The information technology field is one of the fastest-growing industries. There’s a high demand for skilled network engineers, also called network administrators. There is a range of job options within network engineering and plenty of opportunities for career advancement with the right certifications. Take a look at what it takes to become a network engineer and what technical skills employers seek.

What do network engineers do?

Network engineers are responsible for ensuring a company’s computer systems and network hardware are performing efficiently. They’re responsible for installing new hardware, running diagnostic tests, and performing available software updates. Network engineers are also responsible for taking preventative measures against malware, hackers, and other network security threats. You’ll need specific skills and experience depending on the type of network engineering job you pursue. Common positions include network technician, network analyst, wireless network engineer, network security engineer, network administrator, and network manager.

A major concern for cryptocurrency users is finding a cryptocurrency wallet with the right level of security to store their digital assets. Different types of wallets can store crypto assets. The most recommended type of wallet is a hardware wallet. These wallets combine the ease of use of a digital interface and the level of security of an offline device. CryptoVantage offers its choice of the best crypto wallet 2021 based on security features such as two-factor authentication, pin-code protection, and password managers.

The Ledger Nano X crypto wallet features a Bluetooth connection and can be used on both a desktop computer and a mobile app. The ledger can fit more than 100 different cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin, Ripple, and Bitcoin Cash. The Ledger Nano S is a hot wallet thanks to its affordability and award-winning security features.

The Trezor Model-T crypto wallet features a full-color touchscreen display, a password manager, and the ability to support multiple digital currencies. Hardware wallets are difficult for hackers to crack without a pin code. They utilize offline storage for private keys, two-factor authentication, and the ease of making transactions. As new technologies like blockchain and crypto are adopted, the greater the need becomes for network engineers with advanced skills in network security.

You’ll enjoy a lot of job prospects and earning potential

There’s a high demand for network engineers, and job outlooks are strong. The information technology field is constantly evolving, which means network engineers must always update their skill set. Failing to have the latest in-demand skills reduces your chances of being noticed by employers. Entry-level network engineering jobs can earn a base salary of $48,000 to $69,000.

You need the right education and certifications

It’s a good idea to earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field like computer science or a systems engineering education. Several certifications are beneficial to a career as a network engineer. CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, and SolarWinds are all necessary certifications. As you earn basic certifications, you should consider pursuing a particular device path. Different companies have different devices that you will work with. This includes routers, switches, security software, mobile devices, PCs, and other software programs.

You can enjoy a rewarding career in IT without getting a formal network engineering education at a university. You can launch your career in 24 weeks with the help of NexGenT. You’ll learn essential technical skills and earn certifications for Cisco and CompTIA. With the right certifications, the next step is to gain hands-on experience. Once you have a well-rounded skill set, you can pursue the job security and compensation of a Full Stack Network Engineer (FSNE).

The information technology industry is vast. It’s important to take the time to understand all the different specialties you can pursue. Choosing the right specialty is the best way to ensure you don’t burn out early in your career.