How to become a Network Engineer in Singapore

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Becoming a technology leader in Singapore is not only about hardware and software; it is more often about the people who drive, innovate and lead.

While Singapore is a hotspot of demand today for IT positions across various sectors and specialisations, network engineers are amongst the most in-demand, and consequently, hardest to find and recruit.

Companies are seeking these masters-of-all-things-networking because networks have become increasingly complicated as technology has grown and advanced within Singapore, and around the world.

How to become a Network Engineer

Keep in mind that a Network Engineer who spends more time designing networks will have a job description closer to a Network Architect, while a candidate who spends most of their time troubleshooting and solving day-to-day network issues will have a job description similar to a Network Administrator.

Here is a broad list of qualifications:

1. Be detail-oriented and have in-depth knowledge of networking hardware and software
2. Have five or more years of experience in areas such as network design and implementation, LAN/WAN interfacing, security, Internet protocols and TCP/IP, and server and network infrastructure
3. Have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or electrical engineering
4. A professional certification, such as Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), also is highly desirable

A typical Network Engineer job title includes:

• Engineering enterprise data, voice, and video networks
• Establishing and operating network test facilities
• Maintaining a secure transfer of data to multiple locations via internal and external networks
• Working with vendors, clients, carriers and technical staff on network implementation, optimization, and ongoing management
• Providing high-level support and technical expertise in networking technology, including LAN/WAN hardware, hubs, bridges, and routers

Here are some of the projects a Network Engineer could work on, depending on the job and company:

System design

An engineer will consider the layout of a building, security, and budget to create a network design. If a company has multiple buildings, the engineer must design a wide area network (WAN).

Maintain computer network

Network engineers make sure communication and resource sharing is possible between all devices in a network, such as computers and printers, as well as enable Internet connections. They must design an efficient system with quick connections and limited downtime. They also work with users, vendors (an internet service provider, for example) to maintain networks.

Oversee implementation

Network engineers must be good project managers. Once the system is designed, they will either implement the network themselves, or oversee others who implement it.

Stay current

An engineer needs to be up to date on technology to make sure the company's technology is current.

How much does a Network Engineer make in Singapore?

This year, the mid-range 50th percentile for a qualified Network Engineer in Singapore is SGD$91,000.

You can find the latest salary projections for a more junior or senior Network Engineer in the Robert Half Salary Guide for Singapore.

The key to becoming a successful Network Engineer in Singapore

Aside from technical skills, the ability to communicate with non-technical people at work is essential: Network engineers deal with everyone in a company, and if they are not able to communicate effectively, they will not be able to grow into senior-level positions.

In addition, recent university graduates conducting a job search to break into the field should get certified: Companies will take a risk on candidates who may not have as much experience, but have their Cisco Certified Network Associate designation. They may start you in an entry-level help desk position, which is a great training ground, but you will not be there long.