Network Administrator → Network Automation Engineer

A realistic transition from Network Administrator to Network Automation Engineer: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 36%. Difficulty: Hard.

Difficulty: Hard7 stepsDuration: 16 to 20 monthsOverlap: 36%

Transition from Network Administrator to Network Automation Engineer.

Transferable skills

  • CI/CD for network
  • Networking (routing/switching)
  • Monitoring

Skills to learn

  • Infrastructure as code (Terraform)
  • Python
  • Git & version control
  • API & NETCONF/RESTCONF
  • Testing & validation
  • Cloud networking

Step-by-step learning plan

  1. 1. Build on your Network Administrator experience

    2–4 weeks

    Leverage

    • CI/CD for network
    • Networking (routing/switching)
    • Monitoring

    Map transferable skills — CI/CD for network, Networking (routing/switching), Monitoring — against what a Network Automation Engineer needs.

  2. 2. Close the partial gaps toward Network Automation Engineer

    3–6 weeks

    Improve

    • Network automation (Ansible/Python)

    Raise Network automation (Ansible/Python) to the level a Network Automation Engineer relies on.

  3. 3. Learn the core of the Network Automation Engineer role

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Infrastructure as code (Terraform)
    • Python
    • Git & version control

    Technologies

    AnsibleTerraformGit

    Cover the biggest gaps first: Infrastructure as code (Terraform), Python, Git & version control.

  4. 4. Master advanced Network Automation Engineer skills

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • API & NETCONF/RESTCONF
    • Testing & validation
    • Cloud networking

    Technologies

    GitLab CIJenkinsNETCONF

    Handle the advanced topics: API & NETCONF/RESTCONF, Testing & validation, Cloud networking.

  5. 5. Get productive with the Network Automation Engineer toolchain

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    AnsibleTerraformGitGitLab CIJenkinsNETCONFRESTCONFJuniper

    Be hands-on with Ansible, Terraform, Git and the rest of the target stack.

  6. 6. Practise Network Automation Engineer work in real conditions

    4–8 weeks

    Ship a portfolio project or take on Network Automation Engineer tasks at work.

  7. 7. Get certified and position yourself as a Network Automation Engineer

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    Cisco DevNet ProfessionalAnsible Red Hat AutomationTerraform Associate

    Update your CV and LinkedIn around Network Automation Engineer, then apply to target roles.

Alternative routes