Networking Jobs at ISPs

So I might have a chance to land a job with a small regional ISP in the area. My questions to all of you is what is life like working for an ISP. They have both a TDM/SONET network and an MPLS IP network. I would be tier 2-3 support so not front lines, but not design or high level support either. From talking with my would be manager it sounds like I would get experience with a lot of different networking technologies and it sounds like a great place to build a solid base of experience in networking. From those that have worked for ISPs what generally can I expect?

Update - I got the job and will be putting in my two week notice today. I'm pretty excited about the opportunity and it should give me a real jump start in networking.

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Comments

lantech

Good luck with the interview.

networker050184

Good luck man! Be confident and let them know you want the job!

Jackace

In person interview was today. I met with 3 different people and it went very well with all 3. I think I have a good chance of getting this job. It will depend on the experience level of the other applicants.

gouki2005

vinbuck wrote: »

Haha...true enough. I spent over a year and a half on the CCNP, so I like to think i'm not just a paper tiger, but after delving into the CCIE Blueprint, I realize how much I don't know and how far I have yet to go. Having said that though, working at a service provider has taken me from having just enough networking knowledge to be dangerous to designing and implementing a large MPLS core and all the fun access side stuff that attaches to it. Also, my troubleshooting skills are so far beyond where they used to be.

The biggest benefit though is that I learned how to learn networking. Now, I can digest and start applying a new technology more quickly after some testing and research because I have a very solid foundation built up from blood, sweat and tears.

I've been wrestling with it, but after touring the datacenter and seeing what a cutting edge network they have, I have no doubt that I'll get to play with the latest and greatest. I may very well return to the provider side, but I want to round out my design and operational experience and play in the data center a little bit instead of the CO.

I bet you have some good stories about the tears part.

let us know it.

after one month in my job I have had a few xD.

Jackace

Going in for a second interview in the morning. Meeting with HR and the CEO of the company. I'm excited about this job and I'm really hoping I get it.

JustFred

Good luck and have fun

it_consultant

Jackace wrote: »

Going in for a second interview in the morning. Meeting with HR and the CEO of the company. I'm excited about this job and I'm really hoping I get it.

Can you reveal which ISP it is?

Jackace

it_consultant wrote: »

Can you reveal which ISP it is?

They have offered me the job, but nothing is official until Monday so I will be back once it is official and let you all know which ISP.

Jackace

I have officially accepted the offer and will be putting in my notice today. The ISP is Syringa Networks.

shodown

Good Job!!!!!!!

MAC_Addy

Nice one, mate! What's the average salary expectations of a network engineer at an ISP? I've seen postings anywhere from $50k to $110k. I suppose it's just down to location and what they're looking for, right?

drkat

I would definitely say all about location. I've earned anywhere from 40K for Tier 1 NOC to 50K for like a level 3 role - but then again average salary in my area is 40K ... which means most jobs pay MUCH less then this

lantech

Congratulations on the new job.

Jackace

I will not be a network engineer. It is a group between the network engineers and the NOC. I'm responsible for provisioning new circuits for customers and teir 2/3 support of the network. NOC has level 1 support and network monitoring. Engineers are building out the network (they are growing quickly) and teir 4/5 support.

Roguetadhg

Not enough rep I can give for the amount of Win you've done, Jackace.

Jackace

I really thought I would have to leave the area to get a job in networking, but I lucked out on this one. It did take almost an entire year to find this job however, but it should be a great opportunity for me and I really want to make the most of it.

antielvis

Jackace wrote: »

So I might have a chance to land a job with a small regional ISP in the area. My questions to all of you is what is life like working for an ISP. They have both a TDM/SONET network and an MPLS IP network. I would be tier 2-3 support so not front lines, but not design or high level support either. From talking with my would be manager it sounds like I would get experience with a lot of different networking technologies and it sounds like a great place to build a solid base of experience in networking. From those that have worked for ISPs what generally can I expect?

Update - I got the job and will be putting in my two week notice today. I'm pretty excited about the opportunity and it should give me a real jump start in networking.

Hey Jackace

A long time ago, in a far away galaxy I worked for a regional ISP. The pay certainly wasn't what I could make in the enterprise world, but I had a lot of fun. You will work hard & it's possible the environment is going to be more casual than formal. In my situation, my co-workers were truly passionate about IT & all of them unique individuals versus corporate drones. We worked long hours sometimes but it never felt like working. Not like coming to an office tower.

And yes, I agree with the others, no better place than to get full out exposure to networking. Hopefully you can wear jeans to work too