Network Engineer job description

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Description - Skills - Education - Trends

IT departments across all industries look to the network engineer to provide expert services with regard to building, maintaining and securing complex computer and information networks. This field offers employment opportunities with government agencies, non-profit organisations and virtually any area of the commercial world
Duties for these skilled IT workers involve designing, installing, testing, implementing and upgrading local and wide-area networks. Day-to-day tasks often include conducting security evaluations, providing network support, distributing access rights, troubleshooting and product research
Most organisations will require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field, though upper-level posts may require a master’s degree with emphasis on information systems. Experience is a must for many positions, though for many newcomers, starting through an internship is the best way to get a foot in the door
On average, salary for a network engineer in the UK is about £40,000 per year, though outside the capital the average is about 6% lower.

Description

Network Engineers oversee all the activity related to a computer network. Their responsibilities may include setting up user accounts, installing software, performing security checks or restoring files. These engineers work in many different industries. They work normal office hours and overtime if required. Their remuneration is adequate and they often receive attractive benefits and compensation.
A Network Engineer usually performs many of the following tasks:
• Maintaining new server hardware
• Managing email
• Setting up permissions and passwords
• Providing IT solutions
• Providing training
• Monitoring network usage
• Implementing future developments
• Maintaining network security

Skills

• Being professional
• Being adaptable and thorough
• Research
• Communication
• Information technology
• Problem solving
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Utilising technical information to resolve issues
• Being approachable and amicable
• Organisation and administration
• Networking

Education

People who are interested in working with WAN, LAN or MAN networks, study Network Engineering. Network Engineers often pursue a number of certifications. These may include any of the following:
•    Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
•    Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
•    Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
•    CompTIA i-Net+ Certification
•    BTEC National Certificate/Diploma
•    City & Guilds (E-Quals ICT Systems Support 7262) IT Practitioners Diploma
•    Certified Novell Engineer (CNE)
•    OCR (iPRO) Higher Level award for IT Professionals
•    NVQs for IT Professionals
•    British Computer Society (BCS)
•    HNC/HND
A traditional Bachelors or Masters Degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Software Engineering is also accepted by employers.

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