Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Network Design Engineer

My day usually starts at 7 or 8 AM and can end anywhere between 3:30 to 7 PM, depending on ongoing projects and the status of studying for vendor certifications. I begin my day by checking emails, service tickets, and my to-do list on the whiteboard to help me visualize tasks and prioritize them. The first thing I focus on is making sure that our customers’ networks are running smoothly and efficiently. I check my email for any urgent messages from clients who may have encountered issues overnight, and I review service tickets for any new or unresolved problems that need attention.

I also enjoy some breakfast, which typically includes a bowl of eggs and egg whites, along with an energy drink (I don’t like coffee 🤷‍♂️). Just like Darryl from “The Office” with his refreshments from the unnamed energy drink company, I rely on my morning boost to kick-start my day and stay focused on the tasks ahead.

Tasks throughout the day can range from writing out statements of work to staging wireless devices and firewalls. I prioritize tasks based on urgency, but 99% of the time, I can multitask thanks to having more than one monitor. My day consists of writing technical documentation, attending meetings, and helping out fellow engineers and the sales team with any questions or concerns they may have.

To stay focused and motivated, we always have music playing in the background at the office. This creates a “zen” mood, which is key for maintaining a productive and positive work environment. I usually listen to a mix of genres, including R&B and hip hop, to keep my mind sharp and engaged.

Throughout the day, I continue working on tasks while going through any new emails or monitoring service desk tickets. I also receive calls from customers for any network or technical issues, so I spend time troubleshooting with them to find a solution to their problems.

At Network Zen, it’s important to keep ourselves focused on customers, the expertise of our gurus, and our dedication to staying up-to-date with new technologies and vendor certifications. As part of this commitment, I make sure to stay refreshed on my knowledge by going through technical training videos and studying new wireless advances. One helpful resource I use is Udemy, an online learning platform built for IT professionals. I also document and update processes to ensure that our team is always following the best practices.

After lunch, I may or may not engage in a prank with one of my coworkers… this is not an admission of guilt.

However, we don’t just play around all day. Us engineers help each other out with outstanding tasks or service tickets to help keep things running smoothly, such as:

• Building out wired and wireless network designs
• Working on-site survey reports
• Configuring wireless access points, controllers, network switches, and mobile devices
• Writing out technical documentation for internal company resources

My day usually wraps up with a final review of my tasks to ensure everything is on track and that any new projects have been properly assigned. I also go over the system logs and service desk tickets to ensure that any technical issues have been addressed.

Finally, I take a few minutes to reflect on the day during my commute home, which usually involves listening to podcasts or music. At times, I will work from home in the evening to finish up things that couldn’t be done at the office, like after-hour network reboots or upgrades. I also end the day with a workout to relieve stress and stay active.

At Network Zen, we’re committed to providing top-notch customer service and innovative solutions to help your business thrive. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your operations and take advantage of our expertise in wired and wireless designs, troubleshooting, and vendor certifications.

Or if you just want to chat about a shared love of “The Office” memes, don’t hesitate to reach out!