Ep 141 - TikTok Creator and Network Engineer - AdjacentNode
Mar 13, 2024
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TikTok creator and network engineer, AdjacentNode, shares his journey from web design to networking, navigating certifications and career transitions. The podcast delves into evolving network engineering through social media, balancing depth and brevity in content creation, and boosting visibility through IT content. It also explores lab environments, mental health maintenance, and social media presence in the tech industry.
Working in the public sector provides stability and purpose in a network engineer's career.
Creating content on TikTok can attract interest in network engineering among younger generations.
Certifications offer structured learning and valuable knowledge for personal growth in the tech field.
Deep dives
The Importance of Public Sector Work and Greater Mission
Kevin highlights the significance of working in the public sector due to the stability and sense of purpose it offers. He mentions the retirement benefits and collaborative environment that contribute to a fulfilling career. Kevin expresses his contentment with the greater mission of serving the community over solely pursuing monetary gain, emphasizing the value of his work impacting lives positively.
Promoting Network Engineering Awareness on TikTok
Kevin shares his motivation for creating content on TikTok centered around network engineering. He stresses the importance of showcasing the diversity and complexity of network engineering to encourage interest and awareness among younger generations. By using TikTok as a platform to make network engineering appealing and cool, Kevin aims to attract individuals who may not have been exposed to this career path otherwise.
Championing Learning and Skill Development in Tech through Certifications
Kevin discusses his approach to certifications as a means of personal growth and structured learning in the tech field. He emphasizes that certifications offer a curriculum to guide learning and provide valuable knowledge, regardless of the immediate career benefits. Kevin advocates for the positive impact of certifications in enhancing skill sets and expanding understanding, especially in fields like networking where continuous learning is essential.
The Value of Physical Labbing in Networking
Physical labbing in networking provides invaluable hands-on experience that enhances understanding of intricate details not easily replicated in virtual environments. It allows engineers to troubleshoot complex issues such as incorrect bootloaders or hardware mismatches, providing practical skills for real-world scenarios. Having a physical lab also helps in scenarios where remote troubleshooting is required, enabling engineers to effectively guide others through resolution processes, showcasing the importance of physical knowledge in networking.
Advantages of Creating Technical Content as a Networking Professional
Creating technical content, such as short-form videos or blog posts, enhances communication skills and showcases technical competencies in a relatable manner. It serves as a unique differentiator in the job market, making individuals stand out to potential employers. By articulating complex technical concepts in simplified terms, content creators demonstrate their ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical audiences, highlighting the value of clear communication in the field of networking.
Ever wondered how a network engineer's career trajectory weaves through the fabric of IT? Buckle up and join us as we unpack the personal stories of transformation and growth in the network engineering landscape. With AJ starting his new position as a Demo Architect at Zscaler and Andy stretching his wings as a Technical Marketing Engineer, we're diving headfirst into how networking smarts blend with new roles in security and tech marketing. Guest star Kevin, balancing public sector network engineering with TikTok fame, gives us a glimpse of how one navigates the complexities of modern IT careers, while Tim sheds light on the training that's powering his journey as a newly minted Sales Engineer at Cisco.
We learn what sparked Kevin's journey into becoming a TikTok creator and what motivates to continue spreading the word on Network Engineering.
Are certifications the golden tickets they once were? Let's find out together as we share tales from the trenches—like configuring firewalls sans experience and the intense camaraderie of NOC shifts during holidays. Hear how Kevin's pivot from web design to networking ignited his passion, leading to a CCNA and beyond. We also spar over the continuing relevance of certifications like the CCNP, while coming together in agreement on their potential to open doors, especially in partner-driven professional environments.
Finally, as the tech landscape shifts beneath our feet, we explore the future of our field. Will the march of automation and AI spell the end of traditional networking, or is it just another layer to master? We debate the tangibility of physical labs against the allure of virtual environments and muse over how content creation and personal brand cultivation can create unexpected career opportunities. And, despite the tech-heavy discussion, we never underestimate the power of soft skills—because, at the end of the day, it's all about making connections (pun intended).
