An easy way: get a CCNA. I like the Lammle CCNA study book but YMMV. It’s not required but it’s useful for network noobs and is an easy way to get your foot in

An easy way: get a CCNA. I like the Lammle CCNA study book but YMMV. It’s not required but it’s useful for network noobs and is an easy way to get your foot into the door. Then, get an entry-level job, and keep upgrading jobs every year or two until you are at desired pay and job roles. Consider acquiring equipment for a test or home lab to play with and try new things. Get used to feeling overwhelmed/out of your league. It’s normal and if you don’t give up, you’ll manage. Learn Python so that you can automate menial tasks. Love it or hate it, it’s the most common language you’ll see in the network engineer world. Download Wireshark and sniff traffic. Explore different protocols and what types of headers they use. Explore how TCP connections are created and destroyed. Do the same with TLS. Being half-decent with Wireshark will have you looking like a mage in today’s world. If you get to a point where you’ve been doing it 20-25 years like me: don’t stop learning and encourage curiosity in your colleagues (especially those curious mid-20s kids). Extra-credit: Go through the TCP/IP Illustrated Vol 1 book by W Richard Stevens. After you get your CCNA, read the Routing TCP/IP Cisco Press book. Source: Am well-paid net engineer.