Network engineers build and maintain a company’s networks and databases. They may implement a local area network (LAN) for intra-office communication and a wide area network (WAN) to support an Internet connection, and make sure that all workstations, hubs, servers, routers, and switches work.

Networking positions, such as network engineers, are likely to grow faster than average as more companies move from mainframe computers to client-server networks or from paper-based systems to automated record-keeping using networked databases.

Network engineers should have excellent communication and organizational skills and must be able to work under pressure. Good judgment and decision-making skills are necessary, as well as the ability to work independently and with others on a team.

Because of the complexity of networking, network engineers need strong project management skills. During a typical day, they must be able to install and configure network servers, routers, switches, and hubs. They should also have excellent network design, configuration, and troubleshooting skills.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent networking experience, networking engineers should have at least 2 to 3 years of hands-on experience configuring routers, hubs, and related network equipment such as Cisco routers and switches and ATM products.

Network engineers normally work in comfortable offices or laboratories. They usually work about 40 or more hours a week, which may include some evening or weekend hours to meet deadlines or solve specific problems.