With all this constant buzz about e-anything and e-everything, if you're interested in working in the computer field, you might be tempted to find yourself an e-related job. Even if the e-wave crashes in a year or so, you figure you'll still be ahead of the game.

Well, I'm here to tell you, there aren't many sure bets for long-term job prospects in the IT world, but if you're looking for one, look no further than the cables running out the back of your computer. Network engineering--it's not a job, it's a career.

In the computer world, network engineers are like plumbers and, as are good plumbers in the real world, good network engineers are worth their weight in gold. Network engineers are even more important in the IT world if they know the intricacies of weaving networks into intranets and the Internet.

Network engineers are like plumbers in other ways, too. They're always critical players during the construction phase of a network, especially in any networked computer system where more than a few computers are linked together by one or more servers. They're also invaluable for the care and maintenance of a network once it's up and running.

What Network Engineers Do

Networks are integral parts of the computer infrastructure in business today. Where computers are used to improve the bottom line, you can bet you'll find some kind of network tying them together. If those computers can't talk to each other and share file and hardware resources--across the room or across the world--your business is in trouble.

Positive Support Review Inc., an IT recruiting firm in Santa Monica, Calif., lists seven network engineering­related positions in its job description database, including:

Network technician--responsible for the day-to-day operation of networks including installation and repair of terminals, modems, servers, multiplexers and leased-line equipment. Network control analyst--responsible for the day-to-day operation of the network. Installs and maintains terminal and network equipment. Maintains and updates network documentation and makes sure network technical procedures are followed. Senior network specialist--responsible for all aspects of network communications, including hardware, cabling, communications with other locations, problem-solving, technical training, and network security. The senior network specialist must be familiar with software and hardware used for networks including bridges, routers, and gateways. Network services administrator--assists the manager of network services (see below) in administrative functions such as writing network documentation and procedure manuals. Also documents network installations. Supervisor, network services--manages and supervises all activities of the network analysts and specialists. Areas of responsibility include terminal and network installations, dealing with vendors, operating the network service desk, and preparing for changes in network topology and documentation. Manager, network services--manages and supervises the operation of the voice- and data-communications networks and local networks. The bulk of the position is devoted to network planning and management, creating and developing ties to intranets and the Internet, hardware installations, system security, and user support. Data communications manager--responsible for overseeing the network group within technical services. This group is responsible for all aspects of data communication within the enterprise, including terminals, printers (remote and local), networks, connections with other locations, security and coordination of voice and data communications, including microwave, TI, and ISSN.

Do you Have the Right Stuff?

All these positions require a few common characteristics , though. They all demand unswerving, unending devotion to the smallest of details and the ability to remain undaunted in dealing with piles of minutiae day in and day out. You must also be devoted to creating and maintaining complete documentation of network installations and changes over time.

If you're interested in moving your way up through management positions, you've got to get used to dealing with people who don't readily understand, or want to understand, how networks operate. They just want them to run and they want you to deal with it, whatever it is--a broken terminal, a report that won't print, or their inability to remember to plug their laptop into a phone jack before they try to check their e-mail.

Likewise, you'll have to develop the people skills to deal with technicians who don't like to admit that they can't figure something out and salesmen who want to pretend their products do everything the spec sheet says. Do yourself (and others) a favor--if you'd rather deal with cables and wiring closets than people, set your sites on becoming a senior network technician instead of becoming a manager.

Compensation and Opportunities

Network technicians of all kinds top the wish lists of business corporations and computer consulting firms. Starting salaries begin around $30,000 and move quickly into the high five-figure and even low six-figure range within a few years. All you need to move up is experience and certification. Management positions pay even more, particularly if you're involved in Internet-related networks.

You'll also get the opportunity to work anywhere in the country--in the city or out in the country--and the ability to move around without fear of finding yourself in a job market without need of your skills. If you like to travel, sign up with a consulting firm that installs and maintains networks for other companies.

Get started by taking training and certification courses. Then, to get some experience, start out working anywhere that will hire you. I'm not kidding--to advance in this career you need to demonstrate experience and problem-solving ability.

Stick it out at the first job for six months and then go looking for a place where you can stay at least a year. Look for positions that offer you a variety of learning experiences and challenges, and don't plan on making it home by 5 p.m. for a few years.

So, if you're looking for an IT career that will keep you busy and content for the rest of your working life, consider a career in network technology. As long as there are computers on desks, you're going to have a job. After all, have you ever heard of an out-of-work plumber?

Contributing Editor Molly W. Joss writes from a sleepy town in Pennsylvania.

Sidebar

Certification Potpourri

MCSE, CNE, CCNA--What's it all mean? If you feel comfortable with computers (shell open or shell closed), all you need to get started on a network-engineering career is a little cash and a little time. You don't even need to leave home to get the training you need. Local community colleges and private computer-training schools offer nationally recognized network certification courses.

Novell, Microsoft, and Cisco also offer certification training courses in their various network operating systems, and most local providers are certified trainers in one or more of these vendor solutions. To get the most out of your investment of time and money, make sure that the certification course you're taking is taught by people who have been authorized and trained by one of these major vendors.

You can also get your training or certification through independent companies and associations offering network technology training for certification.

You may also want to become certified in more than one network operating system, especially if you want to become a senior technician or move up the management ranks. To do this, you'll have to take multiple certification tests and maintain your certifications. The Computer Technology Industry Association offers the Network+ certification program in a range of areas not limited to one network operating system.

Keep in mind, though, that once you've earned your certification and get started, you'll have to keep up with your training and certification. If you don't, you may lose your certification as network operating system companies update their software. Novell, for example, is requiring every NetWare-certified network engineer to pass the NetWare 5 test before the end of November or lose their certification.