Introduction:
This paper explores network engineering as noticed in the job field. This will be done based on job ads with traits that are used often. Content analysis focuses on the extraction of information from sources to study or gauge the data at hand. Put simply,” Content analysis is a research tool used to determine the presence of certain words, themes, or concepts within some given qualitative data (i.e. text)” (2024 Columbia). I am looking for a job that pertains to the networking and defensive side of Cybersecurity. I am also seeking a job where I can study and educate my self about the intricacies of Cybersecurity and what it has to offer. This research is necessary to understand the context of job ads and what we can learn from them. By doing so I gain further knowledge in my field while also providing research information for future generations that may find it useful down the road for a specific study that they hope to conduct. Points of importance, intricacies, and job-related imagery will not only allow me to further explain the research. It will also all me to explain the context behind it. These points will not only allow me to further explain my reasoning behind this research, but it will also allow me to explain my future profession in a descriptive nature.
General Job Description:
A Network Security Engineer looks to be the perfect job for me in the future due to its involvement with technology security and the well-being of internet systems across the globe that rely on their daily operation. I find interest in the role of a Network Security Engineer since they are viewed upon as the backbone for security from malicious intent and cyber criminals. “A network engineer, often referred to as a network architect, designs, implements, manages, and troubleshoots computer networks. These can include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. They ensure that communication and data transfer systems are robust, efficient, and secure” (2024 wgu). They are responsible for keeping an understanding of current and previously composed principles so that they are up to date with information, processes, and data that is constantly changing based on our understanding of technology. With all this in mind it is often wondered how the scheduling works based on the importance of people in these fields of occupation.
Deciding whether you will be full-time, part-time, or contract depends heavily on the
company at hand and the work that is necessary for the position. For example, contract positions
are often set up for students taking computer science, cybersecurity, or other tech related jobs
that are soon to be out of college in their senior year. Some will often tailor these contracts to aid
the student financially due to the cost of the degree and other substandard costs that may exist. In
this example contracts would be useful. About full and part-time positions, this depends on the
ability and skills of the person on top of whether the company needs a numerous number of
individuals for said position. An example of this would be Google looking for network engineers
to look over their mainframes and storage units that house a plethora of links that carry petabytes
of data. They would be looking for senior engineers with high level experience due to the
importance and necessity of the systems maintenance and continued operation. Such companies
cannot afford to go down due to the people that rely on their information for day-to-day
involvement and tasks. For an example of part time employees, this would be best for starter
companies or intermediate companies that are on the rise or for those who hope to create
internships and inform/educate others about the intricacies of Cybersecurity. These jobs are
suited for entry to intermediate level computer related studies that are looking to either expand
their knowledge of the profession or work at a suitable job level that meets their criteria. Since this is mainly tailored at a senior level for those who have high experience, it is mainly a full-time position but there are instances of contract and part-time. You may be working part time or the entire week but what will be necessary when devoting your time to the company?
The duties and responsibilities of a network engineer can involve a wide variety of necessities depending on the department.
- “Establishing, designing, and implementing the network layout to improve network efficiency.
Performing tasks such as monitoring network traffic, analyzing network logs, and finding issues to track and improve network performance.
- Troubleshooting network issues by finding the root cause of the problem and developing a plan to resolve it
- Collaborating with other teams such as system administrators or security personnel for resolving issues and ensuring the best working of the networks
Configuring and keeping various network hardware and software such as routers, switches, and firewalls to ensure network security and efficiency
- Implementing security measures such as firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems, monitoring network activity for suspicious activity, and responding to security incidents
Conducting maintenance of network and implementing network upgrade tasks such as installing new hardware or software, upgrading existing devices, or making changes to network configurations,” (2024 Shinde)
are only a few of the tasks that may be needed. I have prepared for such skills with continued coding in languages like C++ and Python. I’m seeking a job that does not involve travel as many network engineering positions are in person compared to remote or hybrid. In terms of credentials, they mostly seek experienced personnel but there are positions looking to train individuals like the Facebook ad above which would be perfect for me. I have a great deal of the credentials mentioned and they will serve as a benefit down the road for future progression as a goal for an occupational career. Communication, knowledge of processes, and certifications are common across all the ads as I have noticed. This would be best to highlight in my portfolio as it is looked upon graciously. The certification requirements usually show near the bottom like the second and third images where security + and other cisco related certifications are mentioned in the preferred section. Bachelors, experience, and skills were a few of the hierarchal words of choice that I noticed between the ads of choice. There is no mention of remote work in the ads. As far as compensation, it is mainly required for you to list your desired upon salary based on skills as indicated in the bottom of the third ad. I find that the companies that are mentioned in the ads are mainly a range of small to medium sized companies which would be perfect for me since I am a beginner to intermediate level individual. To further analyze, it appears that these are lower known companies with few employees on the networking team. I also noticed that they are relatively established with a range of regional to national openings. This job has a lot to offer and does a lot but what are the coding related concepts that were noticed and what further analysis can be done?
Content Analysis:
Based on the previously reviewed ads, I noticed hierarchal words of certifications, experience, and bachelors. As far as the certifications and experience areas, they were typically looking for someone that was fluent in coding languages like C++ and certifications like CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, and Security +. While this was not present in all the job listings, it was present in most of them and is usually needed by the individual without mention but why is that so?
Looking at our hierarchal words we can explain this further conceptually. Experience and certifications are needed and necessary since they inform the employer of your skills and knowledge within the field that can later persuade them into giving you a job. This is also true for the bachelor’s degree which shows your excellence of performance over your four-year course of study in the profession.
Conclusion:
Network Security Engineers are an important forefront in the technologically/interconnected world as we know it today. They are important as a job due to the companies and services that they keep like Facebook, Google, etc. They are highly viewed based on the multiple languages of coding and certifications that are present and they are constantly looking for new talent to hire as shown from the imagery present. Network Engineering is a sound profession that I plan to apply within soon this May. The outlook, foundation, and importance of the occupation could not be any more of a necessity in today’s world when faced with ever evolving threats and inconveniences.
References
(2024). “Content Analysis”, pubic health.columbia.edu. –
Shinde, Siddhesh. (2024). “What Does a Network Engineer Do? A Comprehensive Guide for
2023”, emeritus.org. – https://emeritus.org/blog/technology-network-engineer-do/
“What is a Network Engineer”, wgu.edu. – https://www.wgu.edu/career-guide/information-
technology/network-engineer-career.html
Image 1 (2022). “Network Security Engineer”. Facebook.com –
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2521020738078059&id=193501484163341&
set=a.199351150245041
Image 2 (2024). “Senior Network Engineer”. Linkedin.com –
Image 3 (2023). “Network Engineers”. Ledpower.co.ke – https://www.ledpower.co.ke/careers/we-are-hiring-4-network-engineers-with-4-years-experience/
Image 4 (2024). “Wanted A Network Engineer”, jobz.pk – https://www.jobz.pk/network-engineer-
wanted_jobs-243997.html#google_vignette.