What are the directions in network engineering?

This content is my first answer on Zhihu; if you want to read the original answer, you can go to Zhihu to watch and search?

In fact, many people have no idea about the network engineer industry. I know it too well, so my answer this time is to give a detailed explanation of the network engineer industry. The original intention is to help fresh graduates who are looking for jobs, students who are interested in online learning, and network practitioners or people who plan to change jobs or change careers, have a better understanding of the network industry. and learn more about related employment.

#Dry information warning. It contains a comprehensive road map of the career development direction of network engineers and the respondents’ various experiences and insights about network engineers after working in the industry for the past ten years. It also includes a technical panorama and career entry suggestions for network engineers with zero basic knowledge.

The following is a general mind map made by the respondent based on the career trends of his peers and students of the respondent in the past ten years. If there are any imperfections, please give me your advice.

First of all, the respondent emphasized that the network engineers here are not limited to a small network, but a large industrial-level network platform. Because the word network has such a broad meaning, and because of its TO B attribute, it has been deeply misunderstood by the general public. They think that network engineers are network workers and network administrators. They think that network engineers are a very loser, very low industry and profession. , and even been labeled as "hardworking", "migrant workers", "no future", "no money" and "no technical content".

On some occasions, network engineers are also considered to be engaged in community broadband, integrated wiring, computer repair, and website development. In fact, these are all deep misunderstandings about the profession and industry of network engineers. Next, the respondent will clearly explain the industry and career direction of network engineers according to these three directions.

1. Divided by technical direction

(1) Routing and switching (with detailed technical roadmap attached): This is the basis of computer networks. To engage in this industry, you must have routing and switching skills Knowledge reserve, otherwise you will not be able to understand the context of the network, and it will be easy to see mountains as mountains. If you want to engage in routing and switching, currently domestic manufacturers generally refer to the manufacturer system represented by Huawei, H3C and other manufacturers. Other manufacturers include Ruijie, Maipu, Shanghai Boda, etc.

The job content is generally to provide technical services for various industries, government agencies, operators, etc. At present, with the integration of industries, the days when just setting up a VLAN and being very popular are over. At present, it is not enough to only understand routing and switching. The industry has new requirements for the technical depth and breadth of practitioners.

When applying for a job, the employment requirements of many companies will state that candidates with intermediate certificates from Huawei, H3C or Cisco will be given priority. This is because generally, talents with the technical level of intermediate certification from manufacturers are considered to be capable of operating general projects. capabilities, and are easier for customers to understand and recognize. After working as a network engineer for several years, the industry standard is to have advanced certifications from Huawei/Cisco/New H3C manufacturers, that is, IE certification.

In terms of salary, manufacturers generally offer relatively high salaries, with annual salaries ranging from 10 to 50W, or even higher. Integrators, channel vendors, and small manufacturers generally receive relatively average salaries.

If any students are not sure what level their technical level is, here is a skill map compiled by the respondent, which can be used as a reference. If you want the original file, please send a private message.

(2) Network security:

Currently, people in China mainly work in security hardware manufacturers, service providers or integrators and evaluation institutions. Such as Qi'anxin, Tianrongxin, Venustech, NSFOCUS, Shanshi Network Technology, Sangfor, Bangbang Security, Golden Shield Evaluation, Huazhong Evaluation, etc. In terms of technology, practitioners not only need to have security technology, but also relatively solid routing and switching technology. Even individual companies need to know some programming and automation technologies.

The work content generally includes penetration testing, security incident analysis, traceability and disposal, security rectification, security reinforcement, grade guarantee evaluation, system security construction, security project planning, construction and implementation, and security emergency response.

When applying for a job, companies generally require knowledge of routing and switching, as well as certain network security technologies and network security laws.

In terms of salary, generally speaking, the salary offered by network security companies is higher. The salary for ordinary fresh graduates can be as high as 16W. If they are doing penetration testing, the salary can be as high as 18-20W. , the lower ones are also 6-10W.

(3) Cloud computing:

At present, domestic cloud computing manufacturers, cloud service providers, large enterprises and institutions, such as Huawei, H3C, Sangfor and other manufacturers and their channels Business work. Generally speaking, established ICT companies will have corresponding cloud computing product lines. In addition, you can also choose to work for cloud service providers such as Tencent Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, and ucloud. These cloud service providers require network engineers to provide technical support.

The job content is generally as follows: if you work for a manufacturer, it is actually similar to a network engineer. If you are a cloud service provider, it is usually technical support or remote technology.

If you are looking for a job, corporate interviews generally require an understanding of network basics, virtualization, Linux basics, network security technology, etc.

In terms of salary, the annual salary for fresh graduates is 10-15W, and even some companies in some first-tier cities will offer even higher salaries.

(4) Wireless, voice, disaster recovery, storage, data center, big data, applications, etc.:

There are basically few specialized companies that only do this. , basically most comprehensive manufacturers will be involved in one or several areas of business. If you want to work in these areas, you can become a WLAN engineer, storage engineer, data center operation and maintenance engineer, etc.

If you are applying for a job, you must have basic knowledge of networks, enterprise-level WLAN, enterprise-level storage and other specialized technologies in specific directions.

In terms of salary and benefits, the difference is relatively large~ If you want to know more specifically, you can send a private message to consult

2. According to the employment company

Generally, it is divided into these four directions.

If any friends are not sure about the difference, you can refer to the company description.

Manufacturer: provides its own products or services to earn profits.

Operator: Responsible for operating services for end users based on the products or services provided by the manufacturer to obtain profits.

Channel dealers (distributors): operate and manage sales channels to obtain profits.

Agent: A representative authorized by the manufacturer in a certain region to perform certain functions of the manufacturer and distribute a certain product to obtain profits.

System integrator: It has certain qualifications. For large-scale projects, the general contractor will be selected through bidding, and the general contractor will subcontract the subsystems.

Generally speaking, manufacturers can provide more and more complete types of positions, and the processes are more detailed. Each position has its own function, and the salary is generally higher; large integrators do well. , the number of positions and benefits available are also relatively large.

Channel dealers, agents, distributors, and small integrators generally focus on a certain region or a few regions. They may cover everything from first-tier cities to eighteenth-tier cities, and the treatment is generally not as good as that of manufacturers. But if you can become a entrepreneurial partner of a certain company, that would be a good choice.

3. Divided by job position

This map is subdivided according to the above two general directions, and the division is relatively detailed. Generally speaking, the industry tends to be divided into two general directions: technology and market.

In terms of technical direction:

(1) After-sales engineer/technical support engineer/after-sales technical support engineer/network engineer/implementation engineer

Responsibilities:

1. Customer relationship maintenance;

2. User on-site or remote technical support (installation, debugging, troubleshooting);

3. Answer customer technical inquiries and communicate with customers Conduct technical exchanges;

4. Analyze problems and provide feedback

Comprehensive ability requirements:

1. Able to work independently and have a strong sense of responsibility;

2. Gentle personality and strong sense of service;

3. Strong adaptability and able to travel;

4. Strong resistance to pressure, able to withstand fast pace and full workload Environment

(2) Test engineer (general manufacturers only have this position)

Responsibilities:

1. Conduct system testing of the company's full line of products

2. Write test plans and test reports

3. Track product defects

4. Monitor quality assurance and other activities during the product development process

Comprehensive Competency requirements:

Technology: Proficient in protocols, principles, familiar with development processes, and understanding of development languages

(3) Remote technical support engineer/400 (This position is only available to general manufacturers.)< /p>

The responsibilities are the same as those of technical support engineers:

1. Customer relationship maintenance;

2. User remote technical support (installation, debugging, troubleshooting), that is, by phone Answer customer questions through the Internet, etc.;

3. Answer customer technical inquiries and conduct technical exchanges with customers;

4. Analyze problems and provide feedback

How to do a good job in 400 positions

In terms of market direction:

(1) Pre-sales engineer/product manager/pre-sales product manager (in principle, product manager is different from pre-sales, but currently most Some manufacturers and recruitment companies classify pre-sales as product managers)

Responsibilities:

1. Project technical support, including customer communication, technical exchange, demand guidance, plan production, Argument, tender document production, and tender document explanation;

2. Cooperate with sales to maintain regular communication and contact with customers (existing and potential), maintain and enhance customer relationships

3. Cooperation Conduct technical exchanges and training with partners and provide support

4. Explore customer needs and grasp industry applications and competitive trends

Comprehensive capability requirements:

1. Grasp the industry Cutting-edge technology, familiar with technical application solutions for industries in this field

2. Able to make overall plans for customer needs and submit optimal solutions

3. Proficient in all products of this brand Knowledge

4. Strong communication, organization, coordination, technical presentation, and strong execution ability

(2) Sales engineer/key account sales

Job description:

Responsible for the sales of certain product lines. Mainly responsible for the management of customer relationships, leading sales projects, and also the integrator of all resources in the entire delivery process.

Job requirements:

1. Bachelor degree or above, no major limit;

2. Good communication and expression skills, logical thinking skills and interpersonal understanding skills ;

3. Applicants with more experience in social practice, community practice and student union practice will be given priority.

The above is the direction of "network engineers" that the author has summarized in so many years of work. Generally speaking, this industry is still very popular. I hope it can be helpful to everyone. If you have different opinions or questions, please feel free to comment. Welcome to leave your opinions~

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