How would I start to learn Networking ??? (If I could start over)

Summary

The speaker reflects on how they would approach learning networking if starting over. With three years of experience in the field, they share insights from their journey as a network security engineer. Key takeaways include avoiding a costly master’s degree, focusing on foundational certifications like CompTIA and CCNA, emphasizing practical lab work over memorization, mastering a specific networking area, leveraging Google for troubleshooting, learning Python for automation, and cultivating perseverance in solving complex issues. The speaker encourages viewers to rethink their approach and continuously improve in their networking careers.

Takeaways

• 🚀 Starting fresh in networking might benefit from avoiding an expensive master's degree; self-learning through certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, and CCNA can provide a solid foundation.
• 🧠 Emphasize understanding concepts over memorizing details. Practicing with hands-on labs will help solidify knowledge and make concepts stick long-term.
• 🔍 Google is an invaluable resource for troubleshooting. Cultivating the skill to search effectively can significantly improve problem-solving efficiency.
• 🎯 Specialize in a specific area of networking, such as wireless, routing, switching, or software-defined networking, to become a true expert in that domain.
• 🐍 Python is highly recommended for network automation, thanks to libraries like Netmiko and Paramiko, which simplify automating configurations across many devices.
• 📊 Learn to output and organize data pulled from devices in human-readable formats for clearer understanding and reporting.
• 💪 Developing resilience is essential in networking, as troubleshooting can be complex and time-intensive; persistence often leads to success.
• 💼 The ability to present oneself well in interviews is critical; employers value technical knowledge, personality, and confidence more than formal education.
• ⚙️ Familiarize with API-based automation, as many networking devices now support API interactions, making mass configurations and updates more manageable.
• 🌟 Never leaving issues unresolved is a mark of a strong network engineer—effort and perseverance make the difference when tackling challenging problems.

Q & A

What is the speaker's current job role and where do they work?

The speaker is currently working as a network security engineer with the state government of Victoria, Australia.

What would the speaker do differently if they could start their networking journey over again?

The speaker would avoid doing a master's degree and instead focus on foundational certifications, practicing hands-on labs, mastering specific areas of networking, learning Python for network automation, and improving troubleshooting skills.

Why does the speaker believe a master's degree isn't necessary for becoming a good network security engineer?

The speaker believes that foundational knowledge can be gained through free or affordable courses such as CompTIA A+, Network+, cloud certifications, and the CCNA, without spending thousands of dollars on a master's degree. Companies tend to focus more on technical knowledge and practical skills rather than formal education.

What courses does the speaker recommend for building a strong foundation in networking?

The speaker recommends CompTIA A+, Network+, cloud certifications, and CCNA for building a strong foundation in networking concepts.

What is the speaker's approach to learning networking concepts without focusing on memorization?

The speaker advises not to focus on memorizing every detail or port number but instead to practice by building labs, troubleshooting issues, and simulating real-world scenarios. This hands-on experience helps reinforce the concepts and makes them easier to remember.

How does the speaker suggest using Google effectively during the learning process?

The speaker suggests using Google as a key tool for troubleshooting and resolving networking issues. They emphasize that knowing how to search for solutions correctly can significantly improve efficiency when troubleshooting problems.

Why does the speaker recommend mastering a specific area of networking?

The speaker believes that while it is important to know both LAN and WAN concepts, mastering one specific area, such as routing, switching, wireless, or software-defined networking, can make you highly skilled and efficient in that domain.

What role does Python play in network automation, according to the speaker?

Python is important for network automation as it has libraries like Netmiko and Paramiko, which allow for tasks like SSH into devices and automating configuration changes across multiple devices. The speaker highlights that Python is an easy programming language that can improve efficiency in network management.

What is the speaker’s advice on developing strong troubleshooting skills?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of never giving up when troubleshooting complex network issues. They advise putting in the effort to deeply understand and resolve problems, which is a key skill in networking.

How does the speaker’s experience inform their advice to others starting their networking careers?

The speaker reflects on their own journey, including working as a network engineer in multiple organizations, and offers practical advice based on what they would have done differently, such as avoiding a costly degree, focusing on practical skills, and leveraging automation and troubleshooting.