The convergence of traditional network engineering and software development is reshaping the networking industry. This transformation was front and center in our latest The Art of Network Engineering podcast episode, where we spoke with Munachimso (Munachi/Muna) Nwaiwu, a Network Automation Engineer at Google, whose journey from Nigeria to one of the world’s biggest tech companies offers both inspiration and insight for the future of our field.
The Unconventional Path into Networking
Muna’s path didn’t begin with a passion for coding—it began with curiosity. After moving from Nigeria to the U.S. in 2018, he pursued a degree in Computer Networking and IT at Alcorn State University. While most of his peers were drawn to software development, Muna was captivated by a bigger question: How is the internet built?
That question led him to networking. But what set Muna apart early on was his recognition that the industry was shifting. Even while in school, he noticed that most internship postings—even for networking roles—required coding skills. Rather than ignore the trend, Muna leaned into it, learning Python, taking on network automation side projects, and investing in himself through certifications like CompTIA A+ and Network+.
“I liked networking, but I knew I needed to code. So I asked my computer science friends for help—I started learning Python and took a Google-backed course on automation. That changed everything.”
Bridging the Divide: Coding Meets Network Engineering
This episode tackled a major challenge in the industry: the widening gap between traditional network engineers and those embracing automation. Muna emphasized how companies are now building bridges across this divide:
- Upskilling Incentives: Some organizations are offering bonuses to network engineers who gain coding proficiency.
- Cross-functional Pairing: Others are pairing software developers with network engineers to facilitate knowledge sharing—creating teams where, ideally, you can’t tell who started in which discipline.
Muna’s own experience proves how powerful this blend can be. He’s worked in QA, helped translate network requirements into automated deployments, and now codes full-time in Go, managing networking at hyperscale.
“I came into Google with Python, but now it’s mostly Go. It’s faster and more efficient at scale. But I’m glad I started with Python—it made Go easier to learn.”
The Power of Programs: Google’s Network Residency
Muna got his start at Google through the company’s Network Residency Program—a two-year rotational program aimed at developing the next generation of networking talent. These kinds of programs are becoming critical for the industry, especially as fewer college students are exposed to networking or consider it a desirable career.
“Most of my peers wanted to be software engineers. Networking wasn’t seen as exciting or glamorous. I think I just found the right intersection—something I loved and something the industry needed.”
This insight is especially powerful when you consider how rare it is to find professionals who are fluent in both networking and coding. Muna’s hybrid skill set has made him a standout.
Automation at Scale and the Rise of Systems Thinking
One of the most thought-provoking parts of our conversation centered on the evolution of what it means to be a network engineer. According to Muna, the value of memorizing commands or configuration syntax is decreasing. What matters more now is systems thinking—the ability to understand, design, and optimize complex distributed systems.
“You won’t need to type the ‘neighbor BGP’ command anymore. You might not even write the code. What matters is that you understand the system and how to solve problems at scale.”
This shift aligns with the demands of AI-driven infrastructure and massive hyperscale networks. Engineers like Muna aren’t just configuring devices—they’re building the frameworks that operate thousands (or millions) of them reliably and efficiently.
Advice for Aspiring Engineers
For those breaking into networking today, Muna’s advice is practical and clear:
- Embrace coding – Start with Python, but be open to learning Go or other languages as needed.
- Understand the fundamentals – Protocols like OSPF and BGP may feel outdated, but they build mental models that help in system design.
- Think at scale – Always ask yourself, how would I do this for 100,000 devices?
- Be curious and adaptable – The tools will change. Your ability to think, learn, and adapt is what will carry you forward.
“AI won’t replace you if you know how to solve complex problems. But you still need to be in the driver’s seat.”
Muna’s story is a glimpse into the future of network engineering—one where hybrid talent, curiosity, and systems thinking are the real differentiators. He’s not just learning how the internet works. He’s helping build the next generation of it.
To hear the full conversation and get inspired by Muna’s journey, check out the episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2127872/episodes/17181291
Explore Muna’s blog: Networks by Muna
Discover more from The Art of Network Engineering
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