Empowering Your IT Career Journey – From the first step to success!
With a passion for technology and a mission to uplift others, I’m here to guide you through the dynamic IT industry. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance, you’ve found a community dedicated to your growth.
Advice & Insights: From Help Desk to Director of Network Operations in 3 years, I share strategies to fast-track your career.
Expert Conversations: Gain exclusive insights from industry leaders.
Let’s make IT happen!
Sponsorship Inquiries: [email protected]
The podcast The I.T. Career Podcast is created by The Bearded I.T. Dad - Dakota Snow. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
Save 40% on Coursera Plus for 3 Months: https://imp.i384100.net/c/1341007/2942209/14726You’ve got the skills. You’ve put in the work.But despite your experience, you’re still being passed over… Why?In this episode, I sit down with public speaking coach Geoffrey Huck to uncover the silent career killer that holds back even the smartest tech pros: communication.Whether you’re in engineering, cybersecurity, helpdesk, or cloud — if you can’t clearly communicate your value, your career might already be stalling.We talk about:
✅ The biggest communication mistakes tech experts make✅ Why being smart isn’t enough to stand out✅ How to lead, present, and influence without being fake✅ Real strategies to get noticed (without selling yourself short)If you’ve ever thought: “Why isn’t anyone listening?” or “I know I’m better than this…” — this one’s for you.Geoffrey Huck:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-huck/Website: https://geoffreyhuck.com/🔗 Don’t wait—click here to start your tech career journey: https://thebeardeditdad.com/itcareeraccelerator/Exclusive Career Resources✅ Weekly Insider Tips: https://thebeardeditdad.ck.page/55f710292b🎧Listen to The I.T. Career Podcast HERE: ➡︎YT: https://itdad.info/ytpodcast➡︎Apple: https://apple.co/4aw0uVM➡︎Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yBcrfu
Want to land a cybersecurity job? Start with hands-on training from TryHackMe: https://tryhackme.com/why-subscribe?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dakota_21aprilIn this episode, I sit down with Kenneth Ellington, cybersecurity instructor and founder of Ellington Cyber Academy, to break down how to build a high-paying career in cybersecurity—no matter your background.We talk about: ✅ How to break into cybersecurity without a degree✅ The fastest way to build real-world skills (SIEM, SOAR & more)✅ Why so many people get stuck in helpdesk and how to move forward✅ What hiring managers are really looking for✅ Strategies to land interviews and stand out from other applicantsWhether you're brand new to tech or ready to level up, this interview will give you the roadmap and mindset you need to succeed in today’s cybersecurity job market.📲 Follow Kenneth:LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-ellington/Ellington Cyber Academy – https://www.ellingtoncyberacademy.com/Exclusive Career Resources✅ Weekly Insider Tips: https://thebeardeditdad.ck.page/55f710292b🎧Listen to The I.T. Career Podcast HERE: ➡︎YT: https://itdad.info/ytpodcast➡︎Apple: https://apple.co/4aw0uVM➡︎Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yBcrfuDisclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.#cybersecurity #career #cybersecuritycareer
CompTIA was just acquired by a private equity firm — and this could change everything.
In this episode, I sit down with Wes Bryan (former ITProTV trainer) to unpack what this acquisition could mean for CompTIA certifications like A+, Network+, and Security+. We dive deep into how this move might reshape the future of IT certifications, the growing value of hands-on skills, and what hiring managers are really looking for in 2025.
🎯 What You'll Learn:
Are IT certifications still worth it in 2025?
Will CompTIA’s new ownership shift focus away from learners?
The rise of hands-on labs vs traditional certs
How to future-proof your IT career in a changing landscape
Real advice for beginners entering tech today
Whether you're just starting out in IT or rethinking your certification path, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.
📄 Full Show Notes + Bonus Resources → https://thebeardeditdad.com/the-i-t-career-podcast/
🔓 Unlock your dream job in IT with our proven community: https://itcareerjob.com/ 🔓
Cybersecurity is one of the most challenging and rewarding fields, but breaking in and advancing isn’t easy. In this episode, Andrew Crotty shares his journey from the military to government and corporate cybersecurity, tackling some of the toughest security threats along the way. Learn how his experiences shaped his approach to cybersecurity and how you can apply the same strategies to level up your career.Andrew Crotty:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCGX_oAbc0_CLEdwMI5n64oQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-crotty-377b3466/X: https://x.com/AZGingerHacker🔗 Don’t wait—click here to start your tech career journey: https://thebeardeditdad.com/itcareeraccelerator/Exclusive Career Resources✅ Weekly Insider Tips: https://thebeardeditdad.ck.page/55f710292b🎧Listen to The I.T. Career Podcast HERE: ➡︎YT: https://itdad.info/ytpodcast➡︎Apple: https://apple.co/4aw0uVM➡︎Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yBcrfuDisclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.#hacker #cybersecurity #career
Free network automation resources: https://www.itential.com/resources/ In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Rich Martin, the Director of Technical Marketing at Itential, to explore the future of network automation. We discuss how Itential’s platform is revolutionizing the way organizations approach automation, making it more accessible, scalable, and impactful. From simplifying complex network processes to integrating with modern DevOps tools, Rich shares invaluable insights on how businesses can leverage automation to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. Whether you're an IT professional or just curious about the role of automation in networking, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and cutting-edge strategies. Network automation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a career game-changer. Rich provides expert perspectives on how engineers can embrace automation to advance their careers and remain competitive in an evolving industry. Plus, we dive into the specific capabilities of Itential, highlighting how it empowers teams to automate at scale without requiring advanced coding skills. If you’re ready to level up your understanding of network automation, this is the deep dive you don’t want to miss. Watch now and discover how Itential can transform the way you think about networking. Check out Itential and learn more below: Learn more about Itential: https://www.itential.com/ Free network automation resources: https://www.itential.com/resources/ Free automation execution tool: https://torero.dev/ Explore Itential’s automation products: https://www.itential.com/cloud-platform/automation-service/ Explore Itential’s orchestration products: https://www.itential.com/cloud-platform/network-orchestration/ Exclusive Career Resources ✅ Weekly Insider Tips: https://thebeardeditdad.ck.page/55f710292b 🎧Listen to The I.T. Career Podcast HERE: ➡︎YT: https://itdad.info/ytpodcast ➡︎Apple: https://apple.co/4aw0uVM ➡︎Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yBcrfu Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. #networkautomation #technology #techcareers
🎓 Get $300 off Careerist: https://crst.co/kTjpt! Start your tech career today. Breaking into tech has never been more accessible. Careerist is redefining how people transition into high-paying tech roles with hands-on training, career coaching, and real-world internship opportunities. In this video, we take a closer look at how Careerist is helping students gain the skills and confidence to succeed in roles like QA engineering and more—without needing a degree or prior experience. From affordable programs to personalized mentorship, Careerist offers a fast-track solution to land your dream job in tech. Whether you’re looking to pivot your career or break into the industry for the first time, this video will provide insights into why Careerist is making waves in the tech world. Faris Alkassim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faris-alkassim-64a033294/ 🎧Listen to The I.T. Career Podcast HERE: ➡︎YT: https://itdad.info/ytpodcast ➡︎Apple: https://apple.co/4aw0uVM ➡︎Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yBcrfu Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Free network automation resources: https://www.itential.com/resources/ Network automation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. As technology evolves, manual networking processes are becoming a thing of the past, and those who fail to adapt risk falling behind. In this video, we explore why network automation is the missing piece in your career and how embracing it can revolutionize your efficiency, scalability, and impact in the IT industry. Discover the critical differences between outdated manual workflows and the streamlined, automated future. We’ll show you why automation is the key to staying competitive, saving time, and securing your place in the ever-changing world of technology. If you’re ready to future-proof your career, this is the video you need to watch. Check out Itential and learn more below: Learn more about Itential: https://www.itential.com/ Free network automation resources: https://www.itential.com/resources/ Free automation execution tool: https://torero.dev/ Explore Itential’s automation products: https://www.itential.com/cloud-platform/automation-service/ Explore Itential’s orchestration products: https://www.itential.com/cloud-platform/network-orchestration/ Peter Sprygada: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sprygada/ X.com: https://x.com/privateip Mastodon: https://techhub.social/@[email protected] Network Automation Fourm Slack Channel: https://networkautomationfrm.slack.com/join/shared_invite/zt-2x8sk5oja-o2CBS~wjTl57JkVFeAaTQg#/shared-invite/email 🔗 Don’t wait—click here to start your tech career journey: https://thebeardeditdad.com/itcareeraccelerator/ Exclusive Career Resources ✅ Weekly Insider Tips: https://thebeardeditdad.ck.page/55f710292b 🎧Listen to The I.T. Career Podcast HERE: ➡︎YT: https://itdad.info/ytpodcast ➡︎Apple: https://apple.co/4aw0uVM ➡︎Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yBcrfu ⏰Time Stamps: --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 ⏩ Peter Sprygada 1:13 ⏩ Why You NEED Network Automation 7:30 ⏩ The Future With Network Automation 11:10 ⏩ Where to Start Building Skills 18:33 ⏩ Itential Approach to Network Automation 20:12 ⏩ Fostering Network Automation in Teams & Orgs 28:18 ⏩ Networking With People Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. #networkautomation #careerdevelopment #informationtechnology
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Feeling stuck on the helpdesk and unsure how to take the next step? In this conversation with Ronald Wong, formerly of ITProTV, we dive into why so many IT professionals get trapped in entry-level roles and the mindset shifts needed to break free.
Learn how to identify the right skills, leverage personal projects, and use tools like LinkedIn to stand out. Plus, we discuss whether certifications are helping or hurting your career. If you're ready to move beyond the helpdesk, this episode is packed with actionable advice!
Ronald Wong:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theronniewong/
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Tracy Wallace LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-wallace-tec/
Cloud computing has revolutionized the tech industry, and if you’re not already learning it, you’re falling behind. In this episode, I sit down with Tracy Wallace, a cloud expert and INE instructor, to discuss why cloud computing is a must-have skill, how it’s shaping the future of technology, and the best ways to start your learning journey. Whether you’re new to IT or looking to level up your career, we’ll cover the skills, certifications, and study strategies you need to succeed in this high-demand field. Don’t miss this essential guide to building your future in cloud computing!
🔗 Don’t wait—click here to start your tech career journey: https://thebeardeditdad.com/itcareeraccelerator/
Exclusive Career Resources
✅ Weekly Insider Tips: https://thebeardeditdad.ck.page/55f710292b
🎧Listen to The I.T. Career Podcast HERE:
➡︎YT: https://itdad.info/ytpodcast
➡︎Apple: https://apple.co/4aw0uVM
➡︎Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yBcrfu
Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Want to land more interviews and stand out in a competitive tech job market? In this episode, I’m joined by Araf Khan—an IT leader with over 20 years of experience from helpdesk to director—to talk about how to craft a powerful resume, impress in interviews, and take action in your career.
You'll learn:
How to format your resume to pass the “first 5 lines” test
What to do if you don’t have any experience yet
How to show off your home lab the right way
Interview strategies that help you stand out (even if you're nervous)
Why soft skills matter more than you think
👉 Full show notes & resources: thebeardeditdad.com/i-t-resume-interview-tips-for-success
🚀 Want help launching your career in tech? Join the I.T. Career Accelerator: thebeardeditdad.com/community
#TechCareers #ITJobs #ResumeTips #InterviewAdvice
Feel stuck on the help desk? Not sure how to level up into roles like networking, cybersecurity, or cloud?
In this episode, I continue the conversation with Araf Khan—a seasoned IT leader with over two decades of experience. We dive into what it really takes to move beyond the entry-level grind and start shaping your future in tech. You’ll learn the soft skills, mindset shifts, and real-world strategies that helped us break through, and how you can do it too.
We discuss:
How to stand out in your current role (and why that matters)
Ways to get noticed for promotions or internal moves
How to build a personal brand at work
The 3 non-technical skills that will make you a star
Why work-life balance is essential for long-term success
👉 Full show notes & resources: thebeardeditdad.com/advancing-your-i-t-career-beyond-the-help-desk
🚀 Want help launching or growing your career in tech?
Join the I.T. Career Accelerator: thebeardeditdad.com/community
#TechCareers #HelpDesk #CareerGrowth #ITJobs #ITSupport
Ever wonder what an Identity and Access Management (IAM) Administrator actually does? In this episode, we sit down with Patrice, an experienced IAM admin, to explore what his day-to-day looks like, the skills that matter most, and how he got started in tech.
You’ll learn:
What IAM really means (and how you might already be doing it)
The critical role of Active Directory and cloud security
Career advice for landing an IAM role
Why soft skills matter just as much as technical ones
Whether you're brand new to IT or looking to pivot into cybersecurity or cloud, this conversation is packed with insights that could shape your career path.
👉 Full show notes & resources: https://thebeardeditdad.com/day-as-an-iam-administrator/💬 Want personal help growing your tech career? Join the IT Career Accelerator: https://thebeardeditdad.com/community#Cybersecurity #IAM #TechCareers
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.