How do I start getting into the networking field?
#networking #networking #job-search #technology #computer-software
10 answers
Arunkumar’s Answer
Networking itself is a vast field. You can research and chose which field you want to get in and build your basics based on that.
Apart from study materials, there are online courses and certifications available.
For example, if you want to build a career in Network security then I would suggest to do the following,
1. TCP/IP bascis ( books and online materials)
2. CCNA (Routing and Switching)
3. CCNA (security)
This will give a clear understanding of network security basics. You can try labs available online for hands-on experience.
You can later continue till CCIE.
Lovekesh’s Answer
As already answered by others, there are multiple ways you can prep and plan to enter into networking field:
- First and foremost, it always helps and gives an added advantage to get a formal degree/education in the field of IT or computer science or electronics. e.g. you can go for a diploma/undergrad.
- If you are already a working professional, one of the best way to to prepare is to target a set of networking certifications and trainings e.g. you can find all the information about Cisco's certification program here: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications.html. You will notice that you have a learning path starting from entry and associate level and then moving onto expert level. You will find information about learning locations also here.
Similarly, there are learning programs offered by other companies such as Juniper, VMWare etc.
Please feel free to reach out if you need specific information about Cisco's programs.
Regards
Chaitra’s Answer
Joe’s Answer
As a starting point, look at doing some certifications such as CCNA for example through a networking academy. Set up a lab network so that you can experiment and understand how various protocols work.
kalyani’s Answer
I am sure you've got some brilliant advice from many experienced people above!
It depends on what level you are starting at. From my own experience, I can tell you how I got into this field and hope it helps you!
I finished my engineering in Electronics and Telecommunication branch. However I think an engineering degree in Computer sciences or IT comes in more handy when you are interested in Networking.
While I did my CCNA and CCNP in routing and switching after graduating, I'd suggest you can also think of doing this while in college to get you a better and in-depth understanding of what you are getting into.
Post my certifications, I applied for a job opening through Linkedin and was lucky enough to have made it to Cisco!
I hope this information helps you.
ALL the best!
Regards
Kalyani
Ratnesh’s Answer
Hi Jason,
Hope you are doing well.
There are several ways you can get into networking field :
- If you haven't studied any networking related courses while doing graduation, good way to start learning networking will be by enrolling into an institution which provider education and assistance for people who want to start their career in networking industry. These institutions might provide training for recognised certifications as well (for e.g. CCNA). Certifications are highly regarded and fresh graduates with certifications are preferred for open opportunities.
- You can also start learning networking on your own with help of self paced learning. You can enrol on Cisco 's learning network - https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/welcome or https://ine.com/.
Ragil’s Answer
If you are already done with graduation , try to get a a job in networking field , then look for campus placement for companies like CISCO,
If you fail to get campus placement, then take training of beginners networking courses like CCNA , watch you tube videos of networking.
Once you got knowledge in basic foundation of networking then start look for job,
Accept any job that give you at-least some level of experience in networking.. your fist job may have only 10% of networking related work but still you should accept that offer and gain the experience. improve your networking knowledge while you do that job. And look for more challenging position in that same organisation or other organisation . now no one can stop you :)
Xin (Cindy)’s Answer
If you are talking about social activities during job search. I'd say one of the best ways is to attend a career fair or conference in your field. Many companies have recruiting booth in conferences, and they are very willing to talk to you.
Xin (Cindy) recommends the following next steps:
Nivedita’s Answer
Hi Jason,
I am glad you asked this question. One of the keys to get expertise in a domain is to talk to as many people as possible to gain insights aka Networking. I understand being a student its sometimes hard to get a ticket to a conference of your choice but don't get discouraged, there are many conferences which actually give subsidized tickets to students. Another great way is just go to meetups related to your field of interest. You can find many free events here : https://www.meetup.com/ and https://www.eventbrite.com/. Happy networking :)
Biswadeep Saha’s Answer
Routing TCP/IP, by jeff doyle is the book you can start with to get the fundamentals of networking