How to Become a Network Engineer?

Have you always been fascinated with the security codes that ensure data encryption and security? Network Engineering is amongst the emerging Engineering branches of engineering in the digital world where data and information security has become quintessential. The IT industry always has an ongoing demand for proficient engineers who can formulate the best solutions for data protection and security. If you have always been interested in information security and aim to build a career in the same, you have come to the right blog! This blog brings you the career map of how to become a Network Engineer, including popular courses, universities and the scope this field entails!

Who is a Network Engineer?

Network engineers are responsible for planning projects and further constructing as well as efficiently managing a host of networks to make certain they’re effectively functioning. They are also responsible for ensuring the data and information security of an organisation’s computer system and works towards achieving complete efficacy in its smooth functioning. A Network Engineer primarily focuses to deliver high-quality connectivity of network infrastructure. They have to keep themselves updated with new technological innovations to integrate new systems into the organisation and ensure an advanced level of functioning in the system. 

How to Become a Network Engineer?

While exploring this career path, it is essential to be familiar with the academic and professional qualifications. So, here we have carved out the complete career map on how to becom a network engineer, from the top courses you can choose from to the major job opportunities.

Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Security or Computer Engineering

The first and foremost step to begin your career in Network Engineering is to get a graduate degree in this specialization or a related discipline like Information Security, Cyber Security, Computer Engineering and Networks and the like. It is integral to get the foundational understanding of network security and with a bachelor’s degree, you can further be eligible for entry-level career opportunities in this field. Here are top courses in Network Engineering which you must know about:

Explore Internships and Training Opportunities in Network Engineering

While pursuing a degree in this field, it is also imperative to gain real-world experience and relevant exposure to understand the practical applications of network security in the business and IT world. Explore as many internships as possible and put yourself out there in the real world to gain maximum exposure which will help you find your forte and thus guide you towards following the career path of a network engineer.

Build a Strong Resume & Portfolio

There is an array of freelance and short-term projects available for those aiming to get real-world exposure while studying. You can craft your own projects on websites like GitHub, Bitbucket, etc. where you can strengthen your own portfolio and collaborate with like-minded people. Further, you can also participate in online competitions for budding engineers at websites such as Kaggle, Drivendata, IT Cloud and much more. These projects and competitions will surely add to your resume and portfolio and help you explore better career opportunities in international tech companies. 

Opt for a Master’s Degree

After completing a bachelor’s degree, you can discover entry-level opportunities in IT and Networking Security domain but gaining a specialized master’s degree can help you broaden your career horizons as a network engineer. Further, there are several postgraduate programs offered in Cybersecurity, Network Security, Telecommunications Engineering, etc. which you can choose from. Take a look at some of the best master’s degree courses you must explore in Network Engineering:

Discover Career Opportunities

With higher-level postgraduate qualifications and scores of online projects added to your portfolio, you will be all set to embark on the rewarding career journey of a Network Engineer. But once you have set your mind on entering the professional arena, it is essential that you know about the major career prospects available in this field and some of the most prominent ones are:

• Network Technician
• Network Administrator
• Network Analyst
• Network Manager
• Network Solutions Architect
• Cloud Networking Architect
• Networking Research and Development Specialist
• Wireless Infrastructure and Mobility Specialist
• Mobility Solutions Architect
• Telecom Project Manager
• Data Center Networking Specialist
• Hardware & Networking Engineer

Top Universities

Now that you are familiar with the career map of a Network Engineer, you must also know about the major universities providing an array of courses in this field. We have enlisted below the top universities in the world which you must explore to pursue a program in this specialisation:

• Victoria University of Wellington   
• University of New Mexico 
• The University of New South Wales 
• University of New Haven 
• RMIT university
• Southern Methodist University
• The University of Canberra
• Queen Mary University of London 
• University of Greenwich 
• DePaul University
• Curtin University 

Hence, to steer towards the career path of a Network Engineer, it is important to choose the right course and university which can equip you with the best exposure and skills to avail global career opportunities in this domain! Our Leverage Edu experts are here to assist you in picking a suitable course and university as per your interests and preferences! Sign up for an e-meeting with us today!