How can you determine if a company is a good fit for you as a network engineer?

Determining if a company is a good fit for you as a network engineer starts with thorough research. Look into the company's industry, culture, values, and the technologies they use. Understanding their business model and how the network team contributes to the overall success can give you insight into potential responsibilities and challenges. In my career, I've always reviewed the company's online presence, including their website, social media, and employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor. Additionally, I look for news articles or press releases that might indicate recent changes or future plans that could impact the network team.

Research the company's mission, values, and culture. Ensure they align with your own principles and work style. Consider factors such as flexibility, collaboration, and innovation in the workplace. Research the company's mission, values, and culture. Ensure they align with your own principles and work style. Consider factors such as flexibility, collaboration, and innovation in the workplace. Review the company's project portfolio to understand the scale and complexity of the networking projects they undertake. Ensure the projects align with your expertise and offer challenges that contribute to your professional growth.

Ask if they’re going to work you to death. I really asked that once. I was interviewing to be a systems engineer with a NYC-based MSP, and the company told me they expected me to show up 15 minutes before my shift, unpaid as a matter of professionalism. They expected on-call to be very busy, etc. Other things they said made be believe I wasn’t going to be respected much. I am not afraid of working hard- far from it. But we are people, and I sensed that they wanted to “own” me, and I don’t think anyone should work that way.

During the interview process, asking the right questions is crucial. Inquire about the specifics of the network team's role, the technologies they use, and the challenges they face. Questions about team size, structure, and typical projects can provide valuable insights into what working there might be like. I always ask about the company's approach to professional development and training, as continuous learning is vital in the ever-evolving field of network engineering. Additionally, asking about the work-life balance and company culture can help you gauge whether the company aligns with your personal values and lifestyle.

Based on my experience, a senior engineer typically has the expertise to select and evaluate new job opportunities effectively. However, for a junior engineer, the approach might be different. When faced with multiple job offers, it's crucial for junior engineers to prioritize technological growth potential. The key is to consider the knowledge and skills you can acquire over the two years you might spend at the job. It's advisable not to opt for a position where you foresee little or no opportunity for learning and growth.

Viele Unternehmen bewegen sich zudem Richtung Managed Service Provider. Prüfe also auch, ob dieses geänderte Vorgehen etwas für dich ist. Beispielsweise solltest du dich mit Infrastrukturanalysen und mit wiederkehrenden Netzwerkstrukturprojekten auseinandersetzen.