Network Administrator → Network Engineer

A realistic transition from Network Administrator to Network Engineer: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 56%. Difficulty: Medium.

Difficulty: Medium7 stepsDuration: 9 to 13 monthsOverlap: 56%

Transition from Network Administrator to Network Engineer.

Transferable skills

  • Switching & data centre fabric
  • Network security
  • Network automation (Python)

Skills to learn

  • SD-WAN
  • Cloud networking
  • Load balancing

Step-by-step learning plan

  1. 1. Build on your Network Administrator experience

    2–4 weeks

    Leverage

    • Switching & data centre fabric
    • Network security
    • Network automation (Python)

    Map transferable skills — Switching & data centre fabric, Network security, Network automation (Python) — against what a Network Engineer needs.

  2. 2. Close the partial gaps toward Network Engineer

    3–6 weeks

    Improve

    • Routing (BGP/OSPF)
    • Packet analysis

    Raise Routing (BGP/OSPF), Packet analysis to the level a Network Engineer relies on.

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

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Cloud networking
    • SD-WAN

    Technologies

    JuniperAristaMPLS

    Cover the biggest gaps first: Cloud networking, SD-WAN.

  4. 4. Master advanced Network Engineer skills

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Load balancing

    Technologies

    VXLANF5HAProxy

    Handle the advanced topics: Load balancing.

  5. 5. Get productive with the Network Engineer toolchain

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    JuniperAristaMPLSVXLANF5HAProxyAWS VPCAzure VNet

    Be hands-on with Juniper, Arista, MPLS and the rest of the target stack.

  6. 6. Practise Network Engineer work in real conditions

    4–8 weeks

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

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

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    CCNP EnterpriseAWS Advanced NetworkingJuniper JNCIS

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

Alternative routes