Network Engineer
Underrated, stable, foundational to almost every other track.
Phased progression
Foundations → first role → specialisation → advanced. The realistic order, not a script.
- 010–6 monthsFoundations
Literacy, lab habits, the cert that opens first conversations.
Network+ - 026–18 monthsFirst paid role
Land a NOC Technician → Network Engineer. Operational time, not more certs, earns the next move.
NOC Technician → Network Engineer$60–90k entry - 031.5–3 yearsSpecialisation
Add a specialist credential aligned to the work you're already doing.
CCNAJNCIA$90–130k mid - 043+ yearsAdvanced
Move into adjacent roles. Long-term credentials become worth their cost.
Cloud Networking$90–130k mid
- 01Foundations0–6 months
Literacy, lab habits, the cert that opens first conversations.
Network+ - 02First paid role6–18 months
Land a NOC Technician → Network Engineer. Operational time, not more certs, earns the next move.
NOC Technician → Network Engineer$60–90k entry - 03Specialisation1.5–3 years
Add a specialist credential aligned to the work you're already doing.
CCNAJNCIA$90–130k mid - 04Advanced3+ years
Move into adjacent roles. Long-term credentials become worth their cost.
Cloud Networking$90–130k mid
Certification sequence
Ordered by realistic relevance, not vendor marketing.
Practical projects
What to actually build, the portfolio that opens interviews.
- GNS3 / EVE-NG multi-router lab
- Home network with VLANs, firewall, and IPv6
- Document a real network end-to-end (L1→L7)
- ·Cloud networking specialism
- ·Sysadmin → networking pivot
Realistic expectations
What no recruiter will tell you.
That stacking certifications shortcuts the timeline. It doesn't. Operational time and a public portfolio are what compress the path.
8–14 months to first role is the realistic time to the first role on this route. Most people overshoot by 6–12 months. Plan for it; don't panic when it happens.