Senior Network Engineer
Christoph Neulinger
"Try to learn from your failures. Making errors isn't a problem, if you learn from them."
Senior Network Engineer
Christoph Neulinger
"Try to learn from your failures. Making errors isn't a problem, if you learn from them."
Senior Network Engineer
Christoph Neulinger
"Try to learn from your failures. Making errors isn't a problem, if you learn from them."
About Christoph
Certifications
CCNA
CCNP Enterprise
Location
Aachen, Germany
Hobbies
World traveler
In-line skating
Family time fan
How it all began
I began my college education studying electrical engineering, with an emphasis on power systems engineering. However, once I discovered how much I enjoy working with computers, I set my sights on becoming a hardware developer.
One company, many careers
I still work at the same company where I began my career 24 years ago. In fact, I helped install our very first network! Network infrastructure was much simpler in those days. For example, I used to work with hubs that were far less complex the switches and routers we use today.
Today, my job focuses on designing networks for customers that meet their specific requirements. And although technology has changed immensely, this design principle stands the test of time: Keep the design simple and standardize as much as possible.
What does having a Cisco Certification mean to you?
“Preparing for certification increased my knowledge and confidence, which ultimately translated to better work performance. As a result, I’ve received generous salary increases.”
Cisco certifications have helped me perform better at work, since I build network designs that use Cisco technologies. Earning certification also inspired me to share my knowledge with the broader Cisco community as a Cisco Gateway Cybersecurity Ambassador.
“Preparing for certification increased my knowledge and confidence, which ultimately translated to better work performance. As a result, I’ve received generous salary increases.”
Cisco certifications have helped me perform better at work, since I build network designs that use Cisco technologies. Earning certification also inspired me to share my knowledge with the broader Cisco community as a Cisco Gateway Cybersecurity Ambassador.
What would you tell your younger self?
“Prepare for change. Be ready to take chances. When opportunities arise, challenge yourself to try something new.”
What would you tell a friend?
“Cisco certifications don’t just make an impression during the hiring phase — they also give you leverage to negotiate a higher salary. If you’re not a native English speaker, make sure you read through each exam question carefully. Sometimes the wording can be tricky to understand!”
Christoph’s career path
CURRENT ROLE
Senior Network Engineer
Network Engineers primarily handle installing, configuring, and supporting firewalls to ensure network security.
PREVIOUS ROLE
Network Specialist
Christoph’s Cisco certification path
MOST RECENT CERTIFICATION
CCNP Enterprise
CCNP Enterprise certification holders configure, troubleshoot, and manage the networks of the largest companies in the world. The certification consists of both a specialist concentration exam, and the ENCOR exam, which covers enterprise infrastructure, virtualization, assurance, security, and automation.
OTHER CISCO CERTIFICATIONS
CCNA
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is the first step toward a career in IT Networking. The CCNA exam covers networking fundamentals, IP services, security fundamentals, automation and programmability.
Read more certification success stories
Kevin Brown
"People always want to know who they're talking to. They want to know if you’re qualified. Certifications give you instant credibility."
CyberOps Analyst
CCNA, CyberOps Associate
Jenny Guay
"The guidance I gained from earning the certification helped— in near real time—to determine what was happening on the job, when I became an SOC operator."
Network Security Analyst
CyberOps Associate
Olivia Wolf
"The knowledge that I’ve got from studying for those certifications gave me the confidence that I’ll always be able to get a job if I need to."
Systems Engineer
CCNA, CCNP Enterprise, DevNet Associate