Network Systems Engineer: Your 30/60/90 Day Plan for Success

Starting a new role as a Network Systems Engineer can feel overwhelming. This isn’t about generic onboarding – it’s about hitting the ground running and making a real impact in your first three months. You’ll walk away with a concrete plan, clear priorities, and the confidence to navigate the challenges ahead.

Here’s Your Promise

By the end of this article, you’ll have a tailored 30/60/90-day plan template, a prioritization checklist to focus your efforts, and a communication script for aligning with key stakeholders. You’ll be able to identify critical network infrastructure gaps, proactively address potential risks, and demonstrate measurable value within your first quarter. This plan is designed to be implemented immediately, allowing you to showcase your expertise and build strong relationships from day one.

• A customizable 30/60/90-day plan template to structure your initial goals and activities.
• A network infrastructure assessment checklist to identify critical gaps and vulnerabilities.
• A stakeholder communication script to build rapport and align expectations.
• A prioritization matrix to focus on high-impact initiatives.
• A risk mitigation strategy template to proactively address potential network issues.
• A performance tracking dashboard outline to measure and report your progress.
• A list of key questions to ask during your first week to gather essential information.
• A list of common mistakes to avoid during your onboarding period.

What You’ll Walk Away With

• A customizable 30/60/90-day plan template: Ready to adapt for your specific role and company.
• A network assessment checklist: To quickly identify critical areas needing attention.
• A stakeholder alignment script: For clear and effective communication with key individuals.
• A risk mitigation template: To proactively address potential network vulnerabilities.
• A prioritization matrix: To focus on high-impact activities and avoid getting bogged down.
• A performance tracking outline: For demonstrating your value and progress to management.

What This Is, and What It Isn’t

• This is: A practical guide to making a strong impact as a Network Systems Engineer in your first 90 days.
• This isn’t: A generic onboarding checklist or a theoretical discussion of network engineering principles.
• This is: Focused on actionable steps and measurable outcomes.
• This isn’t: A comprehensive training manual on all aspects of network systems.

The Core Mission: Keeping the Network Reliable and Secure

A Network Systems Engineer exists to ensure the reliable and secure operation of an organization’s network infrastructure, minimizing downtime and protecting sensitive data while adhering to budget constraints.

30-Day Focus: Understanding the Landscape

Your primary goal in the first 30 days is to learn the existing network infrastructure and build relationships. This involves understanding the current network topology, security protocols, and performance metrics. It also means identifying key stakeholders and understanding their priorities.

Key Activities for the First 30 Days

1. Document the existing network infrastructure. This includes creating network diagrams, documenting IP addressing schemes, and identifying key network devices. The purpose is to establish a baseline understanding of the current network environment.
2. Meet with key stakeholders. This includes IT managers, security personnel, and end-users. The purpose is to understand their needs and expectations for the network. A key question to ask: “What are the biggest network-related challenges you’re currently facing?”
3. Review existing security policies and procedures. This includes reviewing firewall rules, intrusion detection systems, and access control lists. The purpose is to identify potential security vulnerabilities.
4. Monitor network performance. This includes using network monitoring tools to track bandwidth utilization, latency, and packet loss. The purpose is to identify potential performance bottlenecks.

60-Day Focus: Identifying Gaps and Opportunities

Your focus shifts to identifying areas for improvement and developing a plan to address them. This involves analyzing the data you’ve collected in the first 30 days and identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities. It also means developing a strategy to improve network performance and security.

Key Activities for the Second 30 Days

1. Conduct a network security assessment. Use tools like Nessus or OpenVAS to scan for vulnerabilities. The purpose is to identify potential security risks.
2. Develop a risk mitigation plan. This includes identifying potential risks, assessing their impact, and developing a plan to mitigate them. The purpose is to proactively address potential network issues.
3. Identify opportunities to improve network performance. This includes optimizing network configurations, upgrading network hardware, and implementing quality of service (QoS) policies. The purpose is to improve network speed and reliability.
4. Present your findings and recommendations to stakeholders. This includes summarizing your findings, outlining your recommendations, and developing a plan to implement them. The purpose is to gain buy-in and support for your initiatives.

90-Day Focus: Implementing Solutions and Measuring Results

The final 30 days are about implementing your plan and demonstrating measurable results. This involves implementing the security enhancements, optimizing network configurations, and upgrading network hardware. It also means tracking your progress and reporting your results to stakeholders.

Key Activities for the Third 30 Days

1. Implement security enhancements. This includes configuring firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access control lists. The purpose is to improve network security.
2. Optimize network configurations. This includes tuning network devices, implementing QoS policies, and optimizing routing protocols. The purpose is to improve network performance.
3. Upgrade network hardware. This includes replacing outdated network devices with newer, more powerful devices. The purpose is to improve network capacity and reliability.
4. Track your progress and report your results to stakeholders. This includes using network monitoring tools to track performance metrics and generating reports to summarize your findings. The purpose is to demonstrate the value of your initiatives.

The 30/60/90 Day Plan Template

Use this template to structure your plan and track your progress.

30-Day Plan:

• Goal: Understand the existing network infrastructure and build relationships.
• Activities: Document network topology, meet with stakeholders, review security policies, monitor network performance.
• Metrics: Number of stakeholders met, network diagrams completed, security policies reviewed.

60-Day Plan:

• Goal: Identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Activities: Conduct security assessment, develop risk mitigation plan, identify performance optimization opportunities, present findings to stakeholders.
• Metrics: Number of vulnerabilities identified, risk mitigation plan completed, performance optimization recommendations developed.

90-Day Plan:

• Goal: Implement solutions and measure results.
• Activities: Implement security enhancements, optimize network configurations, upgrade network hardware, track progress and report results.
• Metrics: Number of security enhancements implemented, network performance improvements achieved, stakeholder satisfaction ratings.

Network Assessment Checklist

Use this checklist to assess the current state of the network.

• Network Topology: Is the network topology well-documented and up-to-date?
• IP Addressing: Is the IP addressing scheme well-organized and efficient?
• Security Policies: Are security policies clearly defined and consistently enforced?
• Firewall Rules: Are firewall rules properly configured and up-to-date?
• Intrusion Detection: Is intrusion detection system properly configured and monitored?
• Access Control: Are access control lists properly configured and enforced?
• Network Performance: Is network performance meeting expectations?
• Bandwidth Utilization: Is bandwidth utilization optimized?
• Latency: Is latency within acceptable limits?
• Packet Loss: Is packet loss minimized?

Stakeholder Communication Script

Use this script as a starting point for conversations with key stakeholders.

Subject: Introduction and Initial Network Assessment

Hi [Stakeholder Name],

I’m [Your Name], the new Network Systems Engineer. I’m excited to join the team and contribute to the success of our organization.

As part of my initial onboarding, I’m conducting a comprehensive assessment of our network infrastructure. I’d like to schedule a brief meeting to discuss your perspectives on the network’s performance, security, and reliability.

Specifically, I’m interested in understanding any challenges you’re currently facing and your expectations for the network going forward.

Please let me know what time works best for you.

Thanks,

[Your Name]

Prioritization Matrix

Use this matrix to prioritize your activities based on impact and urgency.

• High Impact, High Urgency: Address immediately.
• High Impact, Low Urgency: Schedule for the near future.
• Low Impact, High Urgency: Delegate or address quickly.
• Low Impact, Low Urgency: Defer or eliminate.

Risk Mitigation Strategy Template

Use this template to develop a risk mitigation strategy.

• Risk: [Describe the potential risk]
• Impact: [Assess the potential impact of the risk]
• Mitigation: [Outline the steps you’ll take to mitigate the risk]
• Owner: [Assign responsibility for mitigating the risk]
• Timeline: [Establish a timeline for mitigating the risk]

Performance Tracking Dashboard Outline

Use this outline to create a performance tracking dashboard.

• Network Uptime: Track the percentage of time the network is available.
• Bandwidth Utilization: Track the amount of bandwidth being used.
• Latency: Track the amount of time it takes for data to travel across the network.
• Packet Loss: Track the percentage of packets that are lost during transmission.
• Security Incidents: Track the number of security incidents that occur.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Be aware of these common pitfalls during your onboarding.

• Failing to document the existing network infrastructure. Without a clear understanding of the current network environment, it’s difficult to identify potential problems and develop effective solutions.
• Neglecting to build relationships with key stakeholders. Building strong relationships with stakeholders is essential for gaining buy-in and support for your initiatives.
• Ignoring security vulnerabilities. Failing to address security vulnerabilities can leave the network vulnerable to attack.
• Overlooking performance bottlenecks. Ignoring performance bottlenecks can lead to slow network speeds and frustrated users.

What a hiring manager scans for in 15 seconds

• Clear understanding of network fundamentals: Shows a solid foundation for the role.
• Experience with specific network technologies: Matches the company’s infrastructure.
• Problem-solving skills: Demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot network issues.
• Security awareness: Highlights a commitment to protecting the network.
• Communication skills: Shows the ability to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Proactive approach: Demonstrates a willingness to take initiative and improve the network.

The mistake that quietly kills candidates

The biggest mistake is failing to ask clarifying questions. Don’t assume you know everything. Ask questions to fully understand the network environment and stakeholder expectations. This shows initiative and a willingness to learn.

Weak: “I’ll just dive in and start fixing things.”

Strong: “To ensure I’m focusing on the right priorities, can you walk me through the current network challenges and stakeholder expectations?”

FAQ

What are the most important skills for a Network Systems Engineer?

The most important skills include a strong understanding of networking protocols, security principles, and troubleshooting techniques. Experience with specific network technologies, such as Cisco or Juniper, is also valuable. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential for collaborating with stakeholders and resolving network issues.

How can I quickly learn the existing network infrastructure?

Start by reviewing existing network documentation, such as network diagrams and IP addressing schemes. Use network monitoring tools to track bandwidth utilization and identify key network devices. Schedule meetings with key stakeholders to understand their perspectives on the network.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for a Network Systems Engineer?

Key KPIs include network uptime, bandwidth utilization, latency, packet loss, and the number of security incidents. These metrics provide insights into the network’s performance, security, and reliability. Tracking these KPIs helps demonstrate the value of your initiatives.

How can I build relationships with key stakeholders?

Schedule regular meetings with stakeholders to discuss their needs and expectations for the network. Actively listen to their concerns and provide timely updates on your progress. Be proactive in addressing their issues and providing solutions. Remember that building rapport and trust is key.

What are some common security vulnerabilities in network systems?

Common vulnerabilities include outdated software, weak passwords, misconfigured firewalls, and unpatched systems. Regularly scan the network for vulnerabilities and implement security enhancements to mitigate these risks. Stay up-to-date on the latest security threats and best practices.

How can I improve network performance?

Optimize network configurations, upgrade network hardware, and implement quality of service (QoS) policies. Use network monitoring tools to identify performance bottlenecks and track your progress. Regularly review and adjust network settings to ensure optimal performance.

What are the best tools for network monitoring and troubleshooting?

Popular tools include SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor, PRTG Network Monitor, and Wireshark. These tools provide insights into network performance, security, and traffic patterns. Experiment with different tools to find the ones that best meet your needs.

How can I stay up-to-date on the latest network technologies and trends?

Attend industry conferences, read technical publications, and participate in online forums. Follow industry experts on social media and subscribe to relevant newsletters. Continuously learn and expand your knowledge to stay ahead of the curve.

What are some common challenges faced by Network Systems Engineers?

Common challenges include managing complex network environments, dealing with limited budgets, and keeping up with the latest security threats. Prioritization, effective communication, and a proactive approach are essential for overcoming these challenges.

How can I demonstrate the value of my work as a Network Systems Engineer?

Track key performance indicators (KPIs), such as network uptime, bandwidth utilization, and the number of security incidents. Generate reports to summarize your findings and highlight the improvements you’ve achieved. Communicate your accomplishments to stakeholders and demonstrate the positive impact of your work.

What’s the difference between a Network Systems Engineer and a Network Administrator?

A Network Administrator typically focuses on day-to-day network operations and maintenance, while a Network Systems Engineer is more involved in the design, implementation, and optimization of network systems. Engineers often have a broader scope and more strategic responsibilities.

How important is automation in Network Systems Engineering?

Automation is increasingly important. Skills in scripting languages (like Python or Ansible) are valuable for automating repetitive tasks, improving efficiency, and reducing errors. Look for opportunities to automate network configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting.

What are some red flags to watch out for in a new Network Systems Engineer role?

Red flags include a lack of documentation, outdated network infrastructure, a reactive security posture, and poor communication between IT teams. These issues can indicate a challenging environment and potential for future problems.

How can I prepare for a Network Systems Engineer interview?

Be prepared to discuss your experience with network technologies, security protocols, and troubleshooting techniques. Practice answering common interview questions and be ready to provide specific examples of your accomplishments. Showcase your problem-solving skills and your ability to communicate technical information effectively.

Is a certification like CCNA or CCNP worth it?

Yes, certifications like CCNA and CCNP can be valuable for demonstrating your knowledge and skills. They can also increase your earning potential and improve your career prospects. However, certifications are not a substitute for real-world experience.

What’s the best way to handle a network outage?

Prioritize restoring service as quickly as possible. Follow a structured troubleshooting process, document your actions, and communicate regularly with stakeholders. After the outage, conduct a root cause analysis to identify the underlying problem and prevent future occurrences.

Next Reads

If you’re interested in learning more, see our articles on Network Systems Engineer interview preparation and Network Systems Engineer salary negotiation.

---

More Network Systems Engineer resources

Browse more posts and templates for Network Systems Engineer: Network Systems Engineer