what is a network engineer?
As a network engineer, you maintain the connectivity of networks in organisations. You ensure data, calls, videos, voice, and wireless network services are always available. The role involves formulating, executing and implementing entire computer networks in a company. You ensure all the network systems are functioning correctly. You also provide quality network infrastructure, performance and security to end users.
Aside from installing and implementing network systems, you monitor the existing networks. You assess any network problems and devise solutions to improve connectivity. You also perform routine maintenance on critical systems. That involves evaluating performance and diagnosing and repairing network issues. Regular maintenance enhances network security for end users.
Successful network engineers rely on their technical skills to configure and maintain network architectures, including cloud computing, programming and cybersecurity. There are numerous specialised fields to explore in network engineering. For instance, you can become a network security specialist or a network architect. You also require soft skills —like analytical and problem-solving abilities— to diagnose and troubleshoot issues in the computer networks. A meticulous eye for detail is also valuable in the role.
Would working as a network engineer suit your programming skills and problem-solving ability? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a network engineer role.
network engineer jobsaverage network engineer salary
According to the Economic Research Institute, network engineers in Greece earn an average salary of €49,900 per year, equalling an hourly rate of around €24. Many companies also pay annual bonuses, so you could get an average bonus of €1,900. Your compensation package depends on various factors, including academic qualifications, experience and the complexity of your duties. For instance, in an entry-level network engineer position, you start with a lower salary of €34,300 yearly due to your minimal experience. When you have sufficient experience and can handle complex duties, your earning potential increases to over €61,000 annually.
what factors affect the salary of a network engineer?
Your earnings are influenced by work experience and educational qualifications. That’s why entry-level network engineers earn a lower salary. As you gain more experience, you can perform complex duties for the company. Your area of specialism also influences your earnings. For example, working as a network security expert requires additional experience and specialised skills in order to identify and detect cyber security threats.
The size of the company you work for also influences your earnings. Working for a large company boosts your earning potential due to the complexity of the duties in the role. Large organisations also have more resources and can afford to pay higher network engineer salaries.
types of network engineers
Some of the specialisations for network engineers include:
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cloud networking architect
As a cloud networking architect, you use your understanding of the hybrid cloud environment to prepare an organisation for cloud computing. Your job involves cloud deployment and migrating the company's data. You also troubleshoot issues that arise with cloud services.
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network security specialist
You search for network vulnerabilities and stay ahead of threats. Your job is to detect, prevent and resolve threats to a company's computer network. You constantly assess security measures and stay up to date on the latest threats to protect the company's network.
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wireless network engineer
Your job involves installing and configuring wireless networks and equipment. You also maintain and troubleshoot issues that lead to downtimes and upgrade equipment as needed.
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VOIP engineer
As a voice-over-internet protocol (VOIP) engineer, you enable voice and video capabilities on one network. VOIP allows users to make phone calls, chat with colleagues and conduct online meetings. Your job is to install and maintain the company's VOIP networks.
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data centre networking specialist
As a networking specialist, you set up and maintain the data centre housing the organisation's critical data and applications. You manage computing resources and the network infrastructure to keep the data centre safe.
working as a network engineer
As a network engineer, you install and maintain company network systems. Read on to learn about the duties, tasks, work environments and career opportunities of a network engineer.
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what does a network engineer do?
Some of the specific tasks of a network engineer include:
- Installation and configuration: as a network engineer, you select vital network infrastructure for your organisation and install it. You determine the best routers, servers and load balancers to use in the company's network. You also configure the network infrastructure to ensure it functions properly.
- Troubleshooting and monitoring networks: as a network engineer, you ensure the network infrastructure operates as expected. You check for connectivity issues and get the systems back online to minimise network downtimes.
- Managing policies and network documentation: as a network engineer, you are the primary builder and manager of networks. You write the documentation explaining the functions and configuration of the network infrastructure. Your documentation explains the expected user interactions and compliance requirements.
- Researching network optimisation: your job isn't just installing and managing network infrastructure. You also conduct extensive research to look for automation opportunities and third-party applications to improve network functions.
- Maintenance and security work: as a network engineer, you monitor the network infrastructure for potential issues. Your job is to apply patches to improve the security and performance of the network. You also perform a range of security-focused tasks, such as installing antivirus software, managing firewalls and performing data backups.
- Providing reports on network status: as a network engineer, you perform maintenance tasks and explore ways to improve network performance. Since you check the status of the networks daily, you provide reports on the functionality of the networks. You also recommend ways to reduce costs and improve the security of computer networks.
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work environment of a network engineer
Nowadays, most industries rely on computer network systems to optimise performance in various departments. You can work in a range of business sectors, as they rely on computer networks to run business processes. For instance, you could work in the finance, banking or manufacturing sectors. Additionally, as a network engineer, you work internally for a company or externally as an outsourced specialist. The majority of network engineers work for technology companies or information technology (IT) consultancies.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the industry you work in and your employer, your colleagues might include data engineers, software developers and software engineers. You also work with DevOps engineers and system architects during the installation and testing of computer networks. Other professionals you are likely to work with include cloud engineers, systems analysts and web developers.
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network engineer work schedule
A network engineer works 38 to 40 hours a week. When you are on a full-time schedule, you will likely work 8-10 hours a day, from Monday to Friday. You can also work part-time as a network engineer, working only a few hours daily. Alternatively, some companies may let you work remotely, allowing you to deal with network connectivity problems from home.
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career opportunities as a network engineer
You start your career as a junior network engineer in charge of network administration as you learn the ropes. After working as a network engineer for a few years, you can focus on becoming a network analyst or systems administrator. Progress to a network manager role if you are looking for a leadership position. Alternatively, consider specialising in a specific area. For instance, you can focus on network security and become a network security specialist. Some network engineers also become IT security coordinators or IT project managers.
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advantages of finding a job as a network engineer through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help
- a range of jobs in your area
network engineer skills and education
Here are the qualifications you require to become a network engineer:
- Education: to work as a network engineer, complete a bachelor’s degree course in computer science. You can also pursue relevant courses in computer systems engineering, network security or information technology. These courses prepare you for the role, as you will learn how to troubleshoot network issues. If you want to improve your career prospects as a network engineer, consider getting a master’s degree in computer science.
- Certifications and work experience: gain relevant work experience through internships and other entry-level networking roles. To remain competitive in the field, you require constant training to keep up with new technologies. For additional training, you can pursue IT network certifications, such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Network+ or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
competencies and characteristics of network engineers
Some of the qualities that will help you excel as a network engineer include:
- Problem-solving skills: you require problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities to resolve network connectivity issues. Your diagnostic skills help you identify and evaluate problems in network systems to ensure they operate optimally.
- Time management: you require good time management skills to resolve network connectivity issues quickly and minimise downtimes. Planning your tasks carefully and ensuring you complete installations within the expected deadline is essential.
- Project management: as a network engineer, you coordinate several aspects of a project. You take care of the network selection process to the final implementation and configuration. Your job is to coordinate the installation process while ensuring minimal network disruptions and downtimes.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a network engineer.
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what qualifications do you need to become a network engineer?
Most employers expect you to have a bachelor's degree in computer science, network security or information technology to work as a network engineer. To improve your knowledge of network security, consider obtaining professional certifications, including CompTIA Network+, CCNA and CCNP. Aside from educational qualifications, you require relevant work experience to excel in your role.
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is network engineering a hard job?
Working as a network engineer is a challenging job, largely due to the complexity of the duties involved. To work as a network engineer, you should master different technologies and the disciplines required to maintain computer networks. Despite the complexity of the tasks, analytical and problem-solving skills can help you excel in the role.
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do network engineers need programming skills?
While you don’t need coding or programming skills to work as a network engineer, it is important to have a solid understanding of programming languages. Being conversant with Java and Python is useful in your role and helps you understand how computer networks work. You can attend coding boot camps and take courses to learn new programming languages.
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is being a network engineer a good career?
Working as a network engineer is a great career with promising job opportunities. The high demand for network engineers makes it a highly sought-after career. You can learn exceptional technical skills and gain valuable work experience, which you can apply to other roles in the IT industry.
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what is a network engineer?
As a network engineer, you are in charge of an organisation's computer networks. You oversee the design and installation of computer networks. You also troubleshoot issues in the computer networks and find ways to improve network security.
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how do I find a job as a network engineer?
Finding a job near you as a network engineer is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page.
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