What is the real future for network engineers?

[Swat5444]

Hello all, I was interested in what everyone thinks the future of network engineering will be, especially from those that work in the field. I'm considering getting an MCSE certification but I'm wondering about job security. 10 years from now is the market still going to be running strong or will software have reached the point that it can run everything by itself? Will network administrators and MCSE's be a dime a dozen? Will it become easy enough that anyone can do it and it won't pay the big bucks anymore? I'd like to know what you guys think. Thanks

[smokin1]

I don't believe for one minute that there is such a thing as job security anymore..some things are a better bet than others. I will give up on computers the day they no longer require any outside input. No one can see 10 years down the road, but IMHO the future is very bright for network admins and "non book"
MCSE's. Network security will become more and more of an issue and those that have the know how and the smarts will ALWAYS be in demand. There are already a lot of MCSE's that should be a dime a dozen because that is all they are probably worth. Remember...the world will always be populated with a great proportion of people that are basically TSTOAC..and they will need help from someone...why not you?
ps...never take a job for "big bucks" only..there has to be enjoyment somewhere..
3c..CDN
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[hd581]

I'm guessing..

TSTOAC = Too Stupid To (perform an act that has OAC as an acronym)

I'm guessing OAC is Open A Can?

[smokin1]

Oh..sorry..we have a shelf for returns labelled TSTOAC
(too stupid to own a computer)
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[desmocat]

I echo the sentements above.I am currently taking a ccna course to change careers. I also agree with smokin1 in that there are four people in my class that all have MCSE's right now. It was kind of funny that at the start of school, I told them I worked at a steel plant,I kind of got the old snicker/look down the nose treatment. Well, after seeing the grades on the tests we have taken,none of my scores have been below 92 and alot of their's have ran from between high 70's to mid 80's. It all comes back to how much effort you put into anything.(book smart doesn't always equal common sense)I have several friends in the IT bizz and they all seem to think there will always be a need for good people that can apply what was learned in training to the real world.
Even with the money that is being paid now, I will more than likely have to take a pay cut when I switch jobs,but I will at last be doing something that I want to do and the money is secondary and will come around later with experience.Networks/networking is here to stay,and I dare say that they more than likely wont get any less complex to design/build/maintain based on the fact that they seem capable of doing more and more for the user.

[Wiz]

there will probably always be a demand for them, but as things become more automated, the demand will go down, but never really disappear. Glitches are too prevelent<sp?> to get rid of a professional.

[CMonster]

The training will be ongoing - always.

[wyvrn]

As long as their are networks, their will be people need to run/maintain them. I think we are farther away from a monitorless network/computer system than most people think. I mean, most people thought we would have acheived light speed space travel by now. While this may or may not happen, it aint happening in the next few years. The IT is the hottest industry around by growth rate, it beats the medical industry which runs a far off second. If the demand is there, then go for it, you will be glad you did. Besides, no one says you cannot retool yourself into another career in 20 years, you will probably be bored of IT anyway at that time or hopefully rich and a free man.

[This message has been edited by wyvrn (edited 02-17-2000).]