The demand for network engineers is ever-increasing as businesses continue to rely on the internet as a key support system. If you’re an experienced network engineer or architect and understand the importance of the foundation of an organization’s internet technology (IT) system, then your skill set is most certainly coveted.
Today’s companies can’t survive without the help of engineering support across their networks, and therefore, there has never been a better time to consider a freelancing career as a network engineer.
According to Field Engineer, there are a plethora of freelance opportunities around the world and the number of jobs continues to grow.
What Tasks are a Network Engineer Expected to Perform?
You may be responsible for:
- Testing the server on the network
- Maximizing network performance
- Configuring firewalls
- Remote troubleshooting
- Other technical tasks
Keep in mind that clients may require that you be on call 24 hours a day to ensure that their system is always running properly.
What Skills Does a Network Engineer Need?
Some of the necessary skills include:
- Mathematical and scientific skills
- Critical thinking
- Networking skills
- Quality control
- System analysis
- Operations analysis
Most freelance network engineers hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science and/or have relevant professional experience with computing systems. There are also certification programs available. Learn more from the 10 Best Network Engineer Certifications to Pursue in 2020 and Beyond.
“There’s nothing I believe in more strongly than getting young people interested in science and engineering, for a better tomorrow, for all humankind.” – Bill Nye
How Can I Be Successful if I’ve Never Freelanced Before?
Start on the path to success by coming up with a list of services that you can provide and an hourly and/or project rate. When you’re just getting started, you may have to offer lower rates to build up experience, but as you grow your business those rates will more than likely increase with demand.
Build a blog or personal website that showcases your professional work, testimonials, and advertises your services.
Get started with freelancing by communicating with your existing professional connections (especially on LinkedIn) both by public posting and private messaging. Use keywords and include industry-specific hashtags to your posts, as well as add the #OpenToWork frame to your profile picture so that employers can easily see you’re available for work.
There are also many websites that are tailored to helping freelancers kickstart their business. Indy provides a myriad of tips that will help you learn how to find clients, how to build a network, and more.
Want to become a successful freelancer? Learn about financial planning, discover how to manage your time wisely, better understand how to sell yourself, and ultimately, get your freelancing career off the ground.
How Do I Find Freelance Opportunities?
There are many websites to find and apply to freelance opportunities for network engineers. Some of the more popular sites for network engineers include Upwork, People Per Hour, Freelancer, and Guru. Indeed and Zip Recruiter will allow you to create a specific search for freelance network engineering opportunities.
The freelance network engineering business has really taken off, and many engineers have found that they’re able to earn income when they’re in-between positions and as a side income. Freelancing also offers the opportunity to work remotely and can provide more flexibility in your personal and professional life.
Why not take a chance and start your freelancing career today?
