Network Engineer → Senior Network Engineer

A realistic transition from Network Engineer to Senior Network Engineer: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 80%. Difficulty: Easy.

Difficulty: Easy5 stepsDuration: 4 to 8 monthsOverlap: 80%

Transition from Network Engineer to Senior Network Engineer.

Transferable skills

  • Routing (BGP/OSPF)
  • Data centre fabric
  • Network automation
  • Security
  • Cloud networking
  • Load balancing

Skills to learn

  • Technical leadership

Step-by-step learning plan

  1. 1. Build on your Network Engineer experience

    2–4 weeks

    Leverage

    • Routing (BGP/OSPF)
    • Data centre fabric
    • Network automation
    • Security

    Map transferable skills — Routing (BGP/OSPF), Data centre fabric, Network automation — against what a Senior Network Engineer needs.

  2. 2. Learn the core of the Senior Network Engineer role

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Technical leadership

    Technologies

    Git

    Cover the biggest gaps first: Technical leadership.

  3. 3. Get productive with the Senior Network Engineer toolchain

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    Git

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

  4. 4. Practise Senior Network Engineer work in real conditions

    4–8 weeks

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

  5. 5. Get certified and position yourself as a Senior Network Engineer

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    CCNP EnterpriseCCIEAWS Advanced Networking

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