Getting a Network Engineer position?

fifrasco

Hello Everyone,

Is a Network Engineer position a realistic job for someone who just gets their CCNA and has a couple years as an IT with little hands on experience with switches and routers? I'm just curious how everyone gets started. Does a company just have to gamble on someone who is newbie?

RouteMyPacket

Depends, "Network Engineer" can mean two completely opposite things between Company A and Company B.

Don't get caught up in titles, get caught up in what position will allow you to get your foot in the door and hopefully get you started in the direction you want to go.

I'd think some type of NOC position, low level sitting around watching monitors. Logging in to gear and maybe doing show commands to provide to higher level support would be ideal.

I've seen companies who call their Help Desk manager who didn't know his @ce from a hole in the ground "Network Engineer" while a real Network Engineer was given a title of "Network Administrator".

It made no sense whatsoever, so again titles are more time than not random BS.

fifrasco

I agree...I tend to just read the responsibilities that are described on the job posting instead. I'm currently a Network Admin but our company does not give us much control over our network. I been looking for another job that would allow more hands on experience. What's the typical NOC salary? Do people tend to take a pay cut when starting as a entry level position or does having a CCNA help?

AwesomeGarrett

Depends on your geographical location. Level one NOC salaries are low. I took the pay cut in order to get my hands on routers and switches fulltime. It payed off at the next job.

fifrasco

I kind of figured it would be a pay cut involved. I'm really trying to find the best company that would offer a great opportunity to learn and at least allow a newbie. Do you guys think a network consulting firm is best for beginners? or a local company?

FloOz

Look at your local job boards. Seeing as you are from LA, I am assuming there is going to be a decent amount of open positions. Apply to as many as these positions as you can, and in your interviews show that you have a passion for networking. That's what I did when I was going for my first network engineering position.

Consulting firms typically require you to have a good amount of experience with the technology so unless they are looking for someone to build from the ground up I wouldn't bother applying. It is worth checking to see if they are looking for a newbie though.

AwesomeGarrett

Honestly, when starting off without a lot of hands on experience in a production network, any company that is willing to give you even just user mode access is the right place. That being said, you still have to align your career goals with your next employer/position responsiblities.

But when starting off you don't have the room to be too picky.

fifrasco

Thanks for the great input guys.... I been a network admin for 3 years now and just want to move to actually doing network stuff full time instead of dealing with help desk type of problems. That's my next career goal to move forward. Just having a hard time transitioning into a network engineer position from my current position. I'm sure getting that CCNA is a start.

RouteMyPacket

This is in LA, Iris posted it

You could apply, all they can say is no.

http://www.techexams.net/forums/jobs-degrees/97517-getting-network-engineer-position.html

fifrasco

yeah I saw that and definitely going to apply and see what happens. Doesn't hurt to try...