The Consulting Engineer Role

The Art of Network Engineering

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Consulting Engineers (CEs) at networking vendors blend deep technical expertise with customer-facing skills to bridge the gap between account managers and specialized solution design. They operate as specialists who support Sales Engineers when customer requirements demand deeper technical knowledge.
• CEs often join from traditional network engineering backgrounds or increasingly through vendor graduate programs
• The role provides higher impact by influencing entire industries rather than just one company
• CE positions typically offer better compensation than operational networking roles
• Computer science education rarely covers networking fundamentals, creating an industry knowledge gap
• The autonomy of the CE role allows for continuous learning and specialization while maintaining customer contact
• Working at a vendor provides exposure to bleeding-edge technology and broader industry perspectives
• Soft skills are equally important as technical skills for success in consulting engineering
If you're interested in transitioning to a Consulting Engineer role, develop your soft skills and build relationships in the networking community, as these connections are invaluable. Reach Colin Doyle and Jared Cordova on LinkedIn to learn more about consulting engineering opportunities.
Find everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

Chapters

1. Introduction to Consulting Engineers (00:00:00)

2. What Consulting Engineers Actually Do (00:04:44)

3. Different Paths to Becoming a CE (00:12:13)

4. Computer Science vs. Networking Skills (00:22:51)

5. Career Growth and Autonomy (00:34:28)

6. Pros, Cons, and Advice for Aspiring CEs (00:41:21)