What Comes After the CCIE? Exploring the Next Step in Your Networking Career

Achieving your CCIE is no small feat. You’ve proven expert-level knowledge, design mastery, and problem-solving skills under pressure. But once the dust settles and the celebrations fade, many engineers start asking: What’s next?

The truth is, while the CCIE may be Cisco’s highest certification, it’s far from the end of your journey. Here are five powerful directions you can take next:

1. Pursue a Second (or Third!) CCIE

Many seasoned engineers choose to deepen their skillset by earning multiple CCIE certifications across different tracks:

• CCIE Security
• CCIE Data Centre
• CCIE Collaboration
• CCIE Service Provider

This path is especially valuable if your role spans multiple domains or you want to stay competitive in senior technical positions.

2. Become a Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE)

While the CCIE focuses on implementation and troubleshooting, the CCDE is all about network architecture and design strategy. It’s perfect for engineers who want to transition into high-level solution design roles and influence long-term business outcomes.

The CCDE is highly respected among enterprise architects and often leads to roles like:

• Solutions Architect
• Network Design Lead
• Technical Strategist

3. Explore DevNet Expert Certification

As networks become more automated, software skills are becoming essential. Cisco’s DevNet Expert certification focuses on:

• Network automation
• Infrastructure as code
• Programmability using Python, APIs, and model-driven telemetry

Ideal for those looking to work in NetDevOps, build automation pipelines, or lead SDN and controller-based projects.

4. Expand into Cloud, Leadership, or Business Skills

CCIEs are increasingly moving into hybrid roles that require more than just technical skill:

• Cloud Certifications: AWS, Azure, or GCP certs to complement on-prem expertise
• Project Management: PMP or PRINCE2 to lead teams and initiatives
• Architecture Frameworks: TOGAF or SABSA to align networks with enterprise strategy
• Business/Leadership Training: Short courses or MBAs to prepare for management

5. Become a Thought Leader or Mentor

With a CCIE under your belt, you’re in a great position to give back to the community:

• Start a blog or YouTube channel
• Host internal tech sessions
• Contribute to open-source projects
• Coach up-and-coming engineers

Many CCIEs find a new sense of purpose in mentoring the next generation and shaping the future of the networking profession.

Final Thoughts

The CCIE opens doors, but what you do next defines your legacy.

Whether you double down on certifications, pivot into leadership, or branch into automation and cloud, there’s no shortage of exciting paths ahead.

You’ve earned your expert status. Now, where will you take it?

Need guidance on your next step?

Our consultants work with CCIEs across the globe to help them map out the next stage of their careers, whether that’s mentorship, certification advice, or new opportunities.

If you’re seeking the best network engineers on the global market to help pioneer growth for your business, get in touch with our enterprise networking team today, and we will connect you with the talent you need to meet your recruitment needs.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for your next career opportunity with the latest network engineer jobs and are unsure which tools employers are looking for experience in, speak to our expert team today, who will help you navigate the exciting, fast-paced job marketplace.

Let’s shape your future together.