#NetworkingCareerPath #Networking2024 #CCNA #ITCareerAdvice #CyberSecurity
Is Networking still a good career path in 2024?
In the ever-evolving world of technology, the question of whether networking is still a viable career path in 2024 is a valid one. With the rise of cloud computing, automation technology, and the continued demand for cybersecurity professionals, it’s essential to assess the current landscape to make an informed decision about your career path.
The short answer is yes, networking is still a valuable and viable career path in 2024. In fact, the demand for networking professionals is expected to continue to grow as organizations rely more heavily on digital infrastructure and connectivity. However, it’s essential to consider the evolving nature of the industry and the skills and certifications that will be most valuable for networking professionals in the coming years.
Here’s what you need to know about pursuing a career in networking in 2024:
The demand for networking professionals
In today’s digital age, organizations of all sizes rely on network infrastructure to connect their employees, customers, and data. As a result, the demand for skilled networking professionals who can design, implement, and maintain these networks is high. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow by 5% from 2020 to 2024, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
The rise of cloud and automation technology
While it’s true that cloud computing and automation technology are transforming the IT landscape, they are not rendering traditional networking skills obsolete. In fact, the integration of cloud services and automation tools often requires specialized networking knowledge to ensure seamless connectivity and security. As organizations continue to adopt cloud-based infrastructure and automation technology, networking professionals who possess the skills to integrate and secure these technologies will be in high demand.
The importance of cybersecurity in networking
With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, cybersecurity has become an integral part of networking. As an IT professional with a background in Information Security and IAM Engineering, the skills and knowledge you’ve gained in cybersecurity are highly transferable to the networking field. By obtaining a certification such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), you can further solidify your expertise in networking while leveraging your existing cybersecurity knowledge.
Your career path: Networking vs. Information Security
As you weigh the decision to pursue networking as a career path, it’s important to consider how it aligns with your long-term goals and interests. While you’re currently gaining valuable experience in Information Security and IAM Engineering, it’s clear that your passion for networking has endured since your time in school. Here are some factors to consider as you contemplate a transition into the networking field:
Salary considerations: It’s true that certain networking roles may offer a lower starting salary compared to some Information Security positions. However, with the right skills and certifications, networking professionals can command competitive salaries, especially as they advance in their careers.
Learning and growth opportunities: The networking field offers a diverse range of roles and specializations, from network engineering and architecture to cybersecurity. Pursuing a CCNA certification and transitioning into a networking role can provide you with new learning opportunities and professional growth.
Industry trends and job outlook: As mentioned earlier, the demand for networking professionals is expected to remain strong in the coming years. By staying abreast of industry trends and acquiring in-demand skills, you can position yourself for success in the networking field.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pursuing a career in networking in 2024 is a viable and rewarding path, especially for IT professionals with a background in Information Security. With the continued demand for networking professionals, the integration of cloud and automation technology, and the importance of cybersecurity in networking, pursuing a CCNA certification and transitioning into the networking field can be a strategic move for your career. Ultimately, the decision should align with your long-term goals and interests, so take the time to assess how networking fits into your professional journey.
As you continue to navigate your career path, remember to stay curious, keep learning, and seek out opportunities that align with your passions and ambitions. Whether you choose to focus on networking, Information Security, or a combination of both, your dedication to continuous growth and adaptation will serve you well in the dynamic world of technology.
Networking will never not be a good path. You just have to keep up with the changes over time.
> I’ve been thinking about committing to get my CCNA and starting to work my way into that field as a lateral move, but just can’t tell if that would be a huge mistake.
Even if you never find a network engineering role to fill, adding deeper data networking knowledge does nothing but help you.
> I’m sure Networking would yield less
I don’t know why you would think this.
Compensation should be roughly the same between InfoSec and Network Operations roles with similar experience levels.
> I’m also concerned about the introduction of Cloud and other automation tech that might be phasing traditional Net engineers out.
AI and Automation is coming for all job functions that are easy.
So focus on learning about things that aren’t easy.
> So, thoughts on Net Engineering/Security today? CCNA?
All paths forward involve some level of risk.
If this path interests you, go for it.
Study/obtain your CCNA. Whether or not you feel like you just went through hell will be a good indication of if you want to pursue network engineering. I got my BS in Cyber, but switched focus to networking. Planning/building infrastructure is rewarding work. Network security could be a good option for you too.
If you work in infosec, and you don’t have a strong background in either SysEng or NetEng then you are really bottom of the totem-pole.
Working in Networking is still a very great career, and network automation is still in it’s absolute infancy. A lot of companies are still vendor locked into cisco ACI, there are no standards, and most applications are written in-house, meaning that when the developer leaves the project is abandoned.
After a couple years in a NOC at a Enterprise org, you can also start getting into network security and start adminstrating and standing up firewalls, and security appliances, configuring Site-to-Site VPN tunnels.
I’m of course biased, but Network Engineers are the best troubleshooters in technology.
Network engineering is the best thing since sliced bread man. If you enjoy a little bit of security, scripting, and networking then its the job for you. I graduated last year got a Network Admin job however, it was a little slow for me so I decided to become a Network Engineer. Best choice of my life and best job of my life, not much to go on i guess but its awesome and love seeing people get into the networking field.
Throughout college I wanted to get into cyber so bad until I realized its not just pen testing all day like I wanted. From what I gather, through college friends and people here, a lot of it is analyzing logs and its not that exciting.
I would say get your CCNA but I dont even have one, my job is actually paying for me to study and take my CCNA currently.
Its shitty bow. It will be better in 2 yrs time
To understand how to secure a network, you have to be able to know how it works. Network engineer is a much better stepping stone to get into security rather than trying to start off in a security role with some schooling and no experience.
The company that partners with mine pays their network engineers over $150k (California). I can only imagine what the network architects make.
It’s still a great career
Yes, we just recently hired a Network admin and had a hard time getting applicants (CCNA and Juniper knowledge would be sufficient). We’ve moved most of our servers to AWS and Azure but we still have 200+ on site endpoints as well as needing to manage networking in a hybrid cloud environment.
If you’re a CCNA, I would recommend also learning something like Azure virtual networking.
YES
Networking runs the world. You will almost always be able to find a job in networking as long as you have the skills to back it up.
Even if you don’t want to do networking long term, networking knowledge will help you out big time in most other fields under the IT umbrella.
Sure is – though cloud, IAM, etc are all also viable routes. Sounds like you could go anywhere.
That’s why he’s the GOAT!!! THE GOAATTTTT!!!
Doesn’t take many people to manage network devices. Way more job for everything else..
It probably is. I don’t see networking going away anytime soon. Seeing as though everyone is on the internet. The demand will just grow for more skilled professionals in that area. But probably won’t be a popular path. There’s lots of exciting things in tech but the things that draw people in are like game development, cyber security, software engineering, analytics, sys admin, etc. networking is like the last thing people think about imo. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t or won’t be in demand. It’s like a trade. Your the plumber basically. There’s not a lot of people going into plumbing or who feel like they want to do it, but it’s important and isn’t going away anytime soon.