As to your question about working in the IT department keeping things running, that’s far from my experience. Personally I work fully in what we call engineering which means I consult with our internal clients figure out their requirements and then I design their network infrastructure and oversee the deployment of that network. Once that portion is done I hand it over to our Operations teams who do the care and feeding of the network keeping it running. We have an entirely separate team that worries about the corporate IT environment I build the networks that interface our company to the Internet at large through our many data centers. There are a variety of paths if you work for a larger company. If you go with a smaller company you’re probably going to be wearing many hats that of engineering operations and architecture all rolled into one.

As to telecommuting that’s absolutely an option especially in networking. I work from home occasionally if somethings going on with my kids or my wife needs to be off somewhere.

As to moving to consulting, I don’t know that I would say that’s a career path but sure some people end up going that route sure. If you would like to chat about it more shoot me an email through my contact page.

Came across this blog entry on a google search and have to admit I found it very insightful. I’m interested in making a career change and am looking in the direction of network engineering. However, I don’t have an IT background and all the information I’ve come across until now seems so redundant and surface (mostly coming from vocational sites and top ? lists) in profiling a network engineer. While I have an understanding of what a network engineer does, I’m still seeking info as to the entrepreneurial options in the field as well as diversity in work environments. It seems as though most network engineers get hired by a large or small company and work in their IT department to keep things running. But is that it? Is there variety in working environment? Is it possible to telecommute? What’s next after 10-15 years in the field? Do network engineers move on to consulting?

Thanks in advance for any light you (or any other commenters) can shed

Jay

[...] Career Diaries hosted at Fiscal Geek ““ I am really looking forward to more entries to this new series that Paul has kicked off.  Thinking about a career change?  Well here Paul and his guests tell all about what to expect in the highlighted career. Contact to participate. [...]

This was a wise deicision, IMHO. Not every elite performing network engineer wants to be a manager, nor will all of them become decent managers.
.-= The Casual Observer´s last blog ..Review of The Lost Symbol =-.

My site has provided me a very real and fun outlet to be an entrepreneur, even though I’ve chosen not to really monetize yet.

Look forward to seeing you at FS one day!
.-= Financial Samurai´s last blog ..Never Call In Sick On Friday, Slacker! =-.

Your MBA class example is spot on. About 6 years ago I was an engineer and got asked to be a first level manager. My boss ended up freaking out and they reorganized our group. My hope was at that time to be promoted. When I wasn’t I was a little bitter and started exploring MBA classes thinking that was the answer to my career dilemna. Lo and behold not a year later my new boss was moved out of his position due to a variety of issues and I was asked to manage the entire network engineering organization. 25 employees + 3 managers. I was very excited thinking this was exactly what I wanted. 3 years later, I was done. Envy and jealousy shouldn’t be your career motivation. Thanks for the insightful comments!

60% of my part-time MBA class were engineers, b/c they felt “stuck” making $150,000 / yr while their managers all made double and triple them. Meanwhile, the engineers thought they were the geniuses (which they are, but not in terms of compensation)!

FS
.-= Financial Samurai´s last blog ..Never Call In Sick On Friday, Slacker! =-.