Network Engineer is an Certbolt IT specialist whose job is to design, implement, monitor, and manage the local and wide-area networks (LAN and WAN) of an organization to ensure constant connectivity for users. Interestingly, you don’t necessarily need a Bachelor’s degree in an IT-related course to become an in-demand network engineer. Although such degrees do have their merits, getting additional preparation such as the CompTIA Network+ certification is more helpful in giving you a springboard into the networking career.
So, if you have to switch careers right now, don’t worry. As long as you’re interested in the networking industry and willing to commit to the training process, you’ll be just fine. Moreover, the CompTIA Network+ accreditation track has you covered. It’s worth stating that technical knowledge is not all that is required. You should also have some fundamental skills such as effective communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
What is the CompTIA Network+ Certification?
Tests is a well-known vendor-neutral certification that tests and validates an IT professional’s skill set in network design, implementation, troubleshooting, and ensuring network security. What’s more, presently, this is the only designation that covers both wireless and wired networks. That’s why it is of high value to employers because they don’t have to wonder about the applicant’s competence.
3 Things You Should Know About Working As a Network Engineer
Although CompTIA Network+ is an entry-level certification, with proper training and experience you have a good chance of qualifying for the Network Engineer position. Either way, you should know what you’re aiming for.
1. There is every chance that you’ll work overtime:
The work of a Network Engineer is tedious, demanding, and time-consuming. Chances are high that you’ll be working at odd hours. It is also possible that you have to work on fixing a network problem that can’t be solved during official working hours because doing so would interrupt staff’s work. This means you have to take care of it when the others have already finished their workday. So if you like people, communicating with them, solve their issues at any time, this position is for you.
2. A lot is riding on you:
As you understand, your job requires you to ensure the constant connectivity between networks regarding wireless network services, video, voice, CompTIA Network+ Practice Test, and data within an organization or specified environment. If anything goes wrong, it could mean the loss of millions of dollars or a loss of crucial man-hours. Therefore, you are required to always be on your mental feet, ready to troubleshoot problems whenever they arise and ensure they do not escalate to an irreversible state.
3. You get to use your brain to the max:
This point is why hiring managers in their job postings constantly hammer it in that their ideal candidate for the network engineer role has to be a problem solver and an analytical thinker. You may not work at a desk with papers and files, but you will likely spend most of your time troubleshooting a problem and designing a solution. And for this, you always need to be focused, with a clear mind, know something new on your working issues every day, and possess the most updated skills.
Conclusion
The job of a network engineer is quite demanding. Meanwhile, it’s exciting for those who are able to demonstrate the required skills. Plus, the average salary of a network engineer, which is $75k according to PayScale is quite the motivation. Thus, remember, if you want to become a sought-after network engineer, then a CompTIA Network+ certification is a great starting point.