Muna On The Road: The Evolving Network Engineer
Welcome back to "Muna On the Road," my series sharing insights from recent speaking engagements.
I was thrilled to be invited to speak on the Art of Network Engineering podcast. This podcast delved into a topic that's defining our industry today: the evolving role of the network engineer. The days of purely command-line configuration are steadily fading, making way for a dynamic profession that demands a broader, more adaptable skillset.
Our conversation, in particular, highlighted Bridging the Dev-Net Gap. We explored how programs like Google's Network Residency are fostering this convergence, bringing new talent into networking. We shared insights into how companies actively encourage this by pairing traditional engineers with developers and even incentivizing networking professionals to learn to code. This collaborative approach aims to create more versatile teams where the lines between "network engineer" and "software engineer" become increasingly blurred.
Our discussion then shifted to the Future of Network Engineering and the crucial Mindset for Success in this evolving landscape. We emphasized a significant shift: value is moving away from memorizing commands to understanding complex systems at scale. Even with advanced automation and AI, human ingenuity for problem-solving and comprehending intricate designs remains irreplaceable. This highlights a future where network professionals will act more as system architects and problem solvers than mere configurators. We touched upon the importance of being open to continuous learning, embracing coding (starting with approachable languages like Python), and always thinking about solutions in terms of scalability. The discussion underscored the need for curiosity, adaptability, and the willingness to question preconceived notions: qualities essential for thriving as the industry continues to transform.
It was a rewarding opportunity to share practical insights and engage in a deep dive into the future of our field. Check out the full talk below to hear the complete conversation!
Podcast Link: https://podcast.artofnetworkengineering.com/2127872/episodes/17181291-the-unicorn-network-engineer