I Want to be a Network Engineer - Part 1

This exclusive career training video series is for individuals who are starting out in Networking in IT or reassessing their career path within Networking. I have been mentoring students, engineers, consultants, to co-workers on tips of the trade of being a network engineer. This has been something I have done for more than 10 years and thought it would be a great way to create a dedicated video to share with others on things to consider and action items for becoming a network engineer. I hope you enjoy this series and find it useful. I will add updates to this series over time. Thank you for watching.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Cisco
• CCIE
• CCDE
• CCNP
• CCNA
• CCDA
• Networking
• IT

[b0ondockz]

You said you worked at companies where you had a salary of 120k. Were you laid off? How much do you make now and what would you say is the average pay for a network engineer with a few years experience?

[RouteHub]

I was never laid off, but my average salary was $105K. But that's with 13+ years experience and my CCIE. When I was at a CCNA level with about 1-2 years experience my salary was between 40K to 50K. When I was a CCNP level with about 3-5 years experience it was between $60K to $80. Got my CCIE and got bumped up to $90K then from there $100K+ for the past 8 years. Those numbers may have changed over the years and it depends on the company you work for.

[ballin66612]

Hi. How many times did you take your NA before you passed? My exam is next month. Just wondering what im getting myself in to.

[RouteHub]

At the time, the test names were different like ACRC, etc. The Routing test I took 2 attempts to pass. The switching test, dial solutions test, and the troubleshooting test I passed on the first attempt.  So, I completed the CCNP in about 4-6 months. The routing and switching for the CCNP really helped to prepare for the CCIE Routing and Switching shortly after.

[b0ondockz]

Im thinking about getting into networking but I read mixed opinions about the IT field. Some say its boring, that its a dead end, that its all being outsourced, that they are only doing something 30% of the day the rest they are surfing the internet. Can some people who are actually in the field in high tech positions give me their insight? Do you like your job is it exciting? Im thinking of learning cisco. Id appreciate any help. Can you tell me what a typical day is like as a network engineer.

[RouteHub]

IT related jobs with Network, Security, and Systems are top jobs in the US and are not typically outsourced. Helpdesk and Programming positions are usually outsourced overseas. IT is definitely not dead end with a lot of opportunities available in this struggling economy. The opportunities increase as your working experience increase, but that requires to be very motivated, always learning, and working long hours. This process takes years and is on-going! It never stops.

[sshapewa]

damn,u earn more than my president dude

[ballin66612]

Hi. I was entry level about a year and a half ago. IT will never be completely outsource. Ever. Almost every company needs a full time IT employee. Im limited here so i wont explain in detail. IT is NOT a dead end. There are many areas of IT one can go in to. You are ALWAYS learning. You can specialize in many many areas of IT. You cannot know it all. Servers, hardcore networking, simple helpdesk for end users and much more.