I've been out of the game for 12 years now, but "network stuff" was my career (Computer Science degree 4 decades ago). I'll echo Legion....
A very few have the ability and "network guys/gals" with certs galore are a dime-a-dozen.
Just like my degree was... that will help landing a first gig. Then no one gives a damn

.
I worked for peanuts fresh out of college in r&d (IBM's Advanced Communications) at Research Triangle... had an awesome corporate career after paying my dues for a few years.
I loved what I did ... hated corporate life... so I retired at 48... no regrets!
Just my .02 ... worth even less
Good luck to him!