the basic certifications, you must choose the route you want to enter. This path involves selecting a brand and products belonging to that brand that offers specific products to the market. Typically, most network experts prefer Cisco products because the solutions, services, and products that the company offers are seriously used in the business world.

Cisco products include routers, switches, security, and storage software, advanced wireless equipment, and software solutions (extensive software-centric networks). Microsoft products include software solutions, Windows Server operating system, Office 365, and in the business area of ​​Skype, Azer, and Dynamics.

Like Cisco, Microsoft offers specialized courses for network engineers. At this stage, it is important to have comprehensive research on the path you intend to enter.

4. Get a specific certification from a vendor

Once you have received one or more neutral certifications and it is clear which path you want to take, you must now decide which of the companies’ certifications you will receive. At this stage, you should go for a professional degree that teaches how to work with a company’s advanced products. An important point to note about specialized courses is the levels defined for the certificates.

Most network certifications are offered at the elementary, professional, professional, and architectural levels, respectively. The most important certifications that a network engineer should mention in his resume, and some organizations refer to them in job advertisements, are the following:

Cisco

Cisco Beginners: Cisco offers two basic certifications, the Cisco Networking Technician (CCENT) and the Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) for people looking to enter the world of networking products. CCENT certification is a prerequisite for entering more advanced CCNA or CCDA courses. People who receive the above certification have the ability to diagnose problems, repair or replace network equipment.

Typically, individuals receive higher pay by receiving this certificate. As there are no prerequisites for attending these courses, these documents provide basic knowledge related to information technology.

Cisco Associate Level Certifications include CCNA and CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate) certification.

CCNA provides basic skills in installing, supporting, and troubleshooting wired or wireless networks. At the Kardan level, in parallel with the CCNA course, there is another course called CCDA, which focuses on how to design basic wireless and wired networks and security solutions. CCDA is a prerequisite for entering the CCDP course. Cisco Professional Level Certifications are divided into two main groups, CCNP and CCDP.

To be able to obtain a CCDP certification, you must pass three prerequisite tests and have both CCDA and CCNA R&S certification or either CCIE or CCDE certification.

The following are professional-level certifications, which include the two main certifications CCIE and CCDE. None of the courses require a prerequisite, but you will have to take written and practical exams, which are relatively difficult so that you can get a degree after passing these exams.

Finally, people looking for positions such as network architect or data center architect should consider getting a CCAr (Cisco Certified Architect) degree.

CCAr can be described as a doctoral degree in Cisco courses.

This document shows that a person is fully skilled in the complete and accurate implementation of the network and can plan and design the IT infrastructure based on business strategies. To receive the above degree, you must design the network solution based on a specific strategy and then defend your plan like a doctoral dissertation thesis.

SolarWinds

SolarWinds is one of the leading companies in providing network monitoring and control solutions. The SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor course is a SolarWinds Professional Certificate that teaches individuals how to closely monitor computer networks, analyze network packets to detect unauthorized intrusion, and finally identify malicious activity.

This course has no prerequisites, but because it offers highly specialized topics, individuals must know a CCNP R&S degree. This course is more useful for network experts, network administrators, and experts who intend to work in NOS and SOC centers.

Microsoft

The documentation that Microsoft provides in various areas of information technology is similar to that of Cisco and must be downloaded based on a specific chart. Microsoft Business Application Certificates include MCSA and MCSE certifications. There are two options for MCSA MCSA Certificates: Microsoft Dynamics 365 and MCSA: Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations, each of which requires you to pass two tests.

In addition, there is the Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate degree, which provides in-depth knowledge of Microsoft 365 software. This course teaches participants how to identify potential threats and what security policies to protect networks against.

You must pass a test to obtain this certificate. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate is another of Microsoft’s most sought-after credentials. This certificate shows that the person has the necessary skills in managing the networks and working with the solutions provided by Azer.

Holders of the above degree have the ability to accurately implement virtual networks and closely monitor storage space and other resources.

This network certification requires a test. These examples are a few examples of intermediate to advanced network certifications, and by following the path of each of them, you will get detailed information about the solutions offered by the companies. Since most of these certifications have to be renewed every few years, they provide the opportunity to keep up to date with the changing world of technology.

Holders of the above degree have the ability to accurately implement virtual networks and closely monitor storage space and other resources.

This network certification requires a test. These are just some of the goal-setting shareware that you can use to track down companies’ solutions. Since most of these certifications have to be renewed every few years, they provide the opportunity to keep up to date with the changing world of technology.

Holders of the above degree have the ability to accurately implement virtual networks and closely monitor storage space and other resources.

This network certification requires a test. These are just some of the goal-setting shareware that you can use to track down companies’ solutions. Since most of these certifications have to be renewed every few years, they provide the opportunity to keep up to date with the changing world of technology.

5. Start looking for a job

Once you have passed the prerequisites, which include obtaining a university degree and the relevant certificates, and upgrading your level of professional knowledge, the next step is to look for the job position of network engineer.

A very important point to note is that when preparing a resume, be sure to include all the relevant certificates and documents in your resume so that employers are familiar with your level of knowledge and individual skills.

Also, don’t forget that if you are looking to become a FullStack Network Engineer, you must be proficient in all areas of networking and converging technologies such as routing, wireless communications, network security, data center, automation, cloud-based technologies, and working with VoIP technologies.

Becoming a full-stock network engineer is not an easy task because there is no clear path.