How to Become a Network Engineer After the 12th Grade

• Softsonix Team
• Jan 22, 2024
• 4 Min Read

Credit - Pixabay

Are you starting your journey to become a network engineer after 12th grade? Learn the role, the daily tasks, and how to get started in your career. Discover the educational path, certifications, and important skills required. Explore the job opportunities and expect a bright future with the growing demand in this field, which promises a career with stability and competitive salaries. Start your path to success today.

Your search for ‘How to become a network engineer after the 12^th grade’ has ended. You are in the right place. We are going to learn about the opportunities and paths of becoming a network engineer. So let’s begin-

What is a Network Engineer?

An IT professional who works in the field of computer networking, also known as a network administrator is a network engineer. They work as part of a company's IT department. They are responsible for their company's computer systems and network hardware. They do this by installing new hardware, running diagnostics, and completing regular software updates when available. Organizations always expect to be protected from malware . Other potential threats to network security, they should take precautionary measures.

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What does a Network Engineer do?

Almost every business has a network that keeps it running. These networks may include an organization's phones, computers, routers, intranets, and extranets. Planning, implementing, and managing these business-critical systems is the job of a network engineer or network administrator. Which is why it's such a valuable, well-paid role.

As this type of engineer, your daily activities and responsibilities will include:

• Configuration – setting up routers, VPNs, proxy servers, switches, WAN accelerators, and load balancers.
• Maintenance—Scheduling network updates, upgrades, and installing patches or service packs.
• Performance- For new ways to improve the performance of network systems engineers should keep monitoring and troubleshooting network systems.
• Security – performing data backups, updating virus protection software, and implementing new network data protection systems.
• Optimization – To ensure optimal network operation, engineers should keep working with external service and support vendors.

How To Become A Network Engineer

These are the following steps to becoming a network engineer:

Complete Necessary Education

You can either pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree course in Networking Technology or enroll in an engineering degree course after 10+2, Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) or Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Computer Science, or related fields are formal degrees that can help you start a career in network engineering. Most employers prefer candidates who have formal education in network engineering or a related field. After completing your degree, you can earn more professional certifications.

Get vendor-neutral Certifications

Consider achieving Comp TIA A+, Comp TIA Network+, and Comp TIA Security+ certifications. These certifications provide basic to advanced knowledge in IT matters. You must pass one or more tests at each level to advance to the next level. It can take anywhere from six months to a little over a year to complete a certification course.

Comp TIA A+ is a basic level certification that provides basic IT knowledge, and you must pass its exam before moving on to Comp TIA Network+. This certification will teach you about troubleshooting and operating various devices.

Decide the Wanted Device

Check out products from Cisco, Microsoft, and SolarWinds and decide if you want to get additional training and certification specific to these companies and their equipment. For example, if you want to work with software programs and devices, you may benefit from obtaining a Microsoft certification. The certification will enable you to understand Microsoft's network security practices, manage virtual networks, storage, and other resources, and identify potential threats to virtual networks.

Get vendor-specific Certifications

At this level, you may choose to obtain some vendor-specific certifications for network engineers. Your options include beginner and mid-level certification from Cisco, Certified Professional certification from SolarWinds, Security Administrator Associate certification from Microsoft 365, and Azure Administrator Associate certification from Microsoft. To obtain each of these certifications you must pass an exam.

Here is a list of network engineer certifications that some companies may require from you:

• Cisco
• Solar Winds
• Microsoft
• Wireshark WCNA
• Juniper

Search for Network Engineering Jobs

Once you have received your graduate degree and/or professional networking certification, you are eligible to enter the job market. You should prepare a well-formatted cover letter and resume. Also, be sure to list your network engineering credentials in the resume. Search for network engineer positions, and start sending job applications. And while you're waiting to hear back from your potential employers, try to keep up with industry trends and developments. If you get an opportunity to do an internship or a part-time job in the field of networking, don’t let it go.

To become a network engineer, how long does it take time-

If are you following the traditional educational route, it takes around five to six years to make you a network engineer. You have to complete a three to four-year graduation course in network engineering, computer network, computer science, systems engineering, and related fields. After that, maybe it take anywhere from six months to three years to get many network engineering certifications

Is Network Engineering a good career?

It is a good career because network engineering is a fast-growing field. As well the demand for qualified and skilled network engineers has increased. As a network engineer, you may expect a reasonable job, stability, and a good salary. The average base salary of a Network Engineer is ₹$96,203 per year

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Daily work routine of a network engineer

In this large and dynamic field, a network engineer's daily responsibilities are wide-ranging. While most engineers work on job-specific tasks. Many companies or organizations may need differences in roles and responsibilities. Network engineers will participate in any or all of the following activities in a typical day:

• Maintenance of computer networks, including mainframes, VPNs, routers, and other physical hardware.
• Installing and configuring network equipment.
• They are building firewalls and updating virus protection software and data security systems to keep data and communications secure.
• Monitoring computer systems to improve the network performance of all systems.
• Troubleshoot, resolve and communicate networking problems to other employees and management.
• Implementing disaster recovery procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge and understanding of security and networking. Best practices to provide best solutions and security to company systems.

Needed Skills for a Network Engineer