My goal is to become a network specialist

In my personal experience, Cisco's CCNA/CCNP courses are really good to open your door in networking technology. By getting CCNA/CCNP, you should have enough basic knowledge in networking area and find a job in network. If you want to become specialist or even expert, then go further to CCIE. Also, you need learn how technology is implemented by different device vendor like Juniper and Huawei.

hey Jacqueline, i think it is great that you know what you want to do in your career so you can focus on that from your college only. There are lots of good documents and books available online for you to start. I would say you should start with the basic concepts of OSI AND TCP/IP model and read about TCP/IP in-depth. Because what makes a network engineer great is his knowledge on how to apply the basics and troubleshoot or build from there. You can get CCNA certifications. Build up some virtual labs to get the hands on experience. you can use GNS, Eve for that.

Last but not the least get trained on some programming language like Phython/PERL, shell scripting as that is the future of networking.

Hope this answer helps.

Its great to have goal like this. You must have college degree in same network domain. Have some additional certifications to enhance your knowledge apart from college syllabus. Industrial networking certifications line CCNA, CCNP, CCIE in any domain will help your resume get shortlisted after college to get industrial experience. Keep enhancing your networking knowlege in specific domain with industrial experience. You will definitely be network specialist.

Hi Jacqueline,

The first step to becoming a network specialist is to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Degree programs in these areas can provide prospective network specialists with training in computer network installation and maintenance. Some programs even offer network administration or network specialist concentrations. Most of these programs combine general education coursework with specialized courses in information security, routers and switches, network design and introductory programming. Many programs also prepare graduates for certification.

While enrolled in the program, aspiring network specialists should also get some field experience by participating in an internship or part-time work opportunity. Field experience opportunities are incorporated into some degree program. Also get CCNA to start with.