In today’s digital world, modern businesses operate with a digital infrastructure, not just a physical one. A united, digital system allows a company to store and collect data, send and receive messages from anywhere in the world, and stay connected. One bug can easily disrupt many aspects of a business. Hence, the role of a network engineer is crucial in the modern world.
This role handles the design, use, and upkeep of a computer system. This includes local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), and cloud-based systems. The digital environment can be used within one or multiple organisations. In this article, we will explore the duties of a network engineer and provide a complete roadmap to reach this role.
What does a network engineer do?
A network engineer sets up, develops, and maintains physical and wireless computer infrastructure so a business can operate efficiently. The aim is to create a strong and secure structure for users. They do this by monitoring and fixing problems that arise. They will also test the performance of the network and look for ways to improve it.
This role follows the standard working hours. This means you will normally put in 38 to 40 hours of work a week. However, you need to be flexible and ready to handle major technical problems that can occur at any time. You will normally work from the office, but self-employment or freelance contract work is also possible.
A network engineer starts with a base average salary of £25,500 per year. Those with many years of experience can gain up to £52,000 per year. The pay depends on the size, type, and sector of the company you work for, as well as the size and scope of the systems you manage.
Foundational skills you need to become a network engineer
According to Robert Half’s 2025 IT Salary Guide, cloud computing is one of the most in-demand technical skills in IT. At the same time, it is one of the most challenging skills to find among job seekers. This means that being a network engineer is a fruitful IT career choice in 2025.
To start a career in this field, you need to have strong basics in IT, especially computer networking, hardware, and software. You can get this through university or apprenticeships. Recognised certifications also help you stand out among job seekers. Gaining hands-on experience is vital to apply practical knowledge in real-world settings.
Understanding basic networking knowledge
The first step in becoming a network engineer is having a solid foundation. You need to have a strong grasp of operating a computer and networking knowledge. Most professionals start with a degree in computer science or information technology. If you don’t have a relevant degree, you can earn a recognised certification, such as the CCNP (Cisco Certified Networking Professional) or the CompTIA Network+ certification.
If you want to pursue a career in this field, you need to master these basic topics:
- Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or Internet Protocol (IP): TCP/IP sets the standards of data flow between systems. In other words, it directs how information moves from one point to another.
- Domain Name System (DNS): DNS is a naming system that turns human-readable domain names into formats a computer can recognise.
- Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP): This is a protocol that allows a server to assign IP addresses to devices.
- Network security: A network engineer is responsible for the upkeep of the security of a company’s physical and wireless infrastructure. Thus, they should have a basic knowledge of firewalls, VPNs, and encryption protocols.
- Hardware knowledge: Hardware devices are just as important as the software. You need to be familiar with operating tools such as routers and switches.
Choosing an advanced track
Having a broad knowledge of networking topics is important, but you should also have a deep expertise in a specific field. Thus, the next step in your roadmap to become a network engineer is choosing a niche that aligns with your interests. Here are some key areas in this field that you can specialise in:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML rapidly reshape the IT sector. AI and ML speed up network management, optimise traffic, and improve security.
- Automation and programming: The field of IT heavily depends on automation technology and programming languages. With automation tools, you no longer have to do repetitive tasks. Meanwhile, being proficient in many programming languages broadens your job opportunities.
- Advanced routing and switching: As a network engineer, you can specialise in designing an advanced digital infrastructure and conducting complex troubleshooting and optimisation.
- Security domain: Here, you will learn about security rules and procedures, threat detection and response, as well as ethical hacking techniques.
Staying on top of current technologies
As technology advances, so does the job market. Therefore, upskilling is vital for a network engineer. For example, a few years ago, the emergence of 5G and WiFi 6 transformed the IT sector. These technologies increased speed and efficiency to provide a better user experience. Now, new trends will keep emerging to shape this dynamic industry.
For example, companies are beginning to adopt automation and AI-powered network operations. They also use complex networking that integrates many different cloud providers. Furthermore, hybrid and remote work have become permanent work arrangements. Thus, businesses have started using zero-trust security frameworks. You need to stay up-to-date with these latest trends and continuously upgrade your skills.
Getting practical experience as a network engineer
Finally, if you want to stand out in the IT job market, gain practical experience in the field. During or after university, pursue internships or junior-level roles. This way, you gain work experience and real industry knowledge. For example, try to work as a technical support or help desk officer to understand IT problems from a user standpoint.
Aside from internships, open-source projects are a great way to build experience. Try to find projects that seek a network engineer. There are many resources to find such projects, like GitHub, Google Open Source, or even Reddit communities. This is a great chance to help solve real-world problems, leave a meaningful impact, and create an impressive portfolio.
Bottom line: How to be a network engineer
To be a network engineer, start with a strong grasp of computer networking, including its software and hardware tools. You can do this through a university degree or certifications recognised by the industry. Then, gain real-world experience through internships, entry-level jobs, and projects. Finally, remember to keep upskilling and stay updated with the latest industry trends.
If you want to be a network engineer, start by taking the online courses at the College of Contract Management. Our IT and Software courses are led by professionals who will equip you with industry knowledge and practical experience in computing, networking, cybersecurity, and many more. Start a career in IT by enrolling today!
