Network Engineer

What is the work like?

Network engineers, also known as network administrators, design, install and maintain computer communication systems. These systems allow employees and organisations to communicate with each other, share files and resources and provide services. Examples of work could include installing a new computer-based call handling system or servicing a bank's ATM network.

As a network engineer, you would work with four main network systems:

• local area networks (LANs) – connecting computers within a limited area like an office or building
• metropolitan area networks (MANs) – joining LANs together across a city
• wide area networks (WANs) – linking systems across national boundaries
• global area networks (GANs) – combining networks over an unlimited geographical area, often using wireless and satellite technology.

Your key responsibilities, for example when working with a company's LAN system, are to make sure that the network has the capacity to meet the company's business needs and that it is secure. Your typical duties might include:

• installing new software and hardware
• setting up user-accounts, permissions and passwords
• maintaining adequate security, especially where networks link to the world wide web
• finding and fixing network faults
• putting in place preventative maintenance schedules
• giving technical support to end-users
• providing training on new systems
• carrying out day-to-day administration and monitoring network use
• planning and implementing future developments.

What qualifications and experience will employers look for?

You may be able to get into network engineering through an Apprenticeship scheme with an IT company, or within the IT department of a commercial or public organisation. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.

Alternatively, you could take an IT course at a local college to learn some of the skills and knowledge needed for this job. Courses include:

• City & Guilds (E-Quals ICT Systems Support 7262) IT Practitioners Diploma Level 2 and Advanced Diploma Level 3
• BTEC National Certificate/Diploma for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support)
• OCR (iPRO) Certificate for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support) at levels 2 and 3
• CompTIA i-Net+ Certification.

The first three awards also contain options taken from CompTIA, Cisco and Microsoft certifications. See the Training section for more details.

You could also take a higher level computing course, such as a BTEC HNC/HND, foundation degree or degree. However, employers will often consider other subjects and provide relevant training afterwards. Currently, three out of five people working in computing started out with a non-IT degree. To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

All of these courses aim to provide you with the relevant knowledge and practical skills to install, upgrade and maintain network systems. They will cover areas such as:

• LAN, MAN, WAN and GAN networks
• how different systems communicate (network protocols) – TCP, IP, FTP and VOIP internet telephony
• data transmission technologies – Ethernet, ISDN, ASDL, wireless, and ATM
• network security – firewalls, anti-virus software and virtual private networks.

If you already have qualifications and experience in other areas of IT, for example maintenance and installation, you may be able to move into the networking field. See the Computer Service and Repair Technician and IT Support Technician job profiles.

See the e-skills, British Computer Society and CompTIA websites for more details about IT careers.

What further training and development can I do?

Once you are working as an engineer, it is important to keep your skills and knowledge up to date. You can do this by taking further training, which could include:

• CompTIA Network+ Certification
• Certified Novell Engineer (CNE)
• City & Guilds Higher Professional Diploma in Information Management Using ICT, or IT Practitioners Level 4
• OCR (iPRO) Higher Level award for IT Professionals (ICT Systems Support) Level 4
• NVQs for IT Professionals at levels 3 and 4. 

Some of these cover Linux operating systems as well as Windows.

Cisco and Microsoft certification training would also help to develop your career, although it is recommended that you have a level 3 qualification or extensive experience in the IT industry before starting a programme. The main ones for networking include:

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA).

Graduate Professional Development Award (GDPA)
E-skills, higher education institutions and IT employers have developed this award, which you could take as part of an undergraduate, postgraduate or work-based training programme. It covers key skills required by the industry, including problem solving, teamworking and technical competencies. See e-skills UK for details.

British Computer Society (BCS)
You could take the BCS professional awards to enhance your career prospects. These include a Certificate, Diploma and Professional Graduate Diploma, which are equivalent to the first, second and third year of a university honours degree. You can choose from options including computer networks and network information systems. Contact BCS for further details and entry requirements.

Where can I go for more information?

1 Sanford Street
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 1HJ

1 Castle Lane
London
SW1E 6DR

If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form

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