Hi everyone! 👋
I’m working as an L1 NOC Engineer through a third-party vendor, earning ₹2.67 LPA, with around 1 year of experience.
My work involves ISP infrastructure and TP-to-IP migration activities, including MOP execution, pre-checks/post-checks, bundle creation, and working with BGP, IS-IS, MPLS, and loopbacks.
I’m preparing to improve my networking skills, but I’m confused about which direction to take next.
I’d appreciate some honest advice on these questions:
1. Is ISP networking a good long-term career?
2. How can I move from a vendor payroll role to a better-paying company?
3. Can I reach ₹12–18 LPA in the next 3–4 years?
4. Should I choose Network Security (Palo Alto firewalls) or Network Automation (Python, Ansible)? Which offers better salary growth and opportunities in India?
5. Should I first complete CCNA and then pursue CCNP, or start learning security or automation alongside it?
6. Will AI replace NOC and network engineering jobs in the next 5–10 years? Which specialization is more future-proof?
7. With my current experience, what salary can I realistically target in my next job switch?
8. If you were in my position, which skills and career path would you choose for the next 3–4 years?
I’d especially appreciate advice from professionals who started in L1 NOC or vendor payroll roles and moved into network security, automation, or senior networking positions.
I’m looking for a path that offers good salary growth, long-term job security, and strong demand in the future.
Thanks in advance! 🙌

Hey everyone,

I'm about two years into working as a Packet Core Engineer at a telecom operator. I came into the role with an IT background but relatively little practical experience in mobile core networks, so I've been learning a lot on the job.

I've gained exposure to technologies like EPC, MME, HSS, PGW, subscriber provisioning, troubleshooting, and network operations. I'm still learning, and I know there's a lot more to master.

However, I've started thinking about my long-term career prospects and would appreciate some honest advice from people who've been in telecom for 5, 10, or even 20+ years.

A few questions I'm curious about:

Career growth: Is Packet Core a good specialisation to invest in for the next 5-10 years, particularly with 5G Core and eventually 6G?

Job opportunities: How transferable are Packet Core skills internationally? Are there decent opportunities overseas, or is the market relatively limited?

Salary and progression: Does staying in Packet Core generally lead to good financial growth, or are there better-paying paths for someone with an IT background?

The future of the field: With network automation, cloud-native infrastructure, and AI becoming more prominent, how do you see traditional Packet Core roles evolving?

Staying vs pivoting: If you were two years into Packet Core again, would you double down on it, expand into cloud and automation, or move into another area of IT?

I'm not necessarily looking to leave telecom. I just want to make sure I'm investing my time in a field that offers solid long-term prospects.

I'd particularly appreciate advice from people who've worked in mobile core networks for several years, including anyone who's moved from Packet Core into cloud engineering, cybersecurity, DevOps, or other IT specialisations.

If you were in my position today, would you stay and specialise, or start preparing for a different career path? Why?