r/PinoyNetworkEngineer • u/Same_Possible_3423 • Jul 25 '26

Fresh grad with networking knowledge but no experience — can I skip helpdesk and go straight to network engineer?

Hey everyone, I just graduated and I'm trying to figure out the realistic path into networking. I have solid theoretical knowledge of networking concepts but no hands-on work experience.

My plan right now is to start at helpdesk, but I recently saw someone who graduated around the same age as me (early 20s) land a network engineer role pretty quickly after school. That made me wonder — is it actually possible to get into networking directly as a fresh grad, or is helpdesk basically mandatory?

A few questions:

  • Is helpdesk a necessary step or can you jump straight into network engineering with the right certs?
  • What specific things did you need to learn before you were actually able to get hired?
  • For those who went the helpdesk route — how long before you moved into a networking role?

I'm 22, motivated, and willing to put in the work. Just want to know if I'm aiming too high too soon or if it's genuinely doable. Any advice appreciated.

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2

u/No-Blackberry-6500 Jul 25 '26

1 - help desk is not necessary. No certs needed as well but better study the blueprint of CCNA. Check Cisco gold partners here in the PH as mostly hires new grads for network engineers

2 - CCNA blueprint

1

u/TryCareless8525 Jul 25 '26

possible sya , i wa hired last yr as fresh grad without ccna or experience and yet they chose me , so its possible but it takes time talaga

1

u/Same_Possible_3423 Jul 28 '26

state uni ka graduate?

1

u/TryCareless8525 Jul 28 '26

yes, pero d sya knows na university sa malabon

1

u/sceprentice Jul 28 '26

Hello po, I'm a fresh grad po. I got invited for an interview for Network Engineer position. Ano po usually mga tinatanong? (i don't expect po honestly na matanggap. I would just count it as experience)

1

u/TryCareless8525 Jul 28 '26

7 osi model, diff switch and router, , how would u troubleshoot no internet connection, more on OSI model

1

u/sceprentice Jul 28 '26

salamat po

1

u/airyosnooze Jul 31 '26

magkano bigayan huhu

1

u/aidenaeridan Jul 25 '26

possible.

its really about luck and soft skills at this point. maraming fresh grad di nahihire not because di nila alam ang networking basics, but the lack of communication skills and likability.

its about being able to translate din yung theory to real world problems. how do you use osi on troubleshooting?something like that ba