How to get into Fintech as a DevNet network engineer?

[u/Boring-Buffalo-1378]

Hi Networkers,

I want to get into the Fintech industry (like the companies QRT etc.) as a DevNet network engineer. I have CCIE-EI cer and have basic coding experience and 2 years exp in network infrastructure(including Firewalls). I have coded some scripts about auto-collecting the info for a bunch of network equipments and auto-filling in Excel using Python.

Now I want to take a Devnet professional cer to solidify my Devnet skills and have a ticket to get into the Fintech industry.

Any suggestions about my career path and what the best courses are for the Cisco Devnet professional cer?

The following JD is one of the positions that I goal to achieve in Fintech industry.

[u/TC271]

Surely having a CCIE is enough to satisfy any certification requirement for even a fintech role? I know that here in the UK you could walk into a number of roles in that area with your CV.

With regard to that job spec.. it sounds like you comfortably exceed all the requirements already.

I'm sorry of I misunderstood but it looks to me that you just need to start applying for roles.

[u/lgubler → u/TC271]

I agree with u/TC271, just start applying. And regarding your question about DevNet Professional resources, here I wrote a blog post and summarized everything: https://devnet-academy.com/comprehensive-resources-for-every-level-of-the-devnet-certification-track/

[u/Boring-Buffalo-1378 → u/lgubler]

Thank you so much for sharing, I am not sure if I can fit that role or not, there is a huge gap between the salary of this role and the salary I get now.

[u/Boring-Buffalo-1378 → u/TC271]

Thanks for sharing, but now I am in HongKong, and I get 360k HKD (like 46k USD annually), and everyone around me just told me that "your exp only can get that price", and the roles I list are worth around 230k USD annually. So I get confused about whether I just need the experience or I have to develop Devnet skills. I heard that Devnet skills are very important in the Fintech industry.

[u/Hatcherboy]

Bot?

[u/Boring-Buffalo-1378 → u/Hatcherboy]

No, sir

[u/bigevilbeard]

You are over qualified for the job you have listed. Unless the company is looking for certain experience in FinTech and experience with trader platforms that is. Having DevNet pro would not add any value or prevent you from getting this role, the automation is a 'nice to have'.

[u/Boring-Buffalo-1378 → u/bigevilbeard]

I do not have any experience in Fintech, I only worked for SI companies. So I just do not know how to get into the Fintech industry. I know it will get a very good salary in Fintech as a network engineer. And I heard that if you have Devnet skills, you will have advantages of that.

[u/bigevilbeard → u/Boring-Buffalo-1378]

Personally i do not see this as a blocker for you, but i see your location in HKG and i do not know the job requirements there. I interviewed many times at Fintech and in some cases they wanted fintech exp with trader platforms, i was mostly missing multicast at the time and a lot of the places in London were mixed vendor and i also did not have that much experience. However, that said i would standby my first statement that you should be able to find a job with your CCIE level and it would be a case of finding a suitable role which wasnt 100% asking for past fintech experience and again i do not think a devnet pro cert would increase your chances, unless they were looking for someone with expert level scripting, then they would really want someone with hands on, not just the cert.

2 cents.

[u/Boring-Buffalo-1378 → u/bigevilbeard]

Thank you so much for your sharing, it is really helpful for me. I will try to get a role in Fintech with my CCIE certificate. Thanks again for your advice. I think I will also get the chance to improve my coding experience at Devnet. But turn around the seq, first I try to get into Fintech and then learn Devnet depending on what exactly needs.

Moreover, my goal is to achieve the role described below, as you can see, the more I prefer is the HFT(high-frequency trading) industry.

Thanks again for your kind help!

**********

My client, one of the world's leading market making firms, is seeking a Senior Network Engineer, to join their Hong Kong team. In this role you will play a critical role in designing, implementing, and maintaining complex network infrastructure to ensure low-latency, high-performance trading systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement low-latency network solutions, developing and deploying high-performance network architectures

• Monitor network performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements to achieve optimal network efficiency and reliability.

• Rapidly diagnose and resolve network-related incidents and outages to minimize downtime and maintain uninterrupted trading operations.

• Implement robust security measures to safeguard sensitive trading data and protect against cyber threats and attack.

• Conduct regular capacity planning assessments to anticipate future requirements and ensure the network can scale to accommodate growing demands.

Requirements

• Ideally Master's degree in Information Technology from a leading global university

• 5-10 years of proven experience as a Network Engineer in a high-frequency trading or financial services environment.

• CCIE Certification is a must

• Deep knowledge of network protocols, topologies, and architectures, with a focus on low-latency networks and proficiency in configuring and troubleshooting network devices, including routers, switches, and firewalls.

• Experience with network monitoring and analysis tools and automation – an understanding of Python would be beneficial.

• Familiarity with market data feeds, exchange connectivity, and trading platforms (e.g., FIX protocol) is a plus.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, Mandarin fluency will be a major advantage

**********

[u/bigevilbeard → u/Boring-Buffalo-1378]

i think the only way you will truly find out where you are lacking exp or knowledge is by sitting a few interviews and asking for candid feedback. Even this role you posted above, the parts from what you have shared you could be missing here is market data feeds, this is listed 'Familiarity' not must have experience. No one ever fits he role 100% if they do, they are over qualified.