Network Engineering Career for Women

Network engineers are responsible for ensuring that an organization's computer networks are up and running smoothly. This involves planning and designing networks, as well as troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

To do this, you will need to be knowledgeable of the terms and technologies involved in networking. You will also need to be able to work with other members of an IT team, as well as stakeholders within an organization, to ensure that the network meets their needs.

A few of the day-to-day tasks of a network engineer include:

• Planning and designing networks;
• Implementing and maintaining network infrastructure;
• Monitoring network performance;
• Troubleshooting networking issues;
• Providing support to users.

A career in network engineering can be very rewarding, both professionally and personally. It's a fast-paced and ever-changing field, which can make it exciting and challenging at the same time. In addition to this, there is a lot of opportunity and support for women to grow and advance in this tech-oriented field.

In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for Computer and IT fields is expected to grow by 13% from 2020 to 2030. Due to this, the job outlook for network engineers is very positive, since there will be a need for more network engineers in the years to come.

Becoming a network engineer can be a very lucrative career choice. According to Indeed, the average salary for a network engineer is $87,629 per year.

Of course, salaries will vary depending on experience, location, and company size. But overall, the network engineer salary is quite high, making it a great career choice for women.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of women working in male-dominated fields. This is especially true in the field of technology. There are many benefits to working in network engineering, especially for women.

Here are a few of the benefits:

• Access to new technology: one of the great things about working in network engineering is that you'll always have access to the latest technology. This can be very beneficial, as it allows you to stay up-to-date on all the newest developments and trends.
• Valuable to companies: companies value network engineers highly, as they play a vital role in keeping the company's infrastructure up and running. This can lead to job security and good job prospects.
• Opportunities for advancements: as you gain experience and knowledge, you'll be able to move up the ladder and into management positions.
• Challenging work: network engineering can be very challenging, but also very rewarding. It's a fast-paced and ever-changing field, which can make it exciting.

As a woman in network engineering, you'll need to have a strong technical background, as well as good problem-solving skills. In addition to this, it's also important to be able to work well under pressure and have excellent communication skills.

Some of the specific skills that are needed for this career include:

Hard Skills

Hard skills are the technical skills that are needed to perform the job. As a network engineer, you'll need to have a good understanding of computer networks and how they work. In addition to this, you'll also need to be proficient in using various networking tools and technologies.

Some of the specific hard skills that are needed include:

• Network design;
• Network administration;
• Network security;
• Wireless networking;
• Routing and switching.

Soft Skills

In addition to hard skills, you'll also need to have soft skills. Soft skills are the non-technical skills that are needed to be successful in any job.

Some of the specific soft skills that are needed include:

• Communication;
• Problem-solving;
• Critical thinking;
• Time management;
• Organization.

These are just a few of the skills that are needed for a successful career in technology. If you have these skills, then you'll be well-suited for this exciting and challenging field.

Women in network engineering have a wide range of career options available to them. As mentioned before, there are many opportunities for advancement in this field.

Some of the specific available career options include:

• Network security analyst: a network security analyst is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining networks. They work with clients to ensure that their needs are met and that the network meets all performance requirements.
• Cloud network engineer: to meet the demands of cloud computing, companies are increasingly in need of cloud network engineers. These engineers are responsible for implementing, and managing cloud networks.
• Director of network engineering/network manager: as a director or manager of network engineering, you'll be responsible for overseeing the entire network engineering department. This includes ensuring that the department runs smoothly and efficiently, as well as managing both hardware and software upgrades.
• Network architect: there is a growing demand for network architects, as companies need someone to design and oversee the implementation of their networks. As a network architect, you'll be responsible for ensuring that the network meets all performance and security requirements.
• Virtualization engineer: a virtualization engineer manages data storage, server, and other virtualization networks. They also work with other departments to ensure that the network runs smoothly and efficiently.
• Wireless network engineer: a wireless network engineer will be knowledgeable in wireless network equipment as well as the computer networking acronyms that are used. They are also responsible for configuring, and installing various wireless systems and settings.

These are just a few of the career options that are available to women in network engineering. With so many options available, you're sure to find a career that's perfect for you.

To pursue a career in network engineering, you'll need to have a strong foundation in mathematics and computer science. Additionally, it's also important to have experience with networking technologies and tools.

Degrees Related to Network Engineering

Many degree programs can lead to a career in network engineering. Some of the specific degrees that are available include:

• Computer science: this degree will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to design, develop, and maintain software applications.
• Information technology: in this degree program, you'll learn about different ways to store, protect, and retrieve information. You'll also learn how to manage networks and troubleshoot problems.
• Network engineering: there are many different types of network engineering degrees available. These degrees will prepare you for a career in designing, implementing, and managing as well as understanding network monitoring.
• Telecommunications engineering: as a telecommunications engineer, you'll be responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of telecommunication systems such as phone lines and wireless networks.

Before you can begin working as a network engineer, you'll need to obtain the proper certifications and qualifications. The specific qualifications that are required will vary depending on the country you live in as well as the company you work for.

Below are some of the specific certifications that you can obtain:

Vendor-Neutral Certifications

• CompTIA A+: this covers basic computer hardware, software, and network concepts.
• CompTIA Network+: this focuses on network fundamentals, implementations, operations, security, and troubleshooting.
• CompTIA Security+: this is a vendor-neutral certification that covers multiple aspects of network security
• Citrix Certified Associate: CCA-AppDS: this certification will provide you with the skills needed for traffic management, load balancing, content switching, and managing enterprise environments.
• Wireshark Network Analyst: this certification covers troubleshooting communications, network optimization, network forensics, and security.

Cisco

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): this certification covers networking fundamentals, IP services, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability.
• CCIE Routing & Switching (CCIE): this certification ensures understanding of enterprise networks through the entire network lifecycle, from designing and deploying to operating and optimizing.
• Cisco Programming for Network Engineers: this his is a great program to learn Python basics to create, apply and troubleshoot network automation.

Microsoft

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate: this certification is aimed at those looking to show their proficiency in security, routing, networking, and private access to Azure services.
• Juniper Networks Certified Associate - Junos (JNCIA-Junos): passing this exam certifies an understanding of Juniper Junos OS, a networking operating system.
• Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA): being certified with this title represents knowledge in the design, deployment, and management of Aruba Mobile Networking.
• VMWare Certified TechnicalAssociate - Network Virtualization (VCTA-NV): earning a VCTA-NV title means familiarity with the VMware NSX platform, terminology, and the NSX GUI.
• Google IT Support Professional Certificate: classes at Coursera prepare candidates to learn IT job skills, building computers and networks. Installing programs, customer service of several aspects, and OS knowledge make this a versatile certification.
• AWS Certified Advanced Networking: several skills are needed to secure this certification, such as AWS network technology experience and AWS services, network architecture, scripts, and tools as well as CIDR and related network knowledge.
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Associate Certificate: passing the requirements for this certification demonstrates knowledge in AWS technology, managing resources on AWS, console, and command line AWS, AWS architected framework, and identifying which AWS services best fit when applying them.
• VCP-DCV: VMware Certified Professional 6 - Data Center Virtualization: this certificate shows the know-how to build and maintain vSphere infrastructure for converting business computing to the cloud.

Of course, gaining an education or obtaining a certificate to successfully make your way as a network engineer often comes at a cost. Luckily, there are plenty of scholarships and financial aid available for women in network engineering. These scholarships can help offset the cost of education and training.

Some of the specific scholarships that are available include:

• Society of Women Engineers: provides support to women who are pursuing a college degree or a graduate program for careers in engineering, technology, and computer science.
• Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship: this scholarship provides financial aid to women who are pursuing a career in computer science.
• American Association of University Women (AAUW): offers support to women who are under-represented and pursuing degrees in computer science, engineering, math, and scientific study.
• National Society of Black Engineers: provides financial assistance to African American women who are pursuing a degree in engineering and science.
• Women at Microsoft Scholarship: this scholarship's primary goal is to improve diversity in the tech industry.

Here are some additional resources that can help with a career in network engineering:

• Network Engineer Demographics and Statistics in The U.S.- Zippia: includes detailed information about the network engineer occupation, including salary, gender gap, and more.
• Computer Network Architects Occupational Outlook - Bureau of Labor Statistics: provides information about the network architect occupation, including job outlook and salary information.
• Network Engineering Description and Definition - FieldEngineer.com: shares a description and definition of network engineering, including specific positions and responsibilities.