Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on
Network engineers design, administer, and optimize computer networks for businesses. Learn how you can get the education you need to get started as a network engineer.
Are you interested in a career that involves designing, administering, and optimizing a crucial component of a business? Do you enjoy solving complex problems? You may be a good fit for a role as a network engineer. Network engineers are also called network architects. They are responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring a company’s computer network.
Let’s take a closer look at what this high-paying career involves and how you can get started.
What is a network engineer?
Computer network architects and engineers design and build data communication networks and monitor network systems. These could range in size from a connection between a couple of offices to an intricate cloud infrastructure serving a multinational company.
Network engineers are often also responsible for protecting these networks from all sorts of external threats—from phishing schemes to ransomware to denial-of-service attacks—with a process known as network security.
At smaller companies, you may be responsible for both architecture and security. Working in larger companies often means specializing in one area of network engineering, such as architecture, security, or administration.
Network engineer salary
As of December 2023, the average base salary for a network engineer in the US is $100,626 [1]. The amount you earn depends on factors like industry, company, location, and experience.
Read more: How Much Do Network Engineers Make? 2024 Salary Guide
How to get a job as a network engineer
If you enjoy working with computers and solving problems, then a career in network engineering could be a good fit. Here are some tips for starting your career in the field.
1. Consider obtaining a degree.
Sixty-two percent of network engineers have a bachelor's degree, and 21 percent have an associate degree [2]. Relevant areas of study include computer science, information systems, engineering, and related fields. For leadership positions in network engineering, some companies may prefer candidates with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in information systems.
2. Start with an entry-level role.
Network engineers often have several years of experience working with IT systems. To gain relevant experience and build your technical skills, consider starting with an entry-level role in IT. Examples include systems administration roles and desktop support.
Preparing for an entry-level network engineering job
Entry-level network engineers must be familiar with network types, topologies, and models. They should be well-versed in how protocols and standards enable network activity and know how to set up and configure wireless and wired network devices. You can gain these fundamental IT skills with IBM's online course, Introduction to Networking and Storage.
3. Learn network security.
Information security is vital to network design. Network engineers must be familiar with cybersecurity concepts like threat intelligence, data protection, key compliance, and forensics. Consider earning a Professional Certificate in cybersecurity for your resume, like the one below:
4. Get familiar with the cloud.
As more and more companies turn to cloud computing to meet their business needs, they’ll need network engineers who can design, optimize, and manage networks in a cloud environment. You can transition into a cloud-based role with a Professional Certificate from an industry leader by enrolling in the Google Cloud Network Engineer Professional Certificate:
Read more: 5 Cloud Certifications to Start Your Cloud Career
5. Learn the right programming languages.
It’s not always necessary that you know how to code to work as a network engineer. However, knowing certain programming languages can help you become a stronger candidate and perform your job more effectively. Different organizations have different preferences for programming languages, but popular ones to consider include Python, Perl, Bash, and Golang.
Read more: What Are Scripting Languages? (And Why Should I Learn One)
6. Get certified.
Some companies require that their network engineers and architects be certified in the products the company uses. Check job descriptions for the types of positions you’d like to apply for to get an idea of what’s required. Vendor-neutral certifications can validate your skills to potential employers.
Some popular options to consider include CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
Read more: What Is the CompTIA A+ Certification? A Certification to Start Your IT Career
Advance your network engineering career
You can earn a shareable certificate while learning essential network engineering skills from an industry leader with Cisco's Network Automation Engineering Fundamentals Specialization. It's self-paced and designed for beginners with no prior experience. This course covers topics in network automation like how to use APIs, model-driven programmability, and more.
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