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How do i become successful in the field of computers and networking?

How do I become successful in the field of computers and networking?

help information-technology it cyber-security computer-networking computer-security
Thank you comment icon LinkedIn is a great option these days, there are recruiters on there looking for placements all the time, so make a profile. Search the normal job sites too, zip recruiter etc. As far as education goes, it would help to have at least a certification in whatever topic you find interest in. This will help with application selection and being able to answer interview questions. You could finish one relatively quickly. Check your local community college for an affordable option. Online options like Coursera might be even more affordable, work through the material, go take the test, get your cert. I see your tags for security so I would say go for the "CompTIA Security+" cert or something like Amazon's entry level cert "AWS Certified Developer – Associate" has some security foundation in it. Erik Grimes
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Heather’s Answer

I think there's a lot of great advice here. But, I wanted to take a moment to reinforce what Elliot Jordan said. Figure out for yourself why you want to be in the field of computers and networking. What about it interests you enough to play with it yourself, to experiment, to dig in and learn? My advice would be to take some time to learn about it on your own - not only in classes or certifications, and see what you like. There's no point in learning something that bores you and that you don't like.

A couple of resources that might help you get started with some ideas:
https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/index.html
https://www.legendsoflearning.com/learning-objectives/cybersecurity-digital-forensics/
https://www.uscyberpatriot.org/competition/Competition-Overview/competition-overview
https://picoctf.org/
https://www.pbs.org/video/computer-networks-crash-course-computer-science-28-dqjdkc/
https://www.codecademy.com/article/threat-hunting
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Dante’s Answer

Hi Owen. I think you will be most successful if you are actually curious and interested in computers and networking. I began in this field when I became fascinated and curious about people in the news at the time like Edward Snowden and Julian Assange. I watched documentaries and read articles online. I researched valuable certifications and chose to get Security+ from COMPTIA which I would highly recommend. Network+ would be beneficial to get before Sec+. At the time a free splunk account with lab access was available so I learned about Splunk. I also took courses on codeacademy. Learning basic Linux could be helpful also. During my career journey I surveyed 6 people who were at the next career level to understand behaviors or attributes they found valuable or necessary to operate at the next career level. The most common suggestions were Networking, be solution oriented and work on soft skills. Best of luck in the future.
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Vinod’s Answer

If you're passionate about computers, particularly security and networking, it's beneficial to have a solid academic foundation in these areas. So, it's highly recommended to enroll in related courses. While still in college, try to gain practical experience by doing as many internships as possible. You can find numerous internship opportunities on LinkedIn, either through posted job vacancies or by reaching out directly to companies of interest. The tech industry offers a wealth of information that you can access online. Websites such as Google, YouTube, and Khan Academy are excellent resources for further learning.
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Elliot’s Answer

You become successful at ANYTHING doing this: WORK H A R R R R D. Spend good time working hard and smart. Read, do examples, build project, think of and write down ideas. Talk to people. Lots of other people. People you know. People who know more than you. Swim in the "deep end" of the pool. Ask questions even if they are dumb. You will learn and grow and prosper! Good luck.
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ALA-EDDINE’s Answer

To succeed in the field of computers and networking, start by learning the fundamentals of computer systems, including networking basics such as IP addressing, DNS, and how routers work. Earning certifications like CompTIA A+ and Network+ will build a strong foundation, while advanced certifications like Cisco’s CCNA and CISSP will open doors to higher-level opportunities. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, entry-level jobs, or setting up home labs is crucial to developing practical skills. Stay updated on industry trends by following tech news, taking courses, and exploring new technologies like cloud computing and cybersecurity. Additionally, developing strong problem-solving abilities through real-world troubleshooting and active participation in tech communities will enhance your expertise. Continuous learning, hands-on practice, and adapting to new technologies are key to success in this ever-evolving field.
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Jason’s Answer

To become successful you need to strive to be the most knowledgeable in 1 or more areas in your career. When you reach the point where you can teach and present on a topic then you are a success. Always stay up to date on the ever changing technology. Certifications are great, but there are many certified people out there that lack the experience and understanding good enough to teach and present on a topic. Strive to be a leader in your field and be the "goto" person.
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Jennifer’s Answer

Creating a college curriculum is a year-long process and that can mean that the most cutting edge tools are not being taught. I've discovered that the most effective strategy to gain a competitive edge in the industry is to proactively examine current job vacancies and their requirements, then independently study those areas. There are numerous resources that may not be covered in school, or perhaps the school's curriculum might not be at the forefront of that particular field. For instance, if you notice that a majority of companies desire Linux knowledge, seek out an online course in that area and earn a certification. Individuals who are tech enthusiasts and self-motivated are highly sought after and will undoubtedly shine.
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antony’s Answer

Hi Owen, good question, my take would be to start in help desk, help people solve their software issues this helps in understanding operating systems then move further into IT infrastructure, learn networking through taking certifications as well as hands on training, system administration training will help you troubleshoot and help configure systems that help software run
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Erik’s Answer

I'll try to focus on the computer networking aspect of the question, along with general advice on diving into interesting things to deeply understand them.

For background, I worked at Cisco Systems for 7 years as a software developer on routers & security appliances (firewalls, VPNs).

I strongly suggest gaining a deep understanding of how both networking systems and operating systems function in order to have a great basis to work on various computer systems, which almost all deal with the network in some way these days. Despite not working directly on network stuff anymore, I sometimes leverage this background to figure out odd problems that are stumping others. Minimally you should understand the simplified OSI network stack model (noting that the top layers 5-7 have little practical significance). You should understand how computers discover each other, how congestion control works, how network drives interact with the operating system and applications, etc. Getting to queueing theory is a good stretch goal, it's generally not super impactful on day to day stuff but gives you a strong basis for understanding

I gained my knowledge & instincts on these topics through self-study, work experience, as well as formal school instruction. Generally my tactic when I encounter something interesting is to dive in really deep and gain intuitive understanding. [1] I'm a strong believer in "tacit learning" where I need to get my hands dirty really learning something by doing it, instead of just reading. So given you are interested in computer programming as well as networking, it would be interesting to write up some programs that create sockets and communicate over the network. Python can be a good programming language for learning that, though I started lower level with C.

[1] I note a caveat for diving in too deeply: be careful to avoid "bikeshedding" / "yak shaving" on an interesting thing. Time-box yourself and ensure you don't get distracted for *too* long from the main goal that led you to this interesting curiosity. It definitely can help you to understand things better, but finding the balance between satisfying that and accomplishing your commitments is very important for becoming a productive engineer.

Erik recommends the following next steps:

Download Wireshark and inspect network traffic on your computer, becoming comfortable looking at packet traces.
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Frank’s Answer

Hi Owen,
You picked a great and very rewarding career. Here are a few ideas.

1. Educational Foundation
Degree: Consider pursuing a degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. This provides a solid foundation in the principles of networking and computer systems.

Certifications: Obtain relevant certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Cisco’s CCNA, or other specialized certifications. These are highly valued in the industry and demonstrate your expertise.

2. Technical Skills
Networking Protocols: Master networking protocols like TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and NAT.

Hardware Knowledge: Understand the various hardware components such as routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers.

Network Security: Develop skills in cybersecurity to protect networks from threats. This includes knowledge of firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems.

3. Practical Experience
Hands-On Practice: Set up your own home lab or use virtual labs to practice configuring and troubleshooting networks.

Internships: Gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions. This helps you apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

4. Soft Skills
Problem-Solving: Develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot network issues effectively.

Communication: Good communication skills are essential for explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and working within a team.
Attention to Detail: Precision is crucial in network configuration and troubleshooting.

5. Continuous Learning
Stay Updated: The field of networking is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest technologies and trends by reading industry blogs, attending webinars, and participating in professional forums.

Advanced Certifications: As you progress, consider advanced certifications like CCNP, CISSP, or specialized cloud networking certifications.

6. Networking and Professional Development
Join Professional Groups: Engage with professional organizations and online communities to network with other professionals and stay informed about industry developments.

Mentorship: Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and advice based on their experience in the field.

By focusing on these areas, you’ll be well-equipped to build a successful career in computers and networking.
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Thomas’s Answer

The most important advice I can give you is to focus on your certifications. Starting with CompTia and CISCO can be a great stepping stone in your journey. Remember, every step you take is bringing you closer to your goals. Keep going!
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TLAUREN’s Answer

In order to thrive in this role, you'll need to be a whiz at computer systems, software, routing, and switching. But that's not all - you'll also need to be a great communicator, a problem-solver, and have a knack for analysis. And if you're someone who really gets cloud computing, you'll be able to ace cloud-based management like a pro!
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Pedro’s Answer

So I read through several of the answer provided already and I agree with everyone here. But I have a couple of other tips that will help you.

1 - Write things down. Every time you learn something new have a log book that is focused on what you are learning and write it down. Especially things that you think you may forget. Having a log book(s) is a great way to go back and reference things that are important.
2 - Never stop striving for your next certification. The Information Technology is always evolving and it is important to stay up to date with new concepts, ideas and new hardware and software that are developed.
3 - Tip for when you are in the profession. Always take back up of your configurations. We are not perfect and you may one day mess a configuration up on a network component. Having a back up of the configs are a great way to save yourself and go back to one of the latest versions of a working configuration. This also help when replacing hardware due to a hardware failure. You can replace the bad hardware with the new hardware and upload the latest configurations prior to the hardware failure.
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Kent’s Answer

Hey Owen,

You've already received a wealth of fantastic guidance regarding the practical aspects, such as education and certifications. So, I thought I'd offer you a slightly different perspective. Here are some guiding principles that I've found invaluable throughout my career:

1) Remember, while it's important to seek out coaches, mentors, and advocates, only you can shape your career path. Take the reins!
2) Cultivate a "never stop learning" mindset. After all, technology is always advancing, cyber threats are continuously evolving, and change is the only constant.
3) As long as it's moral, ethical, and legal, don't let 'no' deter you. Some of the greatest success stories, like Gates (Microsoft), Dell (Dell Computers), and Smith (FedEx), came from people who faced rejection but persevered.
4) Networking is key. Start by building relationships with a core group of people who can significantly influence your career. Then, branch out from there. Remember, the power of networking lies not just in who you know, but also in who they know that you don't.

Keep these in mind, and you'll do great!
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