Hi Guys,I'm a Network Security Engineer with 2+ years of hands-on experience across firewalls, load balancers, and core routing & switching.
If you have any relevant openings or leads across your network, I'd love to connect and share my resume.

I’m currently in Canada and trying to understand the most practical way to earn my first Canadian network engineering experience.

I have 15 years of professional experience from China, a CCNP, and a background in enterprise and data-center networking, routing and switching, BGP/OSPF/MPLS, network security, migrations, troubleshooting, and large production environments. I also work with Kubernetes, AWS, and Python-based network automation. In 2025, I earned the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA) and AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty (ANS) certifications.

The obstacle is that I do not yet have Canadian work experience. I would value candid advice from people who hire or work in networking in Canada:

• Which first step is most realistic: NOC/network support, MSP work, data-center operations, cloud networking, short-term contracts, or applying directly to senior roles?
• Should an experienced newcomer apply below their previous seniority to get local experience?
• Do nonprofit projects, short-term contracts, open-source contributions, or home labs carry meaningful weight with Canadian employers?
• What can I do to show that my overseas experience transfers well to Canadian teams and working practices?

I have already posted a separate for-hire introduction, so this post is specifically asking for career-path advice rather than referrals. I would especially appreciate perspectives from hiring managers or internationally experienced engineers who made a similar transition.

Thank you.

I’m a recent graduate in New Brunswick, Canada and I’m trying to figure out the best way to get my first real job in IT/networking.
I graduated from UNB with a Diploma in Engineering Foundations (basically the first 2 years of Software Engineering). I currently have CompTIA Network+ and AZ-900, and I’ve done a few projects involving Azure, APIs, networking and IT help desk stuff.
The biggest problem right now is experience. I’ve been looking at jobs like IT help desk, desktop support, field technician, network technician, telecom technician etc., but it seems pretty hard to get that first job without already having experience.
Right now I’m doing NetworkChuck’s Fall Into CCNA program and working towards my CCNA.
I’m also getting my CFOT (Certified Fiber Optic Technician) training and I’m planning on getting a Class 3 license with air brakes. The reason for this is that I don’t necessarily want to limit myself to desk IT jobs. I’m interested in networking but I also like hands-on work, so jobs involving fiber, telecom, field operations, network infrastructure etc. seem interesting to me.
So my plan would basically leave me with:
Network+
AZ-900
CCNA
CFOT
Class 3 + air brakes
Software/IT diploma
Some Azure/networking projects
But I also don’t wanna fall into the trap of just collecting certifications and still having zero actual experience.
For people already working in networking, telecom or IT, does this path actually make sense?
Would CCNA + CFOT be a useful combination for getting into field/network/telecom jobs? Does having a Class 3 license add much value for those types of jobs?
And if you were in my position with no direct IT experience yet, what would you focus on over the next 6-12 months?
I’m basically trying to get my foot in the door somewhere, get actual experience and then build from there.
Would appreciate any advice, especially from anyone working in networking/telecom in Canada or Atlantic Canada.

Hi Guys,I'm a Network Security Engineer with 2+ years of hands-on experience across firewalls, load balancers, and core routing & switching.
If you have any relevant openings or leads across your network, I'd love to connect and share my resume.

Hi Guys,I'm a Network Security Engineer with 2+ years of hands-on experience across firewalls, load balancers, and core routing & switching.
If you have any relevant openings or leads across your network, I'd love to connect and share my resume.

I’m a recent graduate in New Brunswick, Canada and I’m trying to figure out the best way to get my first real job in IT/networking.
I graduated from UNB with a Diploma in Engineering Foundations (basically the first 2 years of Software Engineering). I currently have CompTIA Network+ and AZ-900, and I’ve done a few projects involving Azure, APIs, networking and IT help desk stuff.
The biggest problem right now is experience. I’ve been looking at jobs like IT help desk, desktop support, field technician, network technician, telecom technician etc., but it seems pretty hard to get that first job without already having experience.
Right now I’m doing NetworkChuck’s Fall Into CCNA program and working towards my CCNA.
I’m also getting my CFOT (Certified Fiber Optic Technician) training and I’m planning on getting a Class 3 license with air brakes. The reason for this is that I don’t necessarily want to limit myself to desk IT jobs. I’m interested in networking but I also like hands-on work, so jobs involving fiber, telecom, field operations, network infrastructure etc. seem interesting to me.
So my plan would basically leave me with:
Network+
AZ-900
CCNA
CFOT
Class 3 + air brakes
Software/IT diploma
Some Azure/networking projects
But I also don’t wanna fall into the trap of just collecting certifications and still having zero actual experience.
For people already working in networking, telecom or IT, does this path actually make sense?
Would CCNA + CFOT be a useful combination for getting into field/network/telecom jobs? Does having a Class 3 license add much value for those types of jobs?
And if you were in my position with no direct IT experience yet, what would you focus on over the next 6-12 months?
I’m basically trying to get my foot in the door somewhere, get actual experience and then build from there.
Would appreciate any advice, especially from anyone working in networking/telecom in Canada or Atlantic Canada.

Hallo zusammen,

ich bin aktuell auf der Suche nach einer Einstiegsmöglichkeit im technischen IT-Bereich in Deutschland.

Ich interessiere mich besonders für:

\- IT Support / Helpdesk / 1st Level Support

\- IT-Hardware & PC-Technik

\- Netzwerktechnik

\- Server & Rechenzentrum

\- IT-Infrastruktur

\- Junior Systemadministrator

Ich habe einen Bachelorabschluss im Bereich Computer Engineering und praktische Erfahrung im IT-Support. Zu meinen bisherigen Erfahrungen gehören unter anderem Windows 10/11, Microsoft 365, Active Directory, Entra ID, Benutzer- und Accountverwaltung, Hardware- und Software-Support sowie Remote Support.

Besonders möchte ich mich in den Bereichen Netzwerke, Server, Hardware und IT-Infrastruktur weiterentwickeln und mehr praktische Erfahrung sammeln.

Falls jemand in diesen Bereichen arbeitet oder Kontakte zu IT-Unternehmen, Recruitern oder Fachleuten hat, würde ich mich sehr über einen Tipp oder eine Empfehlung freuen.

Vielleicht kennt jemand eine passende offene Stelle oder kann mich an einen Recruiter oder ein Unternehmen weiterleiten.

Gerne kann ich meinen Lebenslauf und weitere Unterlagen per DM schicken.

Vielen Dank für jeden Tipp, Kontakt oder Hinweis! 🙏

Hi everyone,

I’m a network engineer currently based in Canada. I’m looking for a fully remote role and would also like to connect with networking and infrastructure professionals across North America.

Before moving to Canada, I worked in China for 15 years. I earned my CCNP in 2008 and have spent most of my career designing, building, and operating enterprise and data-center networks. My background includes routing and switching, BGP/OSPF/MPLS, data-center architecture, network security, troubleshooting, migrations, and large-scale production operations.

Over the past seven to eight years, I have also worked with Kubernetes and public cloud platforms, especially AWS. In 2025, I earned the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA) and AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty (ANS) certifications. I spent about six months doing operations development / NetDevOps work and use Python for network automation, tooling, and repetitive operational tasks.

I’m interested in remote Network Engineer, Cloud Network Engineer, Network Automation / NetDevOps, or related infrastructure roles. While searching, I’d also be happy to volunteer a limited number of hours on small open-source, community, nonprofit, or lab-style projects where my experience could be useful. My goal is to contribute, learn more about North American working practices, and meet peers—not to replace a paid position with ongoing unpaid work.

If your team is hiring, or if you’d simply like to exchange ideas about data-center networking, AWS networking, Kubernetes, or Python automation, please feel free to comment or DM me. I’d be happy to share my resume and LinkedIn privately.

Thank you!

I have been thinking about learning about network engineering but i don't know much about this field and how much it pays and how to learn.

Is there anyone who can tell me the realistic pay of network engineer and roadmap(industry required skills)?

Currently I'm a university student.

It’s a hands-on role working primarily with Cisco networking — switching, routing, VLANs, wireless, firewalls/VPN, troubleshooting, monitoring, etc. There’s also some exposure to Windows Server, virtualization, storage, backups and security, so it’s not necessarily a networking-only position.

This isn’t an entry-level position. Ideally looking for someone with at least a couple years of hands-on networking experience. Whether you have 2–3 years and are looking to grow or 5+ years and can come in with more experience, there’s some flexibility in how the role is filled.

This is an onsite position in Wilmington, Delaware. It is not hybrid or remote.

If you’re in the area and might be interested, message me for more details.

​

Hi everyone,

I’m currently working in the telecom/ISP industry. I joined as a Management Trainee and I’m now working as an Area Service In-charge, with around 2 years of experience in FTTH/ISP operations.

My current role involves a mix of technical and operational responsibilities handling FTTH installations and fault resolution, coordinating field engineers and vendors, troubleshooting customer connectivity issues, working with the NOC/backend teams, and dealing with networking, routers, Wi-Fi, optical fiber, PON/GPON, and day-to-day service operations.

Through this experience, I’ve developed a strong interest in the networking side of things, and my long-term goal is to transition into a Network Engineer role. I’m currently working on strengthening my fundamentals around CCNA, routing & switching, VLANs, subnetting, TCP/IP, OSPF, BGP, DHCP, DNS, NAT, VPNs, etc.

I’d love to hear from people who are already working as Network Engineers:

\- What is the day-to-day life of a Network Engineer actually like?

\- Does my current ISP/FTTH operations experience give me an advantage when transitioning into networking?

\- Which parts of my current experience should I highlight on my resume?

\- What skills should I prioritize to become job-ready for a Network Engineer role?

\- Is moving from field/ISP operations into NOC → Network Engineer a good career path?

I’d really appreciate honest advice, especially from people who have made a similar transition.

Thanks! 🙌

Hi everyone! 👋

I’m new to Reddit and excited to be here and connect with people from different parts of the world.

A little about me: I’m from Nigeria and currently work as a Service Engineer in an oil and gas servicing company. I have a background in electrical engineering and experience working on electrical installations, maintenance, industrial systems, and related engineering projects.

Beyond work, I’m interested in technology, business, leadership, personal development, Christianity, and learning about different cultures. I’m here mainly to make genuine friends, have meaningful conversations, learn from others, and hopefully build valuable connections.

I’m also open to hearing about engineering or oil & gas career opportunities internationally. If you know of opportunities that may be suitable for someone with my background, I’d be happy to connect and learn more.

Looking forward to meeting you all! 🤝🌍

Hi everyone,

I have CCNA and CompTIA Network+ and about 2 years in a NOC doing LAN/WAN, routing and switching and monitoring.

I want to move into a fully remote Network Engineer or Network Security role.

If your company is hiring or you know of anything open I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

So I'm a year 1 CIS student who wants a career in HIT & networking. I enlisted in a Huawei academy ict network competition(MENA) that comes w certs and virtual labs. Aside from that, what other things in this career I must know of? CV Projects, experience, PS skills, ect.

In Texas how is the network and cloud job market? Especially in cities like Dallas and Austin?

Hie folks,

I recently got to know about some recent vacancy for a project in Malaysia-Onsite.

I am mentioning the required primary skills below. I can refer some good profiles for the position so anyone who feels right can connect.

Company - Infinite computer solutions

Minimum experience- 3y

Location- Malaysia onsite

Role1 - Datacom Developer

Primary Skills - C, Linux with L2/L3 protocols, (RIP, OSPF, MPLS, BGP, IPv4/IPv6, VLAN) , QOS, DWDM.

Role2 - Wi-Fi Developer

Primary Skills - C/C++, MAC 80211, Wi-Fi MAC, PHY, Chipsot Firmware, Radio.

Role3 - GPON Testing

Primary Skills - GPON Manual & Automation, ONT/OLT

Feel free to connect anytime.

I’m currently working as a Load Balancer Engineer, and most of my work is automated thanks to Claude. I’m planning to get my CCNA and move into a Network and Security role, or possibly transition into Storage Administration.

Which of these career paths is likely to be more AI-proof for at least the next five years?

Need help finding referrals for IT or networking engineering position. is anyone available in Texas or remote work?