What do you do if your professional development needs as a network engineer are being overlooked?

1 Assess your situation

The first step is to evaluate your current situation and identify the gaps in your skills, knowledge, or experience. You can use online tools, such as self-assessments, quizzes, or surveys, to measure your proficiency in various network engineering topics. You can also compare your resume or portfolio with the requirements of the jobs or projects you are interested in. This will help you set realistic and specific goals for your professional development.

2 Communicate your needs

The next step is to communicate your professional development needs to your employer or manager in a clear and respectful way. You can use the SMART framework to present your goals as specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You can also explain how your professional development will benefit the organization, such as improving productivity, quality, security, or customer satisfaction. You can also provide examples of the training, certification, or mentorship programs you are interested in and how much they cost, how long they take, and what outcomes they deliver.

3 Negotiate your options

The third step is to negotiate your options with your employer or manager and find a mutually agreeable solution. You can use the BATNA technique to determine your best alternative to a negotiated agreement and be prepared to walk away if your needs are not met. You can also use the win-win approach to find common ground and create value for both parties. For example, you can offer to share your learning outcomes with your colleagues, take on additional responsibilities, or contribute to a project that aligns with your professional development goals.

4 Seek alternative sources

The fourth step is to seek alternative sources of professional development if your employer or manager is not cooperative or supportive. You can use online platforms, such as Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning, to access a variety of courses, certificates, or degrees in network engineering. You can also join professional associations, such as IEEE, CompTIA, or Cisco, to access networking events, webinars, publications, or discounts on training and certification. You can also reach out to mentors, coaches, or peers in your field and ask for advice, feedback, or referrals.

6 Celebrate your success

The sixth and final step is to celebrate your success and reward yourself for your efforts and accomplishments in your professional development. You can use online tools, such as gamification, recognition, or testimonials, to motivate yourself and acknowledge your achievements. You can also use online tools, such as surveys, reviews, or ratings, to solicit feedback and improve your performance. You can also use online tools, such as forums, groups, or communities, to connect with other network engineers and learn from their experiences and best practices.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?