For graduates looking to break into tech, entry-level network engineer roles offer one of the most accessible and practical starting points. These jobs form the backbone of digital infrastructure, supporting everything from telecoms and managed service providers (MSPs) to cloud platforms and in-house IT teams.

Hiring demand remains consistently high across the UK and Europe, with employers eager to find junior network engineers who can learn on the job, support critical systems, and grow into senior technical roles. Unlike some areas of IT, network engineering offers a clear, structured path from entry-level to specialist.

If you’re motivated but unsure where to start, this guide will walk you through what the role involves, how to prepare, and how to stand out in a competitive graduate jobs market.

What a Network Engineering Role Involves

According to ISACA, the future of network engineering is being shaped by innovations in automation, software-defined networking, and cloud systems, making it an increasingly dynamic and essential career path.

You’ll often start your career in a Network Operations Centre (NOC), a central hub where engineers track the health of network systems. In a managed service provider (MSP) setting, you might juggle client networks, supporting various infrastructures remotely. In-house IT roles often focus on internal systems and making sure software is updated and issues are resolved quickly.

Typical daily tasks include:

• Monitoring network activity and responding to alerts
• Logging and resolving support tickets
• Escalating complex issues to senior engineers
• Documenting fixes and network configurations
• Running basic diagnostics and applying updates

Junior engineers are the first line of defence, quickly identifying issues before they impact users or business continuity. A career in network engineering starts with showing you can be trusted to keep the lights on. If you can do that consistently, the opportunities will follow.

What Good Looks Like in Entry Level Roles

Success as a junior network engineer isn’t about knowing everything at the start. Employers are looking for candidates who show initiative, communicate clearly, and contribute to team reliability. Here’s what good looks like when you’re just starting out:

Core technical skills:

• IP addressing and subnetting
• Routing and switching fundamentals
• DNS, DHCP, and common network protocols
• Structured troubleshooting (e.g. using the OSI model)

Practical tools to be familiar with:

• Wireshark (packet analysis)
• Basic command-line interface (CLI) commands
• Ticketing systems like ServiceNow or Jira

Soft skills that make a real difference:

• Clear written documentation for tickets and changes
• Calm verbal communication, especially under pressure
• Curiosity and willingness to shadow senior staff

A junior engineer who can explain a problem calmly, document steps taken, and follow up with a fix, even if they needed help, adds real value to any team.

Employers don’t expect you to build complex networks on day one. But they do expect you to follow processes, ask questions, and avoid making the same mistake twice. Being job-ready is more about mindset than anything else.

If you’re focused, organised, and eager to learn, you’ll already stand out in a pool of applicants. And as CyberTex points out, network engineering remains one of the most stable and future-proof career paths in tech, especially for graduates looking to start strong in the industry.

CCNA vs Network+: Which Certification Should You Choose?

Certifications are one of the best ways to demonstrate your readiness for entry-level network engineer jobs. Two of the most recognised options are CompTIA Network+ and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

But which is right for you?

Network+

• Best for: Absolute beginners
• Cost: ~£300 (exam only)
• Time to prepare: 6–8 weeks part-time
• Focus: Vendor-neutral fundamentals covering networking basics, protocols, troubleshooting, and security.

Network+ is ideal if you’re starting from scratch or coming from a non-technical background. It builds foundational knowledge without tying you to a specific vendor.

CCNA

• Best for: Candidates with some technical background or lab experience
• Cost: ~£300–£350 (exam only)
• Time to prepare: 10–12 weeks part-time
• Focus: Cisco-based networking, routing and switching, CLI configuration, security and automation.

CCNA is more advanced and aligns closely with what employers use in real environments, especially in roles involving routers, switches, and firewalls. It shows you're ready to work with real-world infrastructure.

Which to choose?

• If you're completely new to networking, start with Network+. It gives you breadth and confidence.
• If you have lab access or a computer science/IT degree, go for the CCNA. It opens more doors.

Whichever path you choose, certifications signal commitment. They help bridge the gap between theory and job readiness, especially if you don’t yet have commercial experience.

Need help preparing or choosing? Join the Hamilton Barnes graduate hub for tailored guidance and tools to get started.

A Home Lab You Can Build This Weekend

One of the best ways to stand out in the graduate jobs market is to show hands-on initiative. A home lab proves you're proactive and technically curious. You don’t need expensive equipment to get started, just a laptop and a few free tools.

Free Tools to Use:

• Cisco Packet Tracer: Ideal for practising CLI commands, configurations, and network design.
• GNS3: Great for more advanced emulation of routers and switches.
• Wireshark: Use it to capture and analyse network traffic.
• VirtualBox + VMs: Set up Linux and Windows virtual machines to simulate a networked environment.

Example Project Ideas:

• Configure a 3-router network in Packet Tracer with RIP or OSPF.
• Build a DHCP/DNS server in a VM and connect it to a virtual network.
• Capture and analyse ICMP, DNS, and HTTP traffic using Wireshark.
• Simulate a ticket scenario: “User can’t connect to the network” and walk through your troubleshooting steps.

How to Use This on Your CV:

• Document your setup, screenshots, and what you learned.
• Write 3-4 bullet points that explain the outcome (e.g. "Configured VLANs across a multi-switch topology").
• Host your work on GitHub or share insights on LinkedIn.

Employers love candidates who don’t just talk about learning but are willing to show it. A weekend lab can turn into a portfolio piece that proves you’re ready for junior network engineer jobs.

CV Examples & LinkedIn Tips

Your CV is your first opportunity to prove you’re job-ready. For entry-level network engineer roles, you need to highlight skills, certifications, and practical projects.

Six Strong CV Bullet Point Examples:

• Configured static and dynamic routing protocols (RIP, OSPF) in Packet Tracer lab environments.
• Built a basic home lab using GNS3 and simulated network topologies.
• Troubleshot DNS and DHCP issues using CLI and Wireshark.
• Completed CompTIA Network+ certification and actively studying for CCNA.
• Supported university peers with network configuration queries, improving team troubleshooting speed.
• Documented project steps and shared on GitHub to showcase lab-based problem-solving.

CV Tips:

• Use past-tense action verbs: configured, tested, supported, resolved.
• Be specific. Avoid saying “familiar with networking.” Show what you’ve done.
• Focus on outcome and learning, not just tools used.

LinkedIn Checklist:

• Clear headline: “Graduate Network Engineer | CCNA Student | Lab Enthusiast”
• Add your lab work under Projects or Featured section.
• Connect with recruiters in the networking and telecoms space.
• Share short posts or screenshots from your learning journey.

Employers are most likely going to look at your LinkedIn alongside your CV. Use it to reinforce your passion, skills, training, and consistency.

Interview Prep for Network Engineers

Network engineer interviews at entry level tend to focus on practical understanding, logical thinking, and communication. Hiring managers want to know you can stay calm, work through a problem, and document clearly.

10 Common Interview Questions:

1. What happens when you type a URL into a browser?
2. What’s the difference between TCP and UDP?
3. How would you troubleshoot a user who can’t access the internet?
4. Explain the OSI model and where a switch operates.
5. What is a VLAN and why is it used?
6. What’s the purpose of DNS?
7. What’s your experience with Wireshark or CLI tools?
8. How would you prioritise tickets in a high-pressure situation?
9. Describe a technical project or lab you’ve worked on.
10. Why are you interested in networking?

Sample Troubleshooting Scenario:

Question: "A user can’t connect to the Wi-Fi. What would you check?"
Answer:

• Confirm device is within range and Wi-Fi is enabled.
• Check IP configuration (is DHCP assigning correctly?).
• Ping default gateway to verify network access.
• Compare to another working device for reference.
• Document all steps before escalating.

Pro Tips:

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when answering.
• Keep answers concise but complete.
• Don’t panic if you don’t know something, explain how you’d find out.

Confidence doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from preparation. Review real scenarios, practise your answers out loud, and you’ll be interview-ready in no time.

Your First 90 Days as a Network Engineer

Starting your first job as a junior network engineer can feel overwhelming. The key is to focus on learning the systems, building trust, and steadily taking on more responsibility. Here's what your first three months might look like:

Month 1: Observe and Learn

• Get familiar with ticketing systems, documentation standards, and escalation paths
• Shadow senior engineers on calls or site visits
• Take detailed notes and ask thoughtful questions

Month 2: Take Ownership

• Start resolving low-risk tickets independently
• Practise documenting fixes thoroughly
• Expand your home lab based on real-world issues you encounter

Month 3: Show Growth

• Ask for feedback and identify areas for development
• Contribute ideas to improve processes or documentation
• Volunteer to mentor incoming juniors or assist in onboarding

Focus on being consistent and coachable, it sets the foundation for long-term success in network engineer roles.

Next Steps: How Hamilton Barnes Can Help You Land the Role

Breaking into the world of networking can be tough but you don’t have to do it alone. At Hamilton Barnes, we specialise in helping graduates secure their first role as a network engineer, whether it’s in telecoms, enterprise IT, MSPs, or cybersecurity.

Our team works with entry-level candidates every day. We’ll match you with roles that suit your strengths, help you polish your CV, and prepare you for interviews that test both your skills and mindset.

We also run Empowering Future Network Engineers, a dedicated hub with tools, guides, and practical advice built specifically for students and graduates.

Want to get started?

• Explore graduate network engineer jobs
• Discover roles in enterprise networking and security

When you're ready to take the next step, we're here to help you move from potential to placement.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Whether you're building your first lab, choosing between CCNA or Network+, or applying for your first junior network engineer role, the path ahead is clearer than you think.

Hamilton Barnes is here to guide you at every stage from application to offer and beyond. Our graduate consultants work exclusively with early-career talent and understand what it takes to stand out in a competitive job market.

If you’re ready to start, explore graduate roles or join our graduate talent community today. Your future in networking begins with one simple step.

Get in touch with the team today to discover how we can support your career development.