want to become a computer network engineer?

Question

what certifications and degrees should i get?

Answer 1

First, you don't want to rely solely on certifications. Many employers aren't interested in certifications nearly as much as degrees. You'll want to get at least an Associate's degree in IT, hopefully with a concentration in Computer Networking or something similar. To be competitive, you'll want a Bachelor's degree as well.

Although certifications may or may not please that employer, a computer network engineer should endeavor to get an A+, Network+, and CCNA ceritifcation. Many people might laugh that I mentioned the A+, but you'd be surprised how knowledge from the A+ cert will actually help in your day-to-day networking. Above all, I would definitely get the Network+ because it is vendor-neutral and covers the essentials that you will need to perform your job well. The CCNA is widely recognized and, although it is Cisco-specific, the important thing is getting the employer to recognize the fact that you attained a certification that took dedication in your field.

Now, that's all good and well... degrees and certificates will get you to the interview. However, experience is what an employer wants. If you can't get work experience, set up a home network and test configuring different configurations with both Windows and Linux PCs. Every time you come across an issue and figure out how to resolve it, document it and keep it somewhere safe. Personal experience is generally ignored by an employer because they have nothing to substantiate it with; if you keep track of your work on your home network, though, and document it all well, it will most likely give them the proof they're looking for. Make sure to make a detailed network diagram to supplement your documentation, too.

If you can get work experience, then don't just limit yourself to the requirements of your job. Try to learn something new every day, explore different concepts and continually keep your knowledge fresh through implementation. Ask your boss if you could have access to test equipment so that you can continue to explore different, possibly better network configurations. Go above and beyond, and your boss will remember and mention that when your prospective employer contacts them.

Finally, don't just limit yourself to performing network engineering tasks. The easiest way to prove your knowledge / ability is to post in forums and write whitepapers. If you fix a common or complicated problem/issue in a forum, save the question and the answer for your documentation. Similarly, save any whitepapers you write for your documentation as well.

The easiest way to get an IT job is to outperform the other candidates, and the easiest way to outperform them is to walk in the door prepared.

Answer 2

well, it all depends. I am in the process of becoming an engineer too. I completed the network technology degree in a community college. That help me alot. I am now working on my Cisco certificate. I would recomend that route but there's other options such as Linux or microsoft networking among others.
Good luck and good choice by the way.

Answer 3

In terms of certifications, Linux is paying the highest in my area. Cisco and Microsoft (MCSE) are next in line. When it comes to networking, you'll need exposure to all three. Novell may be helpful too but I haven't used it in ages.

As for degress, computer science and electrical engineering are good paths but if you want to do a two year degree, focus on Information Technology.

Answer 4

for high level engineering jobs you definetly need a four year degree, certifications are second. once you get a degree then you can decide which path you want to go in that engineering principle and pick up some certs.