Become a Network Engineer

Behind every IT infrastructure is a Network Engineer. Network Engineers are experts who can apply a range of technologies to connect, secure, and automate complex networks, and it’s a critical role in companies from every industry.

Become a Network Engineer

Behind every IT infrastructure is a Network Engineer. Network Engineers are experts who can apply a range of technologies to connect, secure, and automate complex networks, and it’s a critical role in companies from every industry.

Become a Network Engineer

Behind every IT infrastructure is a Network Engineer. Network Engineers are experts who can apply a range of technologies to connect, secure, and automate complex networks, and it’s a critical role in companies from every industry.

What does a Network Engineer do?

Design and build

Network Engineers design, build, and automate physical and wireless networks. Their goal is to ensure connectivity between phones, computers, routers, intranets, extranets, and more.

Optimize

Network Engineers look for ways to improve infrastructure. For example, they implement solutions to automate rote tasks, and work with vendors and colleagues to integrate new technologies into existing networks.

Monitor

Network Engineers observe and troubleshoot their systems to keep them running smoothly. They analyze network performance, test network functionality, and more.

Top Network Engineering tasks

Network configuration

Network maintenance

Performance optimization

Troubleshooting networks

Top Network Engineering tasks

Network configuration

Network maintenance

Performance optimization

Troubleshooting networks

Why become a Network Engineer?

Network Engineers are in-demand - plain and simple. Every organization with a complex IT infrastructure needs a Network Engineer, and the field is growing rapidly to match the pace of technological innovation.

It might be the role for you if...

You enjoy:

  • Teaching others about technology
  • Collaborative problem solving
  • Researching and learning new technologies

You excel at:

  • Analytical thinking
  • Communication
  • Time management

Why become a Network Engineer?

Network Engineers are in-demand - plain and simple. Every organization with a complex IT infrastructure needs a Network Engineer, and the field is growing rapidly to match the pace of technological innovation.

It might be the role for you if...

You enjoy:

  • Teaching others about technology
  • Collaborative problem solving
  • Researching and learning new technologies

You excel at:

  • Analytical thinking
  • Communication
  • Time management

How much does a Network Engineer make?

Meet a Network Engineer

Learn how some real-life Network Engineers met their career goals, and hear how getting certified helped them on their path to success.

“I know people who don’t discover Cisco certifications until later in their careers, and certifications still profoundly changed their lives.”

Eloise Koullapis, Network Engineer
CCNA, DevNet Associate

Popular certifications for Network Engineers


CCNA Certification

The CCNA covers a broad range of fundamentals based on the latest networking technologies, software development skills and job roles. These skills and knowledge can springboard your career aspirations.

Explore CCNA

Get your free CCNA study plan


CCNP Enterprise Certification

The CCNP Enterprise certification can help you prove your skills in the ever-changing landscape of the enterprise network technologies. The certification covers core technologies and an enterprise focus area of your choice.

Explore CCNP Enterprise

Assess the CCNP Enterprise learning map

Talk to learners like you

If you’re interested in an IT career and want to know what it’s like to get certified, join a Cisco Community! Connect with thousands of other active learners and existing certificate holders to ask questions and share your learning journey.

Streamline certification prep

Cisco U. certification Learning Paths walk you through courses and labs to prepare for your next exam, with assessments to check your learning.

What other roles can I get with Cisco Certifications?