How I became a Network Engineer with No Degree | 120k job offer

In this video, I'll be sharing how I took my income from $12/hr as a Cashier to over $120K+ by teaching myself how to learn networking and pivot in the world of IT. Perhaps you haven't quite figured it out yet or still aren't sure about which step to take next in your IT Journey. Either way I hope this story helps give you a place to start. Thanks for watching and good luck on finding your path!
Timestamps:
0:00 How IT happened
0:21 My background
0:36 My job before becoming a Network Engineer
2:18 Landing my first internship
4:45 How I rebounded from losing my job
6:35 How I studied while unemployed
7:52 My first official job
8:32 Offered a side hustle as a Freelancer
9:08 Pivot...(6 figure job offer)
9:45 My reflection
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👍 Like the video (it helps a ton!)
💬 Comment below to share your opinion!
🔗 Share the video with anyone you think it might help :-)
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[@jongreenit]

Let's stay connected on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jongreen-aya/

[@bagaskararikopangestu6627]

bro, can i connect to your linkedin ?

[@jongreenit]

​@@bagaskararikopangestu6627 Certainly, use the link above to connect.

[@jayvet8402]

​@Jon Green can you do a video about finding legit recruiters or head hunters in IT?

[@weeden350]

Can I become a network engineer if I have a federal felony?

[@jongreenit]

@@weeden350 My advice...don't let your past control your future. "Its not what happens to you in life that determines your future, but what you do about it." If your goal is become a network engineer.. pursue it. The journey will be tuff, expect it and embrace it.

[@edwardv4546]

congrats man! I'm new to IT (although I have an engineering degree). I got an internship for 2 months paying $15 an hour for roughly 20 hours of work. Then I got a network engineer position paying $45 an hour full time (contract). Still grinding to get a senior role and move over to Cloud and then DevOps. Taking the second part to the CCNP (ENARSI) next weekend.

[@jongreenit]

Good stuff, I respect the grind. Stay hungry!

[@ansabali9923]

I am also network engineer, 4 years experience, plz help me to get in your team.

[@TheCartographeraoe]

You don't need ccnp for a devops job bruh

[@edwardv4546]

@@TheCartographeraoe I’m well aware lol. I was just trying to challenge myself and make sure I know this networking stuff. And get a better job. Which I did. Got any advice though?

[@TheCartographeraoe]

@@edwardv4546 Hey, yeah here's tons of advice on YT already. Congrats on the new job. Since you're asking my personal recommendation for someone with network knowledge and skills is to learn more infrastructure as code like terraform, ansible, or cloud. On the job experience or paid bootcamps like level up in tech where they have you build a project portfolio can help boost that resume could help. Check out the job descriptions or some bootcamp projects they are having their students build and start applying. Best of luck brother. By the way, did you pass that CCNP?

[@gusfring8451]

The ending got me. “Where I’d like to go, rather than where I’m coming from.” God man, that actually gives me motivation to try. Thank you! Couldn’t think of it another way.

[@jongreenit]

Glad to hear you found this story helpful. Keep striving on your journey!

[@Officialprodbytreybeats]

"It aint where I been, it's where Im bout to go"

[@sukhminderpal2465]

Hello Jon Green . Thanks for sharing your journey and thoughts. Inspired me to keep my efforts to achieve my ccnp certification… thanks again. God bless

[@bradrickrobinson7452]

It's all about gaining the hands-on experience and showing the proof on paper and the money will eventually fall into place. Greatly appreciate you sharing your journey and the motivation that came along with it!!! Keep up the greatness!!!

[@angelaaaron9253]

Thanks for sharing. I'm in IT as well and enjoying the journey!

[@johnnylewis7753]

Inspiration, Thank you for sharing your story and inspriing others following similar paths that you've walked. Blessings

[@briantolliver3701]

Thanks for sharing Jon. I appreciate your time and effort in the content you present.

[@jongreenit]

I appreciate that!

[@Sam-yj7wq]

Congrats, always great to see someone win by doing it the right way.

[@ofloopsandstrings9665]

Your story is so inspiring! Thank you for sharing.

[@genetech109]

Thank you. I enjoyed the video. Great tips, great work, and great encouragement.

[@rayb5204]

Jon, Great story and you are an inspiration for all!

[@soffpulp]

It’s like the further you got into your story, the more hype I was getting lol seeing you actively make the decision to not settle and keep pushing beyond the rough patch is so motivating! Congratulations on your huge W 🎉

[@jongreenit]

Haha, I'm glad I could keep you hyped throughout my story! Your excitement is contagious. Thanks for the support!

[@ranjanadissanayaka5390]

Wow man, your journey is amazing. Hope to see more of these career navigation advice.

[@jongreenit]

More to come!

[@xavierorsini7876]

Congrats!! I just started this path and I hope I can see those numbers too. Happy to see you overcome. Blessings!!!

[@jongreenit]

Your numbers will come, stay hungry :)

[@InSaiyan-Shinobi]

Damn fam honestly you gave me confidence to try this journey my self cuz this is what I’ve been struggling with my self. I needed this for real

[@jongreenit]

It may take time but you'll get there, keep going!

[@matthewsasu7682]

I watch every second of your story. It's inspiring

[@906lane]

I appreciate you sharing your story with us.

[@jongreenit]

My pleasure!

[@salvagelife308]

Great video bro! Thank you for this.

[@abhilehal9657]

This was a great video, thanks for sharing your story! Respect to the grind

[@jongreenit]

🙏 I appreciate that!

[@mixelplik]

I really appreciate your story. It helped answer some questions I had. Thanks!

[@jongreenit]

That’s awesome to hear, what part did you find helpful?

[@Isaac_smael]

Thanks for sharing Jon!

[@trentmoore5349]

Very motivating story. Thanks for sharing

[@Phyclone]

within the first 10s you got a sub. what stood out is that you taught yourself and I respect that!!

[@Vintage27]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@ecreacher3515]

Im 36 and absolutely wasting away. This was super motivational. Ive always said id like to get into tech. Whether network admin or engineer. With no money to put toward schooling ive been scared and unsure. Now im just going to study and eventually try offer my timw for free since i need my amazon delivry job( have a family). Its nice to know its possible.

[@jongreenit]

I know the feeling all too well. Initially when it came to studying I always felt like I never had enough time in the day. Then reality began to sink in and made me realize that I couldn’t afford not to find time to study as my alternative route as a cashier wasn’t the future I wanted for my family. Though it can be challenging at times always try to make time for your goals and your goals will make time for you. Glad to hear you found the vid encouraging.

[@kman7044]

Great Job. Your persistent paid off. It's very easy to feel down and give up but you kept trying and kept educating yourself to succeed in the field. You're certainly an inspiration.

[@jongreenit]

I appreciate that. Happy to inspire

[@tekBeatz01]

You put in the work and deservedly got what you're worth. Learned a lot from your story. Thanks!

[@jongreenit]

I appreciate that!

[@tekBeatz01]

It takes extraordinary focus to turn down that dispatcher job. I've been there, and it's a penny that could delay one from getting to one's destination.

[@jongreenit]

@@tekBeatz01 It may seem like focus hearing the story now but in that moment it was really just hope.

[@darkwing451]

Great video. Keep leveling up!

[@chidiebereugwu3981]

Am a nigerian bruh, and i will love to be a network engineer, and be able to work overseas, am a man of dreams, but Nigeria took away my dream. Byt as i watched this video of yours, i got back my dream with full confidence. I will love for you to put me through it, thank you

[@archielouie]

Thank you. As a network engineer I needed this

[@neverhomepnw]

Inspiring story my dude. I worked in produce at a grocery store and now I work in a data center but still trying to move up the ladder. Getting my CCNA is the next big step in my journey towards a better way of living.

[@jongreenit]

Congratulations man, that’s great to hear. The shift from working at a grocery store to IT is completely different. Building a physical or virtual lab will definitely help to reinforce your learnings. Best of luck to you on your CCNA studies, you’ve got this!

[@fatboy7630]

Currently working as a fibre engineer and I see this as the next stepping stop for my journey in telecoms and network, thanks for the info!

[@jongreenit]

I wish you all the best on your journey :)

[@andrewbakescakes9684]

Great video. Other vids that came up in the search were super scamy, but you just tell the honest truth of your path.

[@texttwenty-nine1627]

Awesome insight! Its nice hearing how people get their start. Been chasing my IT degree vigorously for the past few years. Work is paying for it. Couple years left to finish my Associates. Considering where I'm coming from (factory, 12/hr rotations) is my driving factor to push through being too tired and just do it later mentality.

[@jongreenit]

Congratulations to further continuing your educations, your persistence will pay off off the labor you put in.

[@toluwanimionYT]

Thank you for sharing your story Jon!

[@jongreenit]

No problem at all!

[@SagRising19]

Thank you for telling your journey and being transparent in doing so! And good job on your accomplishments as well! You've given me hope to keep pushing for 6 figures. I have my Security+, working a freelance role as a Technical Support Engineer at a MSP provider for $35 an hour, studying for a cloud cert now and will be pursuing a cloud security role soon...but will be taking a month off before applying -it can become draining seeing the No's from applying.

[@jongreenit]

Happy to hear my story resonated with you and congratulations on obtaining your Sec+. Truth is the current hiring process for most companies sucks but those no's will only make you better. I wish you the best and look forward to hearing more about your IT journey :)

[@SagRising19]

@@jongreenit I definitely agree about the current hiring process, with these companies. And thank you

[@dlz124]

This is raw and real advice! Thank you man and congrats 🔥🔥🙏

[@jongreenit]

I appreciate that man, keep pushing wherever you are!

[@dangrissom7791]

where i liked to go rather than where am coming from . that nailed the whole summary. fantastic

[@frankiefuryland]

8:43 - That's where I'm currently at on your journey. Your path mirrors mine, Jon. This was such a great watch, at a time where I am in-between jobs (for me the next chapter) and really needed some real reflection. You've given me some inspiration to keep going and value myself more. Cheers, Frankie (PS: One thing when you were talking about failing twice on two of the three parts of the CCNP. One thing I've always did is keep a folder of all my Pearson VUE printed results after each test in chronological order. In particular, keeping the ones when I've failed. Seeing that in bold *Fail* spurred me on immediately to not be beaten and apply myself more).

[@jongreenit]

Glad to hear you’re making strides forward on your journey. And yeah while in the moment failure can feel so defeating it can also serve as motivation to do even better next time. I wish you the best in your future endeavors.

[@SmokinAce609]

Congrats man you was locked in!

[@neel02894]

Your journey is awesome.

[@CountBarlow92]

An inspiring video Jon! I’m currently studying for my CCNA.

[@jongreenit]

Glad you think so. Keep going, you'll get it

[@CountBarlow92]

@@jongreenit thanks Jon! 🙏👍

[@Shawn-cu2jj]

Highly insightful dude !! Great job 👏 👍

[@jongreenit]

I’m glad you found it helpful

[@JustCliff]

Enjoyed this video, currently transitioned into an IT role at my company as a System Support Specialist. Been looking at videos recently to see where I want to specialize in future years.

[@jongreenit]

Kudos to busting into the field, enjoy the journey!

[@damronthumsuansano7900]

Thanks for Sharing Jon. I Follow you from Thailand.

[@jongreenit]

Shout out to you Thailand, thanks for tuning in!

[@EdwardVarner]

Congrats on leveling up!

[@FerdsTechChannel]

Thanks for sharing your journey. Subscribed! ❤

[@jongreenit]

No problem

[@leandro-it5060]

Good job bro,I just passed my Ccnp encore last year November.I’m going for the NSE4 now,later this year im gonna complete my Ccnp.All the best.

[@jongreenit]

Big congrats on knocking out the encore. Keep going!

[@davidrice7655]

Amazing video. Currently I am in a position to do freelance IT work. Your video helped me realize how to leverage the experience. Thank you 🙏

[@jongreenit]

Glad to hear you found the vid helpful :)

[@BiggameTechJourney]

Great video on future wanna be network engineering too but learning fundamentals now get my A plus work from there. Keep it up

[@jongreenit]

You can do it, fundamentals are key!

[@xaivang9106]

Very inspirational story.

[@DreJr]

Very good video. Informative, detailed and encouraging.Well done! I hope viewers (including mysefl) take as much from it as they can!

[@jongreenit]

Thank you, glad to hear you found it encouraging. I hope it continues to help others as well!

[@mudiagaoneil1384]

Congrats, man!

[@felix_alexis_ortiz]

Currently seeing about getting my salary up and have been patiently building my skills. This inspired me to not feel down about all the no's I've gotten over time. Just keep working hard and keep the ball rolling. Thinking about where you're headed is a huge inspiration

[@jongreenit]

Good stuff, keep investing in yourself - your blessing will come!

[@jongreenit]

Every no just means, you're one step closer to a yes :)

[@milesgabrieldumpit6416]

Congrats Brother, glad to see someone that came from Keenan Raiders.

[@doug2bitemore]

Good job staying on course and keeping a growth mindset when things got tough! I somewhat speedran my way to a 6-figure postion about 2 years from when i started studying IT. Its a long story but it took luck and a lot of work. You had a lot less luck than i did so props to you brother. 👏

[@jongreenit]

Thank you for your kind words! Hardwork and determination are key. Congratulations on your progress!

[@classiclullaby6449]

can you help and share some keys point of your roadmap from the start. thanks in advance

[@doug2bitemore]

@@classiclullaby6449 my advice is not too different than most, learn: Networking, windows/linux operating systems ( how to do administrative tasks, with commandline and gui), Active Directory ( onprem and cloud), and computer hardware (cpus, ram, storage, NICs). Learn all of those technologies at a fundamental level, this will give you your generalists skills set, from there on you can specialize. If you're starting from zero i would suggest a networking cert, a generalist cert like the A+, and then a cert of your choosing depending your interest. ( Microsoft azure certs is what i pursued and are pretty marketable). Get an entry-level position after your first cert or 2 though, then keep studying while stacking that experience. Around the year and a half mark is when you'll start standing out for more intermediate-advance roles, BUUT you need to jam in as much experience in the form of job duties and certifications as you can. What employers look for in candidates with that level of experience is the ability to GROW. there are too many IT professionals who stagnate in their development. I personally know someone whos "been in IT for 10 years" and i make double what he does. Also know that most companies wont reward you for staying, so get a job, get the experience, outgrow the job-role, and move on if they arent paying you your market-value. I could go on and on, i havent made a video in a while but im considering doing so on this subject. Lastly be resiliant, because theres no easy path.

[@doug2bitemore]

@@classiclullaby6449 If you can get an entry level position at an msp, you'll learn a ton and be able to pivot in a couple of years. I went from an msp to an internal position with a strong company.

[@classiclullaby6449]

@@doug2bitemore thanks alot i appreciate it.

[@sagetechnology4913]

I am in a somewhat similar position, just earlier on, this video has inspired me to put my foot back down on the gas pedal, even after failing my ENCOR exam 3 times.

[@jongreenit]

You don't fail until you quit. It took me a while to get that through my head. I wish you luck on your next attempt!

[@jrdlcz]

awesome journey bro!

[@thatocyberspace]

Very impressed Mr. Hulk

[@THESUPREMEDJ]

Nice! I lived in Columbia for 15 years. Graduated from Dreher. I work as a Network Security Engineer now. Congrats on your success.

[@jongreenit]

Good deal securing your role as a network security engineer, thanks 🙏

[@CyberTom]

Great job on this video 👍🏻

[@jongreenit]

Much appreciated 🙏

[@robertjohnson2818]

Congratulations 🎊🎉🎈

[@1982uno]

Great video!!

[@everyotherbar65]

I got the CCNA. I have a years experience at an network technician. I got a couple bites but job yet. But this gives me some hope.

[@jongreenit]

Keep going, you'll get there! Prior field experience is definetly an advantage.

[@Theinsomniac826]

Thank you Jon. 👨‍💻

[@gusfring8451]

Dude. You’re awesome.

[@jeffaguilar5830]

Really motivating video man! Could you make a video on how you manage to find each job? Lastly, I’m taking the ENCOR in May in advice?

[@jongreenit]

Coming soon. It can be easy to get caught up memorizing commands try to focus more understanding the concepts.

[@m7eeko]

super helpful 👊🏻

[@chelsysaycheese]

Wow that was amazing, you are great, i hope i can also achieve my goal to land in network engineer career, but first i think i need to take and pass the CCNA Certification, may God bless us more! ❤😊

[@jongreenit]

Learn what you need to get familiar with the field but don't let that stop you from pursuing an entry level position. Looking forward to hearing more about your journey :)

[@chelsysaycheese]

Thank you very much, I'm only watching tutorials here in youtube, and i find it really hard to learn. But I'm encouraging myself to work on, and don't give up. I will work harder to pass the CCNA Certification. And land to my dream position. I appreciated your response, i will let know the updates I hope it is positive update to give you. God bless.

[@freewifi7163]

Congratulations man.

[@FTH1723]

spent the last 2 years suffering from some really intense mental health struggles but I studied digital forensics 2019-22 and I fucking love it. every aspect of forensics I love so so much and it comes so naturally to me, but the mental health stuff has really hindered my ability to enter the workforce despite having some cool opportunities. on top of imposter syndrome and not having certs and just a 2yr degree. however, sir you've said some things that gave me some clarity. I couldn't figure out any actual strats for "restarting" this with all the other clutter in my brain. I'm currently on the road to recovery and wanted to start to pick back up the pieces I laid down previously for my career. thanks.

[@jongreenit]

I commend you for aiming to reclaim your passion despite your diagnosis. Rooting for you on your journey!

[@FTH1723]

@@jongreenit thank you! keep doing great things.

[@ajlazana9244]

Mann man love it!!!!!

[@towlatrip6529]

Great video brother

[@rootstechnology]

Inspiring story!

[@jongreenit]

Thank you for your comment! 🙏

[@Notepad123]

What’s up man South Carolina native here too! Great vid!

[@jongreenit]

💪 That's what's up man

[@agent7574]

Daaaaaang bro.... With the combination of hard work, good decision making, and a little bit of luck..... you're the man Good job bro

[@jongreenit]

Good things come to those who persist. Your blessing is on its way.

[@agent7574]

​@@jongreenit I hope so.. I've been studying for the CCNA for months.. and I feel like I have no idea what the test questions are asking me 😢

[@jongreenit]

​@@agent7574 You learn the most about what to expect from the exam by taking it. You'll never feel 100% certain before any test and studying endlessly can sometimes make you feel stagnate. While I know the cost of the exam isn't cheap, the results of the exam will allow you to know what areas to focus on and provide insight into what areas you are solid in. Building a home lab to get familiar with many of the concepts covered also helps.

[@agent7574]

@@jongreenit what are the chances of me getting a job as a network analyst with a ccna with no real work experience??

[@jongreenit]

@@agent7574 Certs can help you stand out amongst other candidates when applying to a role. It also allows employers to confirm that applicants are familiar with a particular subject.

[@agratefulheart512]

Thx 4 sharing.

[@jongreenit]

No problem at all :)

[@ivan_9386]

Good job🎉

[@AngelRamirez-ot5mo]

Wow that's amazing! Congrats!!! I currently studying for the Comp A+ and learning about the cybersecurity fundamentals. I recently graduated from university with a bachelor's in Biology, but I'm switching to the tech field. I'm trying to get a help desk job to get into tech to gain experience then eventually get into cybersecurity to work as SOC. I'm new to your channel thanks for sharing your journey!

[@jongreenit]

Welcome to the community, and congrats on making the switch. I wish you an exciting journey!

[@bexatronxexe2670]

Literally the same path I'm taking minus the bachelor's in Biology good luck to you

[@bdauguste1]

good stuff man

[@dexter9459]

Thanks for sharing, currently working as a NOC service engineer and I just finished the Cloud DevOps nano degree program by Udacity. I would be combining this skill to have an edge in automation. Please kindly speak more on the network freelancing job you did

[@jongreenit]

That’s incredible to hear, automation is leverage. More vids to come soon

[@lobsternet1499]

well done on the IBM LENOVO

[@nawfsidereviews6029]

All facts no hype thanks for this realistic journey

[@jongreenit]

You bet

[@luigiramirez29]

This is sort of what I did. Once I got my first job as network admin at 25/hr I looked for the next position and what to study for it. So I then landed a network engineer job for 45/hr, then I looked for the next position which would be Sr. network engineer for 135k work from home. If you get lucky like me you can work 2 jobs from home each earning 130k+. I'm not stopping either im already looking for the next 170k a year job.

[@SLYT3K]

Did you come from the military?

[@jongreenit]

That's sick, love the hustle!

[@sssssssss111]

Please hide your name and dont ever let your employers know

[@jongreenit]

@@SLYT3K No military background :)

[@Bigtalker270]

@@jongreenit what degree do u have? I’m doing associate degree at a community college. What’s the hourly rate to expect?

[@user-zs1jm9xq6b]

You got that dog in you Jon lol. I love how you committed to the grind until it paid off, cause you knew it could be done. Respect.

[@jongreenit]

🙏 I realized the grind was more than about me, it was about what I could do for my family.

[@kelecortez5834]

Aloha !!! wow u had a CCNP cert!!! u G 2 GO !!!!! covid was a strange tym....G 4 u bro !!!

[@imalquanpredestin]

Amazing!

[@krabs7628]

Yoo that’s crazy I’m in Columbia too learning the same shit this helped a bit thx

[@jongreenit]

Nice! There will be many times where you’ll find the information you’re studying boring and uninteresting but don’t give in. Just remember your goals and what you’re aiming at 🎯

[@soundcoremusicmix]

Awesome! 😎

[@oshrobertson9372]

Subscribed simply because we from the same city. Good content too

[@jongreenit]

💯

[@ivanbecerril4227]

This gives me hope to land a 6 figure network engineer position

[@jongreenit]

You'll get there!

[@ackonraymondebo4510]

really Helpful

[@jongreenit]

Glad to hear you found it helpful...stay tune for more IT tips

[@bigbeeforever]

awesome content..going to follow you

[@jongreenit]

Welcome to the community!

[@Leokev123]

My inspiration!

[@jongreenit]

In all honesty, I'm a regular person. Stay curious and persistent on your tech journey!

[@Kryptik33]

Thank you for making this video Jon. I'm turning 30 this month, and I've had an interest in Network Engineering in the past, and recently again. I'm wanting to go the same sort of route you took to get a senior role. I'm curious, now that you've been in the role for more than 2 years, what are some things you could recommend to a new guy wanting to break into the field and get that senior role within say, 2 years? Again, thanks for showing me it can be done without a degeree.

[@jongreenit]

Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad to hear you found the video helpful and it's awesome to hear that you're back interested in the IT field. If you're looking to break into the field and get a senior role quickly, my biggest recommendation would be to focus on continuous learning and HANDS-ON experience. Network engineering is a rapidly evolving field, so staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and certifications will give you a competitive edge. Additionally, try to get involved in real-world projects or internships to gain practical experience. Remember, it's all about the journey, so enjoy the process and keep hustling!

[@evonberryiii5184]

Same born in American in Ruchland county, Columbia South Carolina

[@jongreenit]

Good stuff, remember anything is possible

[@ANTHONYBOOTH]

I have learned more since leaving college / uni ...I will pop back, but only for externally sat exams...........

[@jongreenit]

Learning never really stops, does it :)

[@justrecklessproductions]

Seriously appreciated hearing this journey, thanks man. I needed that inspiration and your story gave it! What certification would you first recommend getting now that you've gone through this journey (I'm taking my first baby steps into Networking)? Still start with the CCST?

[@jongreenit]

Thank you for the kind words. I’m glad to hear my story resonated with you. If your interest is in networking then in my opinion the CCST is a great place to start. Cisco is largely one of the most well known networking vendors. I’d even encourage pursing the CCNA as to this day it still holds a lot of weight in the IT field.

[@HelloThere-xs8ss]

That's awesome