Been a engineer for last 7 years...take the hardest task, even if you don’t solve the issue by yourself it’s ok, the experience with the harder tickets or task are worth gold.. make sure your a team player and do not Hold back information in fear of losing your job to someone, this is a toxic trait lot of engineers I have met have.. don’t keep network secrets
Every problem is a network problem until proved otherwise. You also must know the first 4 layers of the OSI model very well. Most problems will reside at layer 4; so you must know the in's & out's of TCP protocol and packet analysis.
The 3 step backup/failover. You always come up with a backup plan for "temporary" solutions until the primary is fixed. However, sometimes it is left out about what would happen while the temporary is being used, what happens if that fails? Happens all the time. Same as backups, if your stuff isn't backed up to 3 places, then it is done wrong.
Sorry to be so off topic but does any of you know of a way to log back into an instagram account?? I somehow forgot my password. I would appreciate any help you can give me!
The second one hit hard. As a junior network engineer I had many moments where I felt like an impostor. All these people around me seemed to know so much more than me. Sometimes even on an easy topic I missed a crucial detail or I struggled to explain how it works and that made me feel bad. But what I really forgot was that everyone around me had more experience than me. Several years more. So there was really no reason to feel bad. I was and I am still learning and the more I learn the more I see that even the experienced engineers still get things wrong or struggle with certain concepts. It's ok to not know something. Not knowing something is alway the precursor to learning something.
This is crazy! I just found this video today and everything your saying is so true. Ive been in IT since September 2021 and I've started as an Helpdesk Technician to a System Administrator and start as a Networking Analyst on July 10th. I've never focused on the money because I've done that in my past and i wasn't happy. I followed my passion. I've gain a few certs and was never scared to take the hard tickets. I always volunteered if a learning opportunity presented it self. That's how I was able to move up so fast with in 2 years.
Gives me motivation my man, you should be proud of your hard work. It’s admirable as I’m going through processes of stepping into the networking world. It is tough transitioning carpentry to this, however I enjoy the self challenging and problem solving. Lately I’ve felt very anxious every time of the day, can’t sleep much anymore because my mind is so cluttered.
I understand and can relate to this feeling. Manage the stress by working out and writing down your thoughts. That helps me determine the cause and a path to resolve it.
You bring a tear to my eyes, a man that looks like me and doing what I wanna be, emotional, im gonna work hard to become a good network engineer and make you proud I promise. Starting a fast track 2 year degree in IT and networking, wanted to start properly even though I know a degree is not mandatory.
"Can it ping?" Can't tell you how many times I've been on a call with a high level server engineer or desktop support guy and this question had turned the tide of the entire investigation.
Also, don't be afraid to start from the bottom. Work on the first like help desk for a couple of years before moving up into networking. I started on the help desk out of college and moved into desktop support / networking whilst studying for my CCNA. Gave great experience and helped me reach a point where if there were issues not networking related and hundreds of calls came in, I wouldn't hesitate to jump on the phones and help.
Big bro you helped me pass my CCNA right before the pandemic began ....been getting internship interviews like crazy and impressing companies whilst my other classmates disregarded the certs...It was tempting to wait until my program ended to try but I glad I did...appreciate your wisdom!
As a long time IT person and relatively new to Networking, this video was spot on! Most important is the first thing you mention! The field is completely different than the books and what you learned. Great video, and thanks for the inspiration.
I can’t tell you how much this video put my mind at ease. I’ll be graduating in September with my AS in networking/cybersecurity from an 18 month accelerated degree program and I feel SO unprepared. I know I’m not supposed to know everything right now, but sometimes when I’m working on an assignment I feel so lost. You made me feel so much better
I was Sr networking engineer for MCI ANS (advanced network services). One thing i learned is every customer network is different. Also networks were built with different objectives in mind. What may look stupid to you may make sense when you realize the constraints at the time. (Money, time, manpower and legacy infrastructure). Also most customer networks have little or poor documentation. Dont take their word as gospel. See/confirm for yourself. You will save hours days of wild goose chasing. The log files are your best friend. Learn how to search thru them. Also being a network engineer is a continuous process where you constantly have to sharpen your sword.
These are some solid tips. Glad I found your channel. I've been in IT Support for the last 7 years and now I'm ready to uplevel to be a Network Engineer!
I went to sleep after 2a from studying for CCNA. Woke upt 6a thinking about what I was studying. This was the first video I listened to after seeing it yesterday. This gave me a boost of confidence for real! Thanks Du'an!
I'm an IT infrastructure professor and I felt like I was listening to myself. This video boils down a semesters worth of rants that I have in my classes. I agree with every single point you make. I appreciate this video and I am going to share it with my students. Awesome video!
This was really good. Something I am working on is stay calm, and don't rush a fix cause people are breathing down your neck. That can cause you to be deceived by something in the config, and now you have to fix 2 problems. Thankfully, I didn't break anything serious but realize I need to improve in this area.
Currently studying for my CCNA, thank you for all of this great advice. I am patient and determined. I have been building computers and installing network hardware since 1998. Technology is always changing and improving, but you must keep up with it or it will leave you behind.
When you take the position of “Network Engineer“ know exactly what the position entails. Are you going to be a Network Engineer or Glorified Help Desk ? The title can entail broad range of job duties. Know what your getting into. Speaking from experience. Advertised job opportunities can be mis leading
@@vincentmurimi6267 Not really. Just relaying some knowledge from a past experience. Once you take the position your committed until you find something else. So know what your getting into from the start.
I always thought Network Engineers were experts that held top level CCIEs that mainly designs large scale networks opposed to troubleshooting, maintaining and managing networks. I mean that's what Network Admins do that maintains the network infrastructure that generally holds a CCNA/CCNP. Theres a difference between IT Admins and Engineer's and if Network Engineer job titles are being used interchangeably with Network Administrator, the two roles are very different. Engineer and Architect job titles are used interchangeably that means the same thing but they both focus on design and implementation. IT Admins work in operation support roles that manages the systems along with Network Technicians, Desktop Support Technicians, Help Desk that have teir levels.
The Best positive 10 tips on networking i have ever heard... Thank you so much sir for making such kind of informative video it will help me into my network engineer journey 😊 Thank a lot !!!❤
Document before you build. Documentation after the work is done will never happen. When you doing changes always update the documentation. There is no TEMP things, everything becomes permanent.
@@LabEveryday thanks :) Then ofc use automation to verify documentation actually match the real world. But there always need to be a planning phase before things are set in production and this need to be done "on paper" before :)
Try to prepare yourself for change as much as possible. I was a network engineer for about 6 months prior to our team losing a Senior Engineer with 2 CCIEs and many years of experience. I have only really grown as an engineer by having to take on a tremendous workload after losing this senior engineer. That engineer was like a mentor and helped me many times to underatand what I needed to do but in an instant that was gone with no warning.
What’s up Du’An. The one thing I wish I knew how to do better is studying! I’m a muscle memory learner and a good listener. Any cert I’ve obtain has been through memory of watching videos or experience gained. I suck at taking notes. What I have found out tho is that listening goes a long way with customers. Now I’m in all types of meetings because of it. Customers feel comfortable knowing I’m in the WebEx because my questions usually open up avenues that were not seen before. Great video bro!
Senior network engineer with an ISP. One thing I wish I knew was the importance of soft skills. It will help you get jobs that you are way under qualified for, I have no certs and just a two year tech degree and was able to land this job due to soft skills. You will get imposter syndrome, just keep going,l. There is going to be a lot of stress but don’t let that get to you, if you get let go, you will have gained the experience to land anotheposition.
@On1on Salt What exactly do you mean by soft skills? Is this just communication? Thank you for your advice; I am struggling with imposter syndrome now. I honestly didn't even realize it until this video. I am making a huge life career change, and honestly, its terrifying.
@@timmydidit communications, being able to make friends with everybody by charm, make sure you sound exited to learn, but mainly, act like a person who you would want to work with all day every day. Show that you are confident, if you don't know the answer to a technical question in an interview, you can either deflect or say: I am unfamiliar with that ".." but I would love to learn that, something along those lines. So mainly in my opinion it's : charm, confidence, deflection skills, communication, etc...Best career choice I made, I went from making $9.00 /hr to making $120,000 in just two years of technical college.
I graduated college on April 2019 and got my first job as a network engineer in January 2020 and still on it. and to be completely honest. your tips are gold. just watching you talking about your experience made me realize I'm doing great so far and will continue to evolve. currently taking more courses online. and ask questions is 100% true though I used to react right away but now the most important question is - are you the only facing this problem? - I wish you all the best and thank you for the amazing video.
Terima kasih bruh,. Saya baru ingin mencoba dunia networking ini, video anda menginspirasi saya. Kenapa baru sekarang saya melihat nasihat sebagus ini. Sekali lagi terima kasih dan keep up this channel for the great network edu channel .
As a senior network engineer now transitioning into teaching, this is exactly what I tell my students. I’m going to show this in my class. I use a lot of the same phrases, the more you learn the more you earn. Sharing is caring. When you help others you help yourself. I don’t know jack myself.
Hey Du'an, I just found you in my feed and I am glad I did. The tips you mentioned are very general, but it's a good reminder to everyone because we tend to forget about them since they are very "taking for granted". Solid video.
Haha, so I’m at the age 14 rn and I’m looking for a job for these COVID times I’ve switched back and forth into what I want to be when I grow up and I’ve set my mind on the tech industry trying to find jobs with retirement and good pay maybe like a government job but the network engineer did catch my eye this helped me a lot because me still being a kid doesn’t understand the industry as the way I think it is thanks man you helped a lot! Also I’m not looking for a job now now I mean I’m just trying to set a career.
I have been in networks and Voice for a long time now. My advice to new ones is. Do Not be Scared to sit in the Hot Seat. The Hot Seat is when u find yourself in a down situation and the business is looking at you to brung everything back up. If you can get over your imposter syndrome get in there and analyze the situation and don't shy away from the moment to make a contribution to get your systems back on line.
You just earned a subscriber man! Very informative content and tips. I have just started with network troubleshooting and administration at my company I will definitely try to apply those things you mentioned.
These are all facts and relatable being someone that's new to the field like me, my advice is model your career around this and you will have a very successful career. Thank you always mentor Du'An✌.
I just started as in NetOps and all this is just so useful. I'm hoping to share the knowledge it took for me to get here and also keep progressing. Awesome video 👏🏾
Late to the game, but I wish I knew how often I'd end up driving in for a 4am maintenance. Doesn't bother me enormously, but be ready for weird hours and on-call schedules if you wanna work on infrastructure.
As a long time electronics technician, default sys admin, and sometimes hardware/software engineer, every single tip covered applies in all those areas as well. I wish this video was available when I was first starting out because it's all facts.
Your sword's lookin mighty sharp by the last advice: sharing with others and teaching sharpens your own sword. Thanks for putting your advice out there Mr. Lightfoot
Imposter syndrome. I never thought about it, but I've felt it many times in my career. Thanks for bringing it up! I feel a little less like an imposter now :D
Great video. I love the one about not being the smartest person in the room. Stay humble is one I try to live by now. 15 years in networking and two IEs and working on my third, I try to let my work and behavior be my message to others. Not what I have done in the past or how much I know.
I wish I knew that Subnetting really isn't that scary. If I would've sat down and learned subnetting by hand years ago, I would've jumped into networking much earlier. I didn't understand it, so it scared me. I barely made an effort to learn up until 2020 hit and I was without a job. Learning networking and starting a homelab has got me excited about tech again, and I'm no longer afraid of networking! I was just so scared that going deeper down the rabbit hole would be over my head. It really wasn't. BIG agree to "Never stop learning" "Be the most curious person in the room". Love it.
Never stop technical reading about the product u are working with. Every networking switch, router, and firewall is implemented differently. Educate yourself about the technology and configuration steps. As long as u have the basic knowledge from college or book readings, u will not have any issues reading technical documents from vendors.
@@LabEveryday I'm looking into Networking, and Linux. Linux gets this intimidating rep and it makes me that much more intrigued in learning about it and its flavors. Eventually, with some experience I want to transition into Cloud Technology. Maybe Network AI or something like that. The sheer amount of pathways is overwhelming not going to lie. Currently going through Net+ material. Then jumping to CCNA
This is a well done list Du'An. I wish I had a better conception of how an entire system hangs together, a "big picture" understanding in other words, before diving into details. It helps me to better understand and remember things.
@@LabEveryday Thank you for your reply. Your videos are really inspiring. I am a web designer but want to leave that job. I wish to know what is happening "under the hood" (must have because I am getting older). I wish to enter and become network engineer , first finishing CCNA, then possibly CCNP or go into Cybersecurity. Have knowledge of Linux. Any advice for anyone going from software to infrastructure (networking)? I know people usually go other way around, but I am interested in physical stuff now, cables, security and especially Cisco, virtual networks in the future. Or is it a bad change, and future is not good for network engineers and the best it to learn cloud? Thanks Du'An
The real world is definitely different. Every tech job you have you learn something new or that people will do the same things in a different way at every job. I certainly am taking time to learn how everyone at my current job does their job every day.
Just spent a year and a half working towards cyber security with tertiary education but, just got a job as a NOC technician (starting in a week and a half) and now I’m leaning towards a network engineer in the future too… I’m so excited for the future now though and I can always decide where I want to go later
@@leothalion3983 Ping some people on LinkedIn who are in positions you want to be in. Certs help but you may need more experience. I set up a network at my church just to show my skills.
This is amazing. I have been a network engineer for over 8 years and been involved in several successful projects but without a certification. Certifications in this part of the world is very expensive.
Study how to supervise and manage people. Just read through a few bookS, watch some vids, then practice a little at work and home. Main thing is, don't discipline people (don't yell at people) in public, only discipline and criticize in PRIVATE. DRESS FOR THE JOB YOU WANT, NOT THE JOB YOU HAVE.
I had a manager at a sales job complain about me not hitting goals in front of everyone on multiple occasions. I end up quitting. It’s so unprofessional.
How important understanding the basics of networking. Not worrying about knowing every command. And Linux is everywhere lol.being able to explain it to others who may not know it in depth.
Yep, a few years back I quit a good job because it was too hard. I wish I would have stuck with it now. Worse thing is, I have a quote on my wall by Shaq, "STEP UP TO THE CHALLENGE."
I am 31 and I only know the basics, am I still late to this. I am trying to get more knowledge and experiecne. Can someone help me with what steps I can take from here on?
At my first Network eng. interview I was most surprised at the fact that the series of interviews were a lot harder than what the job was after I got hired!!
I passed the CCNA last month and I have my CompTUA Network+ also. Can you please tell me what I need to do to get an entry level job without experience.
Totally agree, do not chase the money. I am in a position where the better pay would involve 2 hour travel each day. At the minute I can get to/from work I 20 minutes by walking and be home in time to have tea with the kids. When they are older, I will have more certs under my belt and more opportunities to work further from home. Great advise on this video!
im 18 , (&) have a job as a computer technician for a school district, where i basically fix everything in the district technology wise " printer jam " " computer has a virus " " shorcut wont load webpage. Although the pay is definitely amazing for the job. it seems very unprofessional. There is literally 2 people in the whole IT Department. Me ( who runs to 4 different schools fixing things ) Director which has Technology issues at the main office. Honestly, there is hardly any tickets. Some days i have to look for work. I hate that bc i feel like that's slowing me down. I love learning (&) it just seems slower ig bc some days there arent even any tickets. Im currently in college for computer networking. I absolutely love the networking side of things ... Configuring cisco switches (&) routers is very interesting! Just building the network and configuring everything (&) we done actual math when subnetting not using a sundt calculator.. (&) seeing the complete project work / communicate is very satisfying. Im sure there is very much more to networking A WHOLE LOT! but that is what caught my eye. This August will be a year ive been at my job a year (&) I graduate college next year (May 2022). I just like staying busy (&) always want to be a contribue to something big. So I just feel like I have to move on to get the knowledge that I want to learn. Mississippi is horrible for opportunities. I want to learn more about networking after this job .. im not sure if I should go for helpdesk or what path tp really take to get where ii want to be ( in the network engineering part of things ) i know thats going to be a journey while working on certs as well. I just need an insight on after this job. Im honestly not learning at the job as i may have stated earlier. ii was told by a cisco professional to try to get a networking support/technician job in a NOC.
Is Networking Engineering hard on your back? I suffer with back pain and can't sit for too long of a period of time nor can I lift, push, or pull anything too heavy. I've tried an office job a couple of times and I struggled with back pain just from sitting for hours. I'm also colorblind. What kind of advice can you give me?
I’m a little late to this video but the imposter syndrome is hitting me hard. I graduated from college 2 years ago and landed a job as a network engineer last year. After a year with my company I was promoted to be the Lead Network Engineer. The engineers on my team that are far smarter than me and now I’m am really feeling inadequate. I don’t know what my boss saw in me but I’m trying to figure it out!
What's one thing that you wish you knew? #LabEveryday
Been a engineer for last 7 years...take the hardest task, even if you don’t solve the issue by yourself it’s ok, the experience with the harder tickets or task are worth gold.. make sure your a team player and do not Hold back information in fear of losing your job to someone, this is a toxic trait lot of engineers I have met have.. don’t keep network secrets
@@mattwood5493 hoarding info is definitely a toxic trait in this industry.
Every problem is a network problem until proved otherwise. You also must know the first 4 layers of the OSI model very well. Most problems will reside at layer 4; so you must know the in's & out's of TCP protocol and packet analysis.
The 3 step backup/failover. You always come up with a backup plan for "temporary" solutions until the primary is fixed. However, sometimes it is left out about what would happen while the temporary is being used, what happens if that fails? Happens all the time. Same as backups, if your stuff isn't backed up to 3 places, then it is done wrong.
Sorry to be so off topic but does any of you know of a way to log back into an instagram account??
I somehow forgot my password. I would appreciate any help you can give me!
The second one hit hard. As a junior network engineer I had many moments where I felt like an impostor. All these people around me seemed to know so much more than me. Sometimes even on an easy topic I missed a crucial detail or I struggled to explain how it works and that made me feel bad. But what I really forgot was that everyone around me had more experience than me. Several years more. So there was really no reason to feel bad. I was and I am still learning and the more I learn the more I see that even the experienced engineers still get things wrong or struggle with certain concepts. It's ok to not know something. Not knowing something is alway the precursor to learning something.
see everyone else feels like an imposter too its normal
Future network engineer....this video is AMAZING!!!! Thank you so much!
I love hearing from future network engineers! You’re welcome. Thank you and you got this!
This is crazy! I just found this video today and everything your saying is so true. Ive been in IT since September 2021 and I've started as an Helpdesk Technician to a System Administrator and start as a Networking Analyst on July 10th. I've never focused on the money because I've done that in my past and i wasn't happy. I followed my passion. I've gain a few certs and was never scared to take the hard tickets. I always volunteered if a learning opportunity presented it self. That's how I was able to move up so fast with in 2 years.
Keep going!!! Nothing can stop you but you! 💪🏾
Gives me motivation my man, you should be proud of your hard work. It’s admirable as I’m going through processes of stepping into the networking world. It is tough transitioning carpentry to this, however I enjoy the self challenging and problem solving. Lately I’ve felt very anxious every time of the day, can’t sleep much anymore because my mind is so cluttered.
I understand and can relate to this feeling. Manage the stress by working out and writing down your thoughts. That helps me determine the cause and a path to resolve it.
Update: Im officially a Network Engineer at $90K. Keep pushing!
My guy! Congrats! Keep going! @@newyorkkam
You bring a tear to my eyes, a man that looks like me and doing what I wanna be, emotional, im gonna work hard to become a good network engineer and make you proud I promise. Starting a fast track 2 year degree in IT and networking, wanted to start properly even though I know a degree is not mandatory.
Which fast track program did you go with?
How is it going?
Guys, truth is I became a data engineer, learned python, sql, then data engineering from datacamp. Go for it guys, its hard, but so rewarding its mad
@@Kevin-iz5ctHe ended up on crack
"Can it ping?" Can't tell you how many times I've been on a call with a high level server engineer or desktop support guy and this question had turned the tide of the entire investigation.
Also, don't be afraid to start from the bottom. Work on the first like help desk for a couple of years before moving up into networking. I started on the help desk out of college and moved into desktop support / networking whilst studying for my CCNA. Gave great experience and helped me reach a point where if there were issues not networking related and hundreds of calls came in, I wouldn't hesitate to jump on the phones and help.
You’re one of those “Pay your dues” type of guys..
@@sorryidgaf.6043 what s wrong with that?
Big bro you helped me pass my CCNA right before the pandemic began ....been getting internship interviews like crazy and impressing companies whilst my other classmates disregarded the certs...It was tempting to wait until my program ended to try but I glad I did...appreciate your wisdom!
Congrats family. I am glad to hear that you are winning. Keep shinning!
All the best, CCNA is great, never underestimate it, it's a great achievement
Any update?
Hey bro what school did you attend? I you from Dallas? I’m trying to start a new career as a network engineer.
As a long time IT person and relatively new to Networking, this video was spot on!
Most important is the first thing you mention! The field is completely different than the books and what you learned.
Great video, and thanks for the inspiration.
I can’t tell you how much this video put my mind at ease. I’ll be graduating in September with my AS in networking/cybersecurity from an 18 month accelerated degree program and I feel SO unprepared. I know I’m not supposed to know everything right now, but sometimes when I’m working on an assignment I feel so lost. You made me feel so much better
hi,which uni is that ?
I was Sr networking engineer for MCI ANS (advanced network services). One thing i learned is every customer network is different. Also networks were built with different objectives in mind. What may look stupid to you may make sense when you realize the constraints at the time. (Money, time, manpower and legacy infrastructure). Also most customer networks have little or poor documentation. Dont take their word as gospel. See/confirm for yourself. You will save hours days of wild goose chasing. The log files are your best friend. Learn how to search thru them. Also being a network engineer is a continuous process where you constantly have to sharpen your sword.
These are some solid tips. Glad I found your channel. I've been in IT Support for the last 7 years and now I'm ready to uplevel to be a Network Engineer!
I spent 6 years in support. Can totally relate. Here’s my story. Hope it helps you.
th-cam.com/video/TqE4Uc-pLjw/w-d-xo.html
I went to sleep after 2a from studying for CCNA. Woke upt 6a thinking about what I was studying. This was the first video I listened to after seeing it yesterday. This gave me a boost of confidence for real! Thanks Du'an!
That’s great to hear!! You’re dedication will definitely payoff. You got this family!
Yes brother, keep going, you will never regret it, wishing you all the best with your Ccna
Any update?
I'm an IT infrastructure professor and I felt like I was listening to myself. This video boils down a semesters worth of rants that I have in my classes. I agree with every single point you make. I appreciate this video and I am going to share it with my students. Awesome video!
Thats awesome! Thank you!
This was really good. Something I am working on is stay calm, and don't rush a fix cause people are breathing down your neck. That can cause you to be deceived by something in the config, and now you have to fix 2 problems. Thankfully, I didn't break anything serious but realize I need to improve in this area.
thanks duan! 2 weeks ago i passed my ccna certification! lab everyday!
Awesome congrats on getting your CCNA #LabEveryday
Congrats!
Congrats!
Just got my CCNA! you helped me a lot bro! watched your videos throughout!
I have only seen about 3 of ur videos and I already believe this is about the best Network Engineering Channel I have come across. You sound so real.
Currently studying for my CCNA, thank you for all of this great advice. I am patient and determined. I have been building computers and installing network hardware since 1998. Technology is always changing and improving, but you must keep up with it or it will leave you behind.
When you take the position of
“Network Engineer“ know exactly what the position entails. Are you going to be a Network Engineer or Glorified Help Desk ? The title can entail broad range of job duties. Know what your getting into. Speaking from experience.
Advertised job opportunities can be mis leading
Seems you've been through a lot bro😂
@@vincentmurimi6267 Not really. Just relaying some knowledge from a past experience. Once you take the position your committed until you find something else. So know what your getting into from the start.
I always thought Network Engineers were experts that held top level CCIEs that mainly designs large scale networks opposed to troubleshooting, maintaining and managing networks. I mean that's what Network Admins do that maintains the network infrastructure that generally holds a CCNA/CCNP. Theres a difference between IT Admins and Engineer's and if Network Engineer job titles are being used interchangeably with Network Administrator, the two roles are very different. Engineer and Architect job titles are used interchangeably that means the same thing but they both focus on design and implementation. IT Admins work in operation support roles that manages the systems along with Network Technicians, Desktop Support Technicians, Help Desk that have teir levels.
The Best positive 10 tips on networking i have ever heard...
Thank you so much sir for making such kind of informative video it will help me into my network engineer journey 😊
Thank a lot !!!❤
In college for it right now and trying to get my foot in the door in under two years.
So far love the training
Document before you build.
Documentation after the work is done will never happen.
When you doing changes always update the documentation.
There is no TEMP things, everything becomes permanent.
Thank you. I like the fact you mentioned documenting during the change. Great point.
@@LabEveryday thanks :)
Then ofc use automation to verify documentation actually match the real world. But there always need to be a planning phase before things are set in production and this need to be done "on paper" before :)
Try to prepare yourself for change as much as possible. I was a network engineer for about 6 months prior to our team losing a Senior Engineer with 2 CCIEs and many years of experience. I have only really grown as an engineer by having to take on a tremendous workload after losing this senior engineer. That engineer was like a mentor and helped me many times to underatand what I needed to do but in an instant that was gone with no warning.
I can only imagine the growing pains that you faced. Good to see that you pushed through it and can now encourage others. Thanks Ron.
Love that quote Learn to automate, learn to delegate and learn to share. Thanks!
What’s up Du’An. The one thing I wish I knew how to do better is studying! I’m a muscle memory learner and a good listener. Any cert I’ve obtain has been through memory of watching videos or experience gained. I suck at taking notes. What I have found out tho is that listening goes a long way with customers. Now I’m in all types of meetings because of it. Customers feel comfortable knowing I’m in the WebEx because my questions usually open up avenues that were not seen before. Great video bro!
Thanks. Sounds like you know your strengths and you operate from their. That’s great way to win in every situation. Dope!
Senior Engineer /Architect here.... absolutely spot on ...with all points!
Senior network engineer with an ISP. One thing I wish I knew was the importance of soft skills. It will help you get jobs that you are way under qualified for, I have no certs and just a two year tech degree and was able to land this job due to soft skills. You will get imposter syndrome, just keep going,l. There is going to be a lot of stress but don’t let that get to you, if you get let go, you will have gained the experience to land anotheposition.
Also, if you focus on route switch, use the bottom-up methodology. I would say 50-80% of the issues will be layer one.
If you are troubleshooting an existing network.
Men, soft skills is very important. It a big factor as why I work in the top company in IT right now.
@On1on Salt What exactly do you mean by soft skills? Is this just communication? Thank you for your advice; I am struggling with imposter syndrome now. I honestly didn't even realize it until this video. I am making a huge life career change, and honestly, its terrifying.
@@timmydidit communications, being able to make friends with everybody by charm, make sure you sound exited to learn, but mainly, act like a person who you would want to work with all day every day. Show that you are confident, if you don't know the answer to a technical question in an interview, you can either deflect or say: I am unfamiliar with that ".." but I would love to learn that, something along those lines. So mainly in my opinion it's : charm, confidence, deflection skills, communication, etc...Best career choice I made, I went from making $9.00 /hr to making $120,000 in just two years of technical college.
Thanks, I'm new to learning networking as a new tech career interest. Keep killin it!
As a retired network engineer, your advice is gold!
Thank you for your service. 🙏🏾
I wish I would've knew how to attack the job market/job prepareness prior to becoming a Network Engineer.
Good one. Man you got this! Nothing can stop you but you!
Thank you, awesome tips and they really help to grow!! One more thing to add I think, investigate yourself before ask someone. I wish I knew this..
I graduated college on April 2019 and got my first job as a network engineer in January 2020 and still on it. and to be completely honest. your tips are gold. just watching you talking about your experience made me realize I'm doing great so far and will continue to evolve. currently taking more courses online. and ask questions is 100% true though I used to react right away but now the most important question is - are you the only facing this problem? -
I wish you all the best and thank you for the amazing video.
Terima kasih bruh,. Saya baru ingin mencoba dunia networking ini, video anda menginspirasi saya. Kenapa baru sekarang saya melihat nasihat sebagus ini. Sekali lagi terima kasih dan keep up this channel for the great network edu channel .
Thank you 🙏🏽 needed to hear this. I was allowing the imposter syndrome to keep me from moving fwd after just getting my CCNA.
Congrats on your CCNA. I know this feeling. Just keep going it will get better. 🙏🏾
Paris, what exactly is the imposter syndrome?
@@sendiesel23 it's a nu metal band.
i'm just a desktop tech and this hit deep. This video can be applied to any role in the IT industry!
The more I learn the more I realize how much I don't know! Always, in all ways be learning! #LabEveryday #AlwaysBeLearning #LifeLongLearning
This is so painfully true. #LabEveryday
David Bombal Quote :D
Have to agree !
Good stuff man you're on point been in IT/system admin/network for over 20y
As a senior network engineer now transitioning into teaching, this is exactly what I tell my students. I’m going to show this in my class. I use a lot of the same phrases, the more you learn the more you earn. Sharing is caring. When you help others you help yourself. I don’t know jack myself.
Extremely insightful, Thanks!
Hey Du'an, I just found you in my feed and I am glad I did. The tips you mentioned are very general, but it's a good reminder to everyone because we tend to forget about them since they are very "taking for granted". Solid video.
Welcome aboard!
Haha, so I’m at the age 14 rn and I’m looking for a job for these COVID times I’ve switched back and forth into what I want to be when I grow up and I’ve set my mind on the tech industry trying to find jobs with retirement and good pay maybe like a government job but the network engineer did catch my eye this helped me a lot because me still being a kid doesn’t understand the industry as the way I think it is thanks man you helped a lot! Also I’m not looking for a job now now I mean I’m just trying to set a career.
Good stuff bro.. I met you on David bombal channel and it lead me here.. new subscriber
Thanks. Welcome I appreciate you family!
I have been in networks and Voice for a long time now. My advice to new ones is. Do Not be Scared to sit in the Hot Seat. The Hot Seat is when u find yourself in a down situation and the business is looking at you to brung everything back up. If you can get over your imposter syndrome get in there and analyze the situation and don't shy away from the moment to make a contribution to get your systems back on line.
#2 speaks so much to the heart. Love it.
You just earned a subscriber man! Very informative content and tips. I have just started with network troubleshooting and administration at my company I will definitely try to apply those things you mentioned.
First Video and I’m subscribing. This video was very clear, concise with great examples.
These are all facts and relatable being someone that's new to the field like me, my advice is model your career around this and you will have a very successful career. Thank you always mentor Du'An✌.
I just started as in NetOps and all this is just so useful. I'm hoping to share the knowledge it took for me to get here and also keep progressing. Awesome video 👏🏾
Late to the game, but I wish I knew how often I'd end up driving in for a 4am maintenance. Doesn't bother me enormously, but be ready for weird hours and on-call schedules if you wanna work on infrastructure.
As a long time electronics technician, default sys admin, and sometimes hardware/software engineer, every single tip covered applies in all those areas as well. I wish this video was available when I was first starting out because it's all facts.
This is a solid video. Currently im a NOC supervisor and this is all very solid advice. Thank you for this
Thank's, Brother. Watching this video from São Paulo, Brazil. Great Content!
Your sword's lookin mighty sharp by the last advice: sharing with others and teaching sharpens your own sword. Thanks for putting your advice out there Mr. Lightfoot
youre doing great! thanks to your blog, I've been so much more organized in keeping my notes :)
Thank you. I am glad it is helping you.
Imposter syndrome. I never thought about it, but I've felt it many times in my career. Thanks for bringing it up! I feel a little less like an imposter now :D
love and appreciate the insights, some of the tips here can be applied in other careers
I'd say going broad is a must do. CCNA, CCDA, CCNA Sec, CCNA Service Provider.
CCNA no longer offers all of those certs. There’s only 1 CCNA.
Great video. I love the one about not being the smartest person in the room. Stay humble is one I try to live by now. 15 years in networking and two IEs and working on my third, I try to let my work and behavior be my message to others. Not what I have done in the past or how much I know.
I wish I knew that Subnetting really isn't that scary. If I would've sat down and learned subnetting by hand years ago, I would've jumped into networking much earlier. I didn't understand it, so it scared me. I barely made an effort to learn up until 2020 hit and I was without a job. Learning networking and starting a homelab has got me excited about tech again, and I'm no longer afraid of networking!
I was just so scared that going deeper down the rabbit hole would be over my head. It really wasn't.
BIG agree to "Never stop learning" "Be the most curious person in the room". Love it.
Never stop technical reading about the product u are working with. Every networking switch, router, and firewall is implemented differently. Educate yourself about the technology and configuration steps. As long as u have the basic knowledge from college or book readings, u will not have any issues reading technical documents from vendors.
This is Gold! Many thanks, brother!
Just getting into IT after putting it off for years. This definitely helps put my mind at ease✊🏿
Perfect time to get into tech! What area are you focused on?
@@LabEveryday I'm looking into Networking, and Linux. Linux gets this intimidating rep and it makes me that much more intrigued in learning about it and its flavors. Eventually, with some experience I want to transition into Cloud Technology. Maybe Network AI or something like that. The sheer amount of pathways is overwhelming not going to lie.
Currently going through Net+ material. Then jumping to CCNA
This is a well done list Du'An. I wish I had a better conception of how an entire system hangs together, a "big picture" understanding in other words, before diving into details. It helps me to better understand and remember things.
Dude thank you so much, great video, keep em comming !
Glad to help!
@@LabEveryday Thank you for your reply. Your videos are really inspiring. I am a web designer but want to leave that job. I wish to know what is happening "under the hood" (must have because I am getting older). I wish to enter and become network engineer , first finishing CCNA, then possibly CCNP or go into Cybersecurity. Have knowledge of Linux. Any advice for anyone going from software to infrastructure (networking)? I know people usually go other way around, but I am interested in physical stuff now, cables, security and especially Cisco, virtual networks in the future. Or is it a bad change, and future is not good for network engineers and the best it to learn cloud? Thanks Du'An
The real world is definitely different. Every tech job you have you learn something new or that people will do the same things in a different way at every job. I certainly am taking time to learn how everyone at my current job does their job every day.
Watching this makes me wanna drop the career I want to chase which is cybersecurity. Makes me want to focus on network engineering
Cybersecurity is booming. But networking is the foundation of everything along with computing. Stay the course!
Just spent a year and a half working towards cyber security with tertiary education but, just got a job as a NOC technician (starting in a week and a half) and now I’m leaning towards a network engineer in the future too… I’m so excited for the future now though and I can always decide where I want to go later
Get a mentor, this has helped me tons in the last 2 years of my IT career. Wish I did this sooner. Also, stay healthy, cut down on energy drinks.
Get a mentor. Thats a great tip. And health is wealth!
How do I go about getting a Mentor? I just got my 1st rejection email today. I have the A+, Net+ and, Sec+
@@leothalion3983 Ping some people on LinkedIn who are in positions you want to be in. Certs help but you may need more experience. I set up a network at my church just to show my skills.
@@madics12 thanks
Finally I found my career related TH-cam channel bro..... pls keep more postings...very usefull for me this video..thanks alot
Great to hear. Thank you for subscribing. More content coming!
This is amazing. I have been a network engineer for over 8 years and been involved in several successful projects but without a certification. Certifications in this part of the world is very expensive.
Study how to supervise and manage people. Just read through a few bookS, watch some vids, then practice a little at work and home. Main thing is, don't discipline people (don't yell at people) in public, only discipline and criticize in PRIVATE. DRESS FOR THE JOB YOU WANT, NOT THE JOB YOU HAVE.
I had a manager at a sales job complain about me not hitting goals in front of everyone on multiple occasions. I end up quitting. It’s so unprofessional.
Funny how I stumbled across your vid and I just got a offer for a Network Engineer position... Great vid!
Congrats!
Great video, I subscribed. Thanks for the help!
Subscribed. About to start first job as a network engineer (Junior)
I got inspired by what you said about ten things you wish you knew before you became A Network Engineer. Big up bro
How important understanding the basics of networking. Not worrying about knowing every command. And Linux is everywhere lol.being able to explain it to others who may not know it in depth.
This is true. Thanks for commenting.
Yep, a few years back I quit a good job because it was too hard. I wish I would have stuck with it now. Worse thing is, I have a quote on my wall by Shaq, "STEP UP TO THE CHALLENGE."
I want to become a network engineer. I’ve gotten a Network+ but it’s expired now. Looking to get my CCNA.
You got this!!!! 👍🏾
Great advice. Not just for net engineers, but for IT in general.
I am 31 and I only know the basics, am I still late to this. I am trying to get more knowledge and experiecne. Can someone help me with what steps I can take from here on?
Thank you King! This is great food for thought, and it's also super inspiring.
At my first Network eng. interview I was most surprised at the fact that the series of interviews were a lot harder than what the job was after I got hired!!
This is often true. But there are times when it’s the opposite.
This was a good video and I appreciate the honesty and clarity.
Thanks. You are welcome family!
I’m new to the field. Third year of college. Let’s see what this video does for me. Thanks
I passed the CCNA last month and I have my CompTUA Network+ also. Can you please tell me what I need to do to get an entry level job without experience.
Thank you for putting my mind at ease brother, God bless you
Totally agree, do not chase the money. I am in a position where the better pay would involve 2 hour travel each day. At the minute I can get to/from work I 20 minutes by walking and be home in time to have tea with the kids. When they are older, I will have more certs under my belt and more opportunities to work further from home. Great advise on this video!
Bro thx to you I cant sleep tonite LMAO "I wish I wish I wish I knew.."
LOL my bad. Hopefully this motivates you bro!
im 18 , (&) have a job as a computer technician for a school district, where i basically fix everything in the district technology wise " printer jam " " computer has a virus " " shorcut wont load webpage. Although the pay is definitely amazing for the job. it seems very unprofessional. There is literally 2 people in the whole IT Department. Me ( who runs to 4 different schools fixing things ) Director which has Technology issues at the main office. Honestly, there is hardly any tickets. Some days i have to look for work. I hate that bc i feel like that's slowing me down. I love learning (&) it just seems slower ig bc some days there arent even any tickets. Im currently in college for computer networking. I absolutely love the networking side of things ... Configuring cisco switches (&) routers is very interesting! Just building the network and configuring everything (&) we done actual math when subnetting not using a sundt calculator.. (&) seeing the complete project work / communicate is very satisfying. Im sure there is very much more to networking A WHOLE LOT! but that is what caught my eye. This August will be a year ive been at my job a year (&) I graduate college next year (May 2022). I just like staying busy (&) always want to be a contribue to something big. So I just feel like I have to move on to get the knowledge that I want to learn. Mississippi is horrible for opportunities. I want to learn more about networking after this job .. im not sure if I should go for helpdesk or what path tp really take to get where ii want to be ( in the network engineering part of things ) i know thats going to be a journey while working on certs as well. I just need an insight on after this job. Im honestly not learning at the job as i may have stated earlier. ii was told by a cisco professional to try to get a networking support/technician job in a NOC.
Good video! Pretty much hit on everything I wish I knew before starting.
Thanks Paul. Great minds think alike.
Du’An Lightfoot You are a really good man. Thank you so much for the advice. I really needed this.
Thank you so much.. I experience the impostor syndrome. You boost my self esteem.. I will be oncall next week.
Awesome video brother. Thank you for the wisdom! Very good info. Peace and blessings
Family thank you. I really do appreciate how long you have been rocking with me Sam.
@@LabEveryday And i will continue bc you contribute knowledge and positivity to the world. And u'r making me a better tech!
This answers all my questions, thanks man!
Thanks bro! lucky to find this.
Great video man I needed it
Thank you !
Is Networking Engineering hard on your back? I suffer with back pain and can't sit for too long of a period of time nor can I lift, push, or pull anything too heavy. I've tried an office job a couple of times and I struggled with back pain just from sitting for hours. I'm also colorblind. What kind of advice can you give me?
I’m a little late to this video but the imposter syndrome is hitting me hard. I graduated from college 2 years ago and landed a job as a network engineer last year. After a year with my company I was promoted to be the Lead Network Engineer. The engineers on my team that are far smarter than me and now I’m am really feeling inadequate. I don’t know what my boss saw in me but I’m trying to figure it out!
Another great video Du'An. Great advice!
Thanks for the tips and advices man, it really helped me.
I wish I need what is Engineering methodology is and why we use them.