Network engineering career

Network Engineering involves designing and maintaining both software and hardware necessary for computer networking.  Network engineers are highly trained technicians and analysts specializing in local networks (LANs) and wide area computer networks (WAN).  With the evolution of the Internet, Network Engineering involves coming up with programs, devices, peripherals and all elements necessary for computers to communicate.

How to become a network engineer

Network engineering requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.  If you desire to become a network engineer, then you need to pass well in your high school diploma and join a college or university offering courses in network design or engineering, computer information systems, computer science or a field related to computer networks engineering.  A degree in such a field often takes three to six years to completion depending on the level of study, the mode of study (whether for a time, part time or seasonal) and the college you are studying in.  Knowledge on electronic devices, chips, circuit boards and related electronic equipments is essential.  You must have interest in Computer Systems, and a certificate or diploma in computer studies would be a big boost.

Qualifications: Courses, Training, Certification

Schools, Colleges and education

There many colleges across the country offering degree courses in Network Engineering. These courses range from certificate, diploma, bachelor’s or associate and masters degrees.  There are colleges offering these courses online and through distance education as well.  Some other certifications and requirements according to careerbuilder.com that will give you an edge in the job market are:

• CISCO Network certification
• MCP and MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer)
• Technical AA Certification
• N+

Some of the top 5 colleges offering training in these courses include:

1. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK

2. Brown College, Mendota Heights, MN

3. University of Minnesota Crookston, MN

4. North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC

5. Georgia Institute of Technology –Atlanta, GA

Job opportunities, Salaries and Recruitment

Computer networking is one of the occupations growing very fast in the market today.  Businesses and companies both small and large require network convenience to design, maintain, install and protect computer and IT systems through network engineering. Some of the leading companies that employ network engineers include Microsoft, Cisco systems, Google, Yahoo, The US Government, eBay and Amazon.com. According to salary.com, the average earning for Computer Network engineer ranged between $44,100 and $66, 967 annually in 2008. However, experienced network engineers earned over $100,000 annually