Network engineer = Computer/IT Analyst/Network Consultant??

Is there anybody here that is a network engineer or in IT/consulting? I"m wondering if there are differences between network engineers and IT analyst/network consulting jobs.





I've been trying to find some network engineer jobs w/o a lot of experience needed...basically a company willing to train but most require around 5+ years. i already have BS and MS EE degrees but i don't have any certifications. Is there another job title for someone trying to become a network engineer? how did you/would you go about getting a job as a network engineer?

Network engineer = Computer/IT Analyst/Network Consultant??
I have had the titles of "network engineer", "systems engineer" and "network architect" and there is much overlap with these titles along with that of "network consultant". I'd suggest looking for job ads with any of these titles, or combinations, like "network engineering architect".





While having your BS and MS in EE goes a very long way, certifications do count for quite a lot. Hopefully in your EE studies you took in a networking class or two. But with the amount of technical studying you have done for your degrees, you could likely study for and pass a handful of certifications in short order such as Cisco's CCNA and CCDA, and the Network+ for network administration, etc. These are more entry level "associate" type certs. Go for professional level certifications if time permits, for example Cisco's CCNP and CCDP very popular and highly respected. More time and multiple exams, but worth it.





Depending on the employer, certifications can mean more than degrees. As wrong as I think this is (an MS EE is far more work and more impressive than a CCNP) this is the reality and it was my own personal experience as well. A former employer gave me decent bonus money for completing CCNP and CCDP for example, and did absolutely nothing for me after I finished my MS in computer science.





If every "network engineer" job you're finding requires that 5+ years experience and you don't have that, consider a more (temporary) entry level position such as a "network analyst" type of position in a company's network operations group or on a network help desk. It would just be a foot in the door, settle in for a year while you gain experience, take in a training class or two, and get a couple certifications, and you'll be promoted or transferred into the "network engineer" title soon enough. Good luck.