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?

We are looking for a networking specialist who is familiar both IT fundamentals, and OT (operational technology) networks, specifying hardware and servers, hypervisor configuration and system administration and setting up secure remote access to allow expert assistance to our clients control networks, SCADA/DCS systems and Industrial Control System devices, as well as assist in development of architectures and configurations to enable outbound data transfer via Data Diodes to cloud services for greater visibility of data inside of our clients control systems.

We are a company of 150 based in Washington state and work with many high profile clients, and are open to remote workers if they are willing to travel (obviously compensated/reimbursed) within the US when project needs arise.

Our ideal candidate doesn’t need to already be an expert on Industrial Control Systems, but should be familiar with the Perdue Network Model, provisioning Cloud Services (AWS and Azure), and hardware selection and commissioning. Must be able to work in the United States and travel as needed for projects that can not be supported remotely, which is sort of a niche case as we have plenty of people who can travel to do physical installations and get the systems on the network for you to assist in commissioning remotely, but it’s still something you may need to do time to time.

Please DM me if you are interested with quick synopsis of your qualifications/experience and I will direct you to the application information on our website. Thanks in advance for reading this and I hope we get to work with you soon .

​

Hello! I'm a technology enthusiast from the Dominican Republic with hands-on experience in IT, electronics, computer and mobile device repair, networking, programming, and educational robotics. I'm currently looking for remote work opportunities, freelance projects, and clients who need technical assistance, tutoring, or mentorship.

My skills and areas of knowledge include:

Computer and mobile device repair: Hardware troubleshooting, computer maintenance, operating system installation, software configuration, and smartphone diagnostics and repair.

IT support and networking: Network setup and troubleshooting, IP cameras and CCTV systems, basic server administration, and technical support.

Programming and web development: Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, React, and Next.js, along with foundational programming concepts and web development.

Educational robotics and electronics: Arduino, LEGO Mindstorms EV3, robotics projects, electronic circuits, and introductory STEM education.

Residential electrical systems: Basic residential electrical installations, troubleshooting, and practical technical work.

Tutoring and mentorship: I can help beginners understand programming, computer fundamentals, electronics, robotics, and other technical subjects through practical explanations and guided projects.

I have completed various online courses and hands-on training in technology, including introductory Python coursework from Harvard. I enjoy researching technical problems, learning new tools, and explaining complex concepts in a way that beginners can understand.

What I'm looking for:

Remote IT support and technical assistance opportunities.

Freelance computer repair guidance and troubleshooting projects.

Online tutoring, technical consulting, and beginner mentorship.

Educational robotics and programming instruction.

Entry-level opportunities where I can contribute, keep learning, and develop my professional experience.

I'm open to working with individuals, small businesses, students, and educational projects. I'm especially interested in remote opportunities, flexible arrangements, and collaborations where I can put my technical knowledge to practical use.

If you need help with a technical problem, want to learn a new skill, or have a project that matches my background, feel free to send me a message. I'm happy to discuss the requirements and see how I can help.

Location: Dominican Republic

Availability: Open to remote work and freelance projects.

Folks, I have completed my Full loop few weeks back, Feedback was great. But careers profile tracking bar shows "Full Loop" and seems like they offered positions to other engineers. Should i still keep hope for 1 year or move on ?

Please let me know is there any openings in UAE. Thanks

Hi guys,

I am a network engineer with 5 year of experience and I am actively looking network engineer opportunities in UAE. Any one have any openings or an refferal please let know.

Thanks in advance.

Hi guys,

I am a network engineer with 5 year of experience and I am actively looking network engineer opportunities in UAE. Please let me know if anyone have any openings or any refferal.😊

Hi Mates, I get straight to the point.

Current situation:

I am in to networking(Routing,VPN firewall etc). I have one job offer in my hand and joining is next Monday at a Fintech(Company A). I am interviewing with another company (B) which is dedicatedly of my domain (networking and IT). First two rounds have gone well and recruiter have called personally to say that after 2 months they have found such candidate, Final round is pending and they are confident that I'll pass (me to a bit). But they are taking time.

What should I do? Don't wait and join A or drop A and take risk for B.

(I do have 1-2 interviews lined up and so far going good)

Company A gives lesser salary but confirmed joining.
Company B's HR agreed to give bit more than Company A's base salary but final round discussing is not done yet.

Background Story:

My reliving from previous employer was on negative grounds(termination) and I am unemployed for 2 months. I have my termination/experience letter but don't have my CTC(compensation letter). Previous company said they don't disclose details in BGV.

My Fear:

• At company B the end client is government agency for whom I'll working, will they dig deeper into my professional BGV or personal BGV.
• I don't want to disclose the exact cause or leaving previous org (as it is bad) but I have a clean personal BGV (police,court,address etc)
• If I've been unemployed for 2 months and don't want to stretch it but don't want to leave money on the table either.
• If I join A, I'll have to leave some money and my domain specific company.
• If I join B, and the client dug into prev company and decided me let go, I'll be in big trouble (short term in a company) and with no job.

I don't know what the Company B's end client will check in BGV.
I don't know if Recruiter from company B are just hyping me up.
I don't know if considering Company B is with taking a risk or not for my career.

I know I should be the one answering what I want but I got dropped from my first job and felt like everything is gone. I always find that anything wrong is my mistake.
Now I see some hope but stuck due to company's and recruiters being diplomatic.

Please help. Let me know if you wanna know anything else from before suggesting.

Company A benefits:

• WFH in night shift
• Transportation allowance is saparete from base
• 50k bonus each every year.
• Total monetary value is close to what B is saying as promise.

Hey everyone,

I'm a 28-year-old network engineer based in Massachusetts (south of Boston), currently exploring new opportunities, ideally in a Senior Network Engineer or to break into the sales side of things.

I've been working in networking since I was 18, starting out in a NOC while still in high school and working my way up through various engineering roles. I'm currently a lead engineer on my team at an MSP (large scale clients, not small businesses).

A quick overview of my background:

• Nearly 10 years of experience in networking, primarily in MSP environments.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco/Meraki, Aruba, Fortinet, WatchGuard, Ruckus, Ubiquiti, and other networking platforms.
• Experience with network design, implementations, troubleshooting, switching, routing, wireless, firewalls, VPNs, and RADIUS.
• Regularly work with clients on network upgrades, infrastructure planning, and new deployments.
• Experience with Python scripting, API-based automation, and large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Currently hold my CCNA and Aruba Certified Professional – Switching (ACP-S), and I'm studying for my CCNP Enterprise.

I'm primarily looking for a hands-on engineering role where I can continue growing technically and take on more challenging projects. I'm open to remote, hybrid, or on-site opportunities around the greater Boston area.

I'd rather not post my resume publicly, but I'm happy to share it privately if anyone knows of an opportunity that might be a good fit.

I have about three years of experience IT as a senior end user support technician. I also have my CCNA, network plus, CCNA cyber. As well as my associates degree in cyber security and a bachelors degree in networking and cloud. I don’t feel confident going into the interview, but I’m not sure if that is just because of having no actual experience as a network administrator or if it’s just imposter syndrome. I have built an enterprise lab through package tracer.

Hi everyone!

I’m currently working as an IT Administrator and have around 3 years of experience in IT support and administration.

I’m looking for a new job and want to understand how networking and professional connections can help me find better opportunities. I’m particularly interested in IT Support, System Administration, Network Engineering, and eventually Cybersecurity.

I’ve tried applying for jobs online, but I want to learn how to connect with people in the IT industry and discover opportunities that may not be advertised publicly.

I have a few questions:

- How do you build genuine professional connections with IT professionals on LinkedIn or Reddit?

- Is it okay to message recruiters, IT managers, or employees directly to ask about job openings?

- How can I approach someone for a referral without sounding like I’m asking for a favour?

- What actually helped you get your next IT job: networking, referrals, certifications, or job portals?

- If you were in my position, what would you do to find better opportunities?

I’m based in India and would really appreciate practical advice from people who have been through this process.

Thank you! I’m looking forward to learning from your experiences.

As the title says, looking for people who have had good experiences with companies that gave them (basic) opportunities to troubleshoot/configure/manage routers and switches.

Also, what are some good interview questions to help uncover this information?

putting my resume here for tips/advice. Also interested in hearing about any opportunities that might be a good fit. Resume

my current job has been a bit more FortiGate-heavy than I’d like. It’s not particularly difficult, but my real interest is more on the routing/switching side of networking. i do a lot of labbing in my free time, recently more on the automation side of networking.

pretty much ready to take my ENCOR at this point. I’ve actually studied for both ENCOR and SPCOR since I was in a bit of a transition from the service provider side into enterprise networking.

would appreciate any feedback on the resume or advice on where I should be looking next.

I recently completed BTech CS and CCNA certification. I got a job in a bank as a network engineer. It will be my first job if i join.

What should I do ?

Hello!

Senior Voice Engineer with 15+ years of experience.

Heavily Cisco based but have touched other vendors here and there.

Got a varied background in healthcare / military / banking / retail / etc.

Wondering if anyone has any leads / knows of any jobs - I'm looking for something either remote or in Fla.

Thanks.