Network Engineer - Overview
A Network Engineer is involved in the design and maintenance of both the hardware and software necessary for a computer network. They are high level technical analysts with a specialty in Local Area Networks (LANs) or Wide Area Networks (WANs).
Education for Network Engineers
Many colleges now offer degrees in Network Engineering. The University of Colorado at Boulder, for example, has a great reputation. Drexel University offers a graduate degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. There are now MBA programs that specialize in Network Management, such as the program offered by If you are looking for an online program for Network Engineering, Westwood College offers a BS in Network Engineering.
Becoming a Network Engineer
Network Engineers usually have a Bachelors degree or higher. They may have had internships or specialty projects within the Network Design and Engineering field. There are often positions to start out in, with increasing responsibility and specialization as you acquire years of experience and specialty certifications.
Career Paths for Network Engineers
Network Engineers are typically promoted to senior level engineers and may focus extensively on specialty areas such as design, performance optimization or network security. Compensation for Network Engineers is excellent. Many of the top paying jobs within the IT field are in Network Engineering. Several of the in Information Technology are within the Networking realm.
Companies Hiring Network Engineers
It seems like everyone is hiring Network Engineers these days! Some of the larger companies that currently have openings include:
The US Government
Network Engineering Links
Links to useful information about Network Engineering, including top industry sites to stay current in the filed:
Electronics and Engineering Network