Network Engineering & Cybersecurity Careers – Cyber Job Hacks

Cisco announced the new version of the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) last week. The first major release in six years. They promise that it is more than just another update and that it is a complete revamp of this entry-level exam. The exam is to go beyond memorization and test candidates ability to apply their knowledge in more scenario-based questions.

Personally, I am glad to see this change and that they kept with the routing and switching fundamentals. Not loading it up with proprietary technologies.  

In this episode, you will learn:

How the CCNA will change

The move from memorization to practical application

Remains focused on routing and switching

Security integrated into the questions

Inclusion of AI

Less automation and wireless

Episode Overview:

CCNA 2.0 will hit the street next year. It will shift away from the standard "stump the chump" multiple choice questions and include more scenario-based. It integrates security into the L2 and L3 questions and introduces AI. This is a welcomed and much needed change to the CCNA exam. 

Key Takeaway:

The CCNA remains the industry standard for entry-level network engineering

The exam will challenge candidates to apply what they know

The CCNA will produce stronger entry-level network engineers

Network Engineer Career Accelerator Cohort (CAPE Framework)

I am offering a Career Accelerator for Network Engineers. During this 12-week virtual cohort, we will define your career goals (Clarity), identify your current reality (Alignment), explore the options (Proximity), and develop a plan of action (Execution). If this is you, email me at cohort@colburncareer.com

The Three Pillars of Network Engineering

Download the Three Pillars of Network Engineering: A Framework to Move Your Career to the Next Level at colburncareer.com

Schedule a Free Career Strategy Call

Schedule a free career strategy call at https://calendly.com/jeff-colburncareer/30min

Contact me

Contact me at cyberjobhacks@colburncareer.com

About the Host

Dr. Jeff Colburn is a network architect with 30+ years of experience and over a decade of mentoring network engineers.

He helps engineers advance into senior and architect-level roles by focusing on three key areas: deep technical knowledge, design best practices, and technology selection rationale.

His approach combines real-world experience with formal training in leadership and coaching, including a Master’s in Human Services Counseling (Executive Leadership) and certification as a Maxwell Leadership Team Coach.

LinkedIn Profile: https://linkedin.com/in/jeffreyacolburn

Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Colburn Career Strategies LLC

AI is transforming networking in two completely different ways.

The first is Networking for AI — building the ultra-high-performance infrastructure required to support GPU clusters, AI training environments, and massive AI data centers.

The second is AI for Networking — using artificial intelligence, telemetry, automation, and AIOps platforms to operate networks more intelligently and efficiently.

In this episode of Cyber Job Hacks, we explore both sides of the AI revolution and discuss what it means for the future of network engineering careers.

In this episode, you will learn:

Industry Direction

Networking for AI

AI for Networking

InfiniBand vs Ethernet

AIOps

Network engineering career development

Episode Overview:

AI is a major disrupter in the industry. Networking vendors are restructuring their organizations to capture AI spend. AI has a role in two distinct areas; Networking for AI and AI for Networking. Building out the network infrastructure to support AI and the use of AI to support network operations. Today's network engineer must evolve their skill set to remain marketable in this rapidly changing industry.  

Key Takeaway:

AI is having a major impact on the networking industry.

AI has taken over yet; there are plenty of opportunities in traditional networking.

You can remain relevant by adapting your skill sets now for the future that is coming.

Network Engineer Career Accelerator Cohort (CAPE Framework)

I am offering a Career Accelerator for Network Engineers. During this 12-week virtual cohort, we will define your career goals (Clarity), identify your current reality (Alignment), explore the options (Proximity), and develop a plan of action (Execution). If this is you, email me at cohort@colburncareer.com

The Three Pillars of Network Engineering

Download the Three Pillars of Network Engineering: A Framework to Move Your Career to the Next Level at colburncareer.com

Schedule a Free Career Strategy Call

Schedule a free career strategy call at https://calendly.com/jeff-colburncareer/30min

Contact me

Contact me at cyberjobhacks@colburncareer.com

About the Host

Dr. Jeff Colburn is a network architect with 30+ years of experience and over a decade of mentoring network engineers.

He helps engineers advance into senior and architect-level roles by focusing on three key areas: deep technical knowledge, design best practices, and technology selection rationale.

His approach combines real-world experience with formal training in leadership and coaching, including a Master’s in Human Services Counseling (Executive Leadership) and certification as a Maxwell Leadership Team Coach.

LinkedIn Profile: https://linkedin.com/in/jeffreyacolburn

Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Colburn Career Strategies LLC

Many network engineers work hard—earning certifications, and learning new technologies—yet still feel like they’re not making meaningful progress.

One of the biggest reasons is their certification path does not match their career path.

In this episode, I share two important lessons I learned when deciding which certifications to pursue; pursue certifications that match your target role and pursue certifications that are industry recognized.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re staying busy but not moving forward, this episode will help you step back, refocus, and move with purpose.

In this episode, you will learn:

Common mistakes when pursuing certifications

How to identify certifications that match your target role

The difference between a primary and specialization certification

How to align your certification path with your career path

Episode Overview:

Certifications have their uses. However, only when they align with your career path. The certifications you pursue should help close the technical gap between where you are today and the role you want tomorrow. These certifications must have industry recognition within your target role.  

Key Takeaway:

Pursue only certifications that lead towards your target role.

Pursue industry recognized certifications.

Network Engineer Career Accelerator Cohort (CAPE Framework)

I am offering a Career Accelerator for Network Engineers. During this 12-week virtual cohort, we will define your career goals (Clarity), identify your current reality (Alignment), explore the options (Proximity), and develop a plan of action (Execution). If this is you, email me at cohort@colburncareer.com

The Three Pillars of Network Engineering

Download the Three Pillars of Network Engineering: A Framework to Move Your Career to the Next Level at colburncareer.com

Schedule a Free Career Strategy Call

Schedule a free career strategy call at https://calendly.com/jeff-colburncareer/30min

Contact me

Contact me at cyberjobhacks@colburncareer.com

About the Host

Dr. Jeff Colburn is a network architect with 30+ years of experience and over a decade of mentoring network engineers.

He helps engineers advance into senior and architect-level roles by focusing on three key areas: deep technical knowledge, design best practices, and technology selection rationale.

His approach combines real-world experience with formal training in leadership and coaching, including a Master’s in Human Services Counseling (Executive Leadership) and certification as a Maxwell Leadership Team Coach.

LinkedIn Profile: https://linkedin.com/in/jeffreyacolburn

Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Colburn Career Strategies LLC

Many network engineers work hard—earning certifications, learning new technologies, and gaining experience—yet still feel like they’re not making meaningful progress.

One of the biggest reasons is career drift.

In this episode, we break down what career drift looks like in network engineering, why it happens, and how to avoid it by choosing a clear direction. You’ll learn how to think more intentionally about your career path so your effort actually leads to progress toward advanced roles.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re staying busy but not moving forward, this episode will help you step back, refocus, and move with purpose.

In this episode, you will learn:

What career drift is and why it happens in network engineering

How a lack of direction slows down career progression

How to choose the right direction based on your strengths and goals

Common mistakes that lead to drifting instead of progressing

Episode Overview:

It’s easy to fall into a pattern of learning broadly, taking on whatever work is available, and following opportunities as they come. Over time, this can lead to career drift—where you’re gaining experience, but not necessarily moving toward the roles you actually want.

In this episode, we walk through how to step out of that pattern by defining a clear direction and aligning your effort with it. Instead of trying to do everything, you’ll learn how to focus on what actually matters for your long-term goals.

Key Takeaway:

You can work hard in the wrong direction and still fall behind.

Clarity is what turns effort into progress.

Network Engineer Career Accelerator Cohort (CAPE Framework)

I am offering a Career Accelerator for Network Engineers. During this 12-week virtual cohort, we will define your career goals (Clarity), identify your current reality (Alignment), explore the options (Proximity), and develop a plan of action (Execution). If this is you, email me at cohort@colburncareer.com

The Three Pillars of Network Engineering

Download the Three Pillars of Network Engineering: A Framework to Move Your Career to the Next Level at colburncareer.com

Schedule a Free Career Strategy Call

Schedule a free career strategy call at https://calendly.com/jeff-colburncareer/30min

Contact me

Contact me at cyberjobhacks@colburncareer.com

About the Host

Dr. Jeff Colburn is a network architect with 30+ years of experience and over a decade of mentoring network engineers.

He helps engineers advance into senior and architect-level roles by focusing on three key areas: deep technical knowledge, design best practices, and technology selection rationale.

His approach combines real-world experience with formal training in leadership and coaching, including a Master’s in Human Services Counseling (Executive Leadership) and certification as a Maxwell Leadership Team Coach.

LinkedIn Profile: https://linkedin.com/in/jeffreyacolburn

Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Colburn Career Strategies LLC

Many network engineers say they want to become a network architect—but far fewer are clear on what that actually requires.

In this episode, we define what “advanced network engineering roles” really look like and break down the shift from implementation-focused work to design and decision-making. If you’ve been gaining experience but aren’t sure what separates mid-level engineers from those moving into architect-level roles, this episode will help clarify the path.

You’ll learn why technical knowledge alone isn’t enough, what skills actually matter at higher levels, and how to start thinking more like an architect when approaching network design and technology decisions.

In this episode, you will learn:

What advanced network engineering roles actually require

The shift from configuration to design thinking

The key differences between mid-level and architect-level engineers

The three pillars of advanced roles: technical depth, design best practices, and technology selection

Why exposure to real-world design decisions is critical for career growth

Episode Overview:

Many engineers assume that continued learning and experience will naturally lead to advancement. But without understanding what advanced roles demand, it’s easy to stay focused on implementation work and miss the skills that actually drive progression.

In this episode, we break down what it takes to move into architect-level roles and how to begin aligning your learning and experience with those expectations.

Key Takeaway:

The difference between mid-level and advanced network engineers isn’t just more knowledge—it’s a shift in how you think, design, and make decisions.

Network Engineer Career Accelerator Cohort (CAPE Framework)

I am offering a Career Accelerator for Network Engineers. During this 12-week virtual cohort, we will define your career goals (Clarity), identify your current reality (Alignment), explore the options (Proximity), and develop a plan of action (Execution). If this is you, email me at cohort@colburncareer.com

The Three Pillars of Network Engineering

Download the Three Pillars of Network Engineering: A Framework to Move Your Career to the Next Level at colburncareer.com

Schedule a Free Career Strategy Call

Schedule a free career strategy call at https://calendly.com/jeff-colburncareer/30min

Contact me

Contact me at cyberjobhacks@colburncareer.com

About the Host

Dr. Jeff Colburn is a network architect with 30+ years of experience and over a decade of mentoring network engineers.

He helps engineers advance into senior and architect-level roles by focusing on three key areas: deep technical knowledge, design best practices, and technology selection rationale.

His approach combines real-world experience with formal training in leadership and coaching, including a Master’s in Human Services Counseling (Executive Leadership) and certification as a Maxwell Leadership Team Coach.

LinkedIn Profile: https://linkedin.com/in/jeffreyacolburn

Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Colburn Career Strategies LLC