Is Network Engineering a Viable Career?

An anonymous reader asks: "I'm fresh out of high school and interested in getting a job in networking. One option is a degree in networking, the alternative I've considered is just getting certificates (CCNA/P, A+, MCSA). A large factor in my decision is which route is most likely to land a secure and well-paid full time job. I'm located in Melbourne, Australia and I don't have any local contacts in the industry who can advise me, and so was hoping some other Australian (or international) readers could share their knowledge and experience with these issues."

I'm 10 years into a career.....

[karnal]

I've learned quite a few things in my days since college, and I've learned that what I thought I might want when I was younger has now changed drastically. Now, on to my point to assist you: I am currently clawing my way up the "Network-admin" ladder at my current place of employment, and I'm loving it. I would have to say though that before you can become a true network engineer (especially for a large company) you have to truly understand the business and get a feel for what direction you need to help it grow. I've done my share of PC admin, phone support, ACD server support and the like, and it's all helped to build my backround into a solid all-around good person to have around... and all of that background helps me in more ways than I can count when I go to troubleshoot a networking issue with something like Oracle etc.

Once you get your degree (yup, go to college or some other form of post-high school training) then get your foot in the door somewhere doing something supporting the end devices first. It may seem like menial work, but you'll thank me for it 5 years from now.... :)

GEt a network admin associates

[majortom1981]

If you want to go into networking get your aaaociates in Network Admin. I got my associaties in Network Admin and my bachelers in Computer management and I make $50k a year right out of college for a public library. I say go for the associates in Network Admin

Please contact me directly

[bernywork]

I am an aussie IT consultant currently working overseas.

I know the local market very well.

My email address is published.

Berny

Re:School

[El Cubano]

I'd recommend you go to school.

Ditto. In 10 or 20 years, a CCNA or whatever from 2007 will be effectively worthless. However, a B.Sc. degree will still mean quite a bit. Now, the degree does not absolve you pursuing continuing education and bettering yourself, but it is a much better foundation for your career. Think long term.

Become an electrician

[Animats]

Get an electrician's license instead. You're still stringing wires, but the pay is better and it's often unionized.

Re:CS or CE

[TheRealMindChild]

Sounds like you are one of the "Cert" people. No one, except those who wasted money and time on a certification, think they have ANY value.

And for the record, I've taught plenty of MS certification courses... and honestly, the ones that actually had brains figured out they are best with that money still in their pocket.

More on school

[StarKruzr]

Am I the only one who thinks the title of this thread is stupid? Of COURSE network engineering is a "viable career." That wasn't even the question.

Getting TO THE QUESTION:

You are always, always, ALWAYS more employable and more promotable (not to mention more PAYABLE) with a bachelor's degree than without. It is ALWAYS worth getting a bachelor's degree. I might go so far as to say it's also always worth getting a master's degree too, as MSs are becoming the new BSs.