Network Engineer
Job overview
Network engineers oversee the design and maintenance of both the hardware and software necessary for a computer network.
They are high level technical analysts with a specialty in either Local Area Networks (LANs) or Wide Area Networks (WANs).
Large companies usually employ a team of full-time network engineers, while smaller ones often hire a consulting group.
What do people do in this occupation?
Network engineers are the backbone of the computer infrastructure of a company as they ensure the smooth flow of data.
They connect offices to the Internet and configure all internal systems such as net routers and firewalls.
Network engineers carry out routine network maintenance work and are always on standby to fix problems whenever they arise.
They often spend time brainstorming and constructing diagrams of possible network structures to visualise possible solutions.
Large companies that have branches situated in different locations, such as banks, require a complex network with different tiers of network engineers.
What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
A love of computers and terrific problem-solving skills are essential for network engineers.
Intelligence and enthusiasm are necessary as network engineers often encounter problems requiring unconventional solutions.
They must be willing to work non-traditional hours as network engineers often come into work late and stay well into the evening, so that they can work on the network without disrupting other employees.
A network engineer needs to know how to use network tools like a packet sniffer, which is a device that allows eavesdropping on traffic between networked computers.
Sound knowledge of the principles of electricity, as well as the ability to understand the technical as well as the mechanical aspects of computers, is required.
Good communication skills are essential for network engineers as they often have to work with less tech-savvy people and explain computer problems in straightforward language.
What qualifications are needed?
Despite the name, network engineering doesn't require an engineering degree. It is more of a mindset, understanding how data flows from one place to another, so it helps to have a background in maths or computer science at undergraduate level.
Many colleges and universities now offer qualifications in Network Engineering.
Another way of entering the profession is to do some self study and obtain a vendor certification like Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Cisco Certified Internetwork Experts (CCIE).
Such certifications often have challenging exams so they are highly respected in the industry.
It is however important to appreciate that the bulk of skills will be learnt on the actual job. An internship with the IT department of a company, university or a computer consulting firm will therefore provide a traceable reference.
Most network administration computers use a different operating system from that of PCs and laptops, so a network engineer must learn to use different kinds of operating systems.
Network engineers are usually promoted to senior level engineers and may focus extensively on specialty areas such as design, performance optimization or network security.
