The I.T. Career Podcast

You Are Studying Cybersecurity WRONG (Stop Wasting Money) 16.09.2026 49min

Need help finding a mentor or guidance on breaking through with hiring managers? Check out The I.T. Career Accelerator. https://itcareeraccelerator.com/Stop wasting money on certifications that hiring managers ignore. Learn how to actually break into a cybersecurity career.Most people collect certifications like Pokemon badges, but that strategy often leaves resumes at the bottom of the pile. Andrew Karate, a senior threat intelligence analyst and founder of the Ginger Hacker Initiative, joins me to explain why collecting badges fails to impress hiring managers. We discuss the reality of the current job market and why relying solely on credentials is a mistake.If you are trying to land an entry level cybersecurity role, you need to understand what recruiters are actually looking for. We break down the specific gaps in most study plans and how to shift your focus toward skills that prove your value. This conversation provides a clear path for anyone feeling stuck in the trap of over-certifying without practical experience.Subscribe for weekly cybersecurity breakdowns, and let me know in the comments if you want to see more career strategy interviews.🔗Resources mentioned in the video:Andrew Crotty LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-crotty-gingerhacker/Ginger Hacker Initiative: https://gingerhacker.org/Ginger Hacker Initiative Discord: https://discord.gg/YWc3y7G3Sp🔗 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://itdad.info/apple➡︎Spotify: https://itdad.info/spotify⏰Time Stamps:--------------------------------------------------- 0:00 The Costly Mistake Beginners Make1:35 Meet The Ginger Hacker2:24 Identifying The Industry Skills Gap7:52 Beyond The Resume: Standing Out10:57 Targeting Your Career Path26:21 The Reality Of The Cyber Job Market31:24 Your Roadmap To A Cyber CareerDisclaimer: 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 #careergrowth #jobs

I Left My $100K Job to Hack Independently (Here's What Happened) 31.08.2026 56min

Unlock your dream job in IT with our proven community:https://itcareerjob.com/Learn how a solo penetration tester builds a successful security firm without a massive corporate team behind him. See the reality of independent cybersecurity consulting.Tyler Ramsbey left the safety of a major penetration testing company to launch his own firm, Kairosec. This conversation breaks down the logistics of operating as a one-person business in an industry dominated by giant agencies. You will see how he manages to compete with multi-million dollar infrastructure companies while working entirely on his own.Whether you are an aspiring ethical hacking career seeker or an established security professional, this breakdown offers a clear look at the path to independence. We cover the specific challenges of solo security auditing and what it actually takes to run a solo operation in the high-stakes world of corporate cybersecurity.Subscribe for weekly cybersecurity breakdowns, and let me know in the comments if you want to see more interviews with independent security experts.🖥️ Sites Mentioned in this episode:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-ramsbey-86221643/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC_82czjFMgsYMjodhG_4mIwHack Smarter: https://www.hacksmarter.org/catalogKairo Sec: https://kairos-sec.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://itdad.info/apple➡︎ Spotify: https://itdad.info/spotifyTimestamps:00:00 - Solo Ethical Hacker vs Giant Cybersecurity Agency01:05 - How Tyler Ramsbey Built Cyrosc & Hacksmarter03:13 - Boutique Pentesting Firm vs Cheap Penetration Testing06:32 - Why I Left My W2 Pentesting Job to Go Solo11:22 - Balancing Full-Time Job, Family, and YouTube Content Creation15:01 - How Much Money You Need Saved Before Quitting Your Job19:24 - How to Build Personal Brand Authority in Cybersecurity25:11 - First 24 Hours of a Web App Pentest (Step-by-Step)30:20 - Finding Broken Access Control & Username Enumeration Vulnerabilities33:55 - Network Fundamentals First: CCNA vs Network+ for Hackers39:31 - How I Landed My First $10,000 Pentesting Client43:08 - How to Transition From Help Desk to Penetration Tester46:10 - Hacksmarter Training Platform & Hands-On Cyber Labs51:02 - Solo Business Model: Work Less & Make More in CyberDisclaimer: 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.#pentesting #hacking #cybersecurity

The 2026 Tech Jobs AI Can’t Replace 26.08.2026 19min

Meter: Visit https://meter.com/itcareer to book a demo--AI is changing everything… but not every tech job is replaceable.In this video, I break down the real tech careers that are in high demand, pay extremely well, and — most importantly — AI can’t easily replace.Whether you’re just starting in IT or looking to future-proof your career, this is your 2026 roadmap. We’ll cover everything from AI and cybersecurity to networking, data engineering, cloud, and DevOps, explaining what each role does, how much it pays, and the exact skills you’ll need to stay ahead.Here’s what you’ll learn: Which tech jobs will be safe from AI in 2026 The skills employers are begging for right now Real salary ranges (no hype — just facts) What challenges to expect and how to overcome them How to start preparing today, even with zero experienceThese are the roles that are not just surviving the AI revolution — they’re thriving because of it.🔗 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://itdad.info/apple➡︎ Spotify: https://itdad.info/spotifyDisclaimer: 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.#ai #informationtechnology #ad

Junior Cybersecurity Jobs Aren't Dead — They Just Look Different Now 24.08.2026 38min

Meter: Visit https://meter.com/itcareer to book a demoIf you're worried about the state of "cyber security" job boards, this video addresses the half-truth about disappearing "cybersecurity entry level jobs". I sat down with Kenneth Ellington, a senior security engineer, to discuss why entry-level opportunities are changing, not vanishing. Learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of "cybersecurity jobs" and build a successful "cyber security career", even as an "entry level cybersecurity" professional.🔗 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://itdad.info/apple➡︎ Spotify: https://itdad.info/spotify📌 Watch Next:No Experience? Follow This 9-Month Plan for Career Success: https://youtu.be/Kbjj9alXUa4Get Started in Cybersecurity and Excel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLLne0mZGoj7Pzy7ZVFzDGjBEw1cz4UbhDisclaimer: 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 #jobs #ai

The Network Engineer Shortage That's About to Hit 19.08.2026 14min

Unlock your dream job in IT with our proven community:https://itcareeraccelerator.com/The data shows this isn't just a future prediction—it is actively happening. The latest research from Enterprise Management Associates reveals that 52% of companies are struggling to hire and retain network engineers right now, a massive jump from just 26% a few years ago.Two massive shifts are colliding to cause this crisis: The retirement cliff: The industry is currently smack in the middle of a massive demographic wave where an estimated 25% of senior network engineers are retiring within a five-year window. The pipeline drought: For the past decade, new tech workers have completely avoided networking. Everyone rushed into software engineering, web development, or AI because they thought networking was a dying, on-premises field.Now, hyperscalers and enterprises are building massive data center infrastructure and realizing they have plenty of software people but a severe shortage of engineers who actually know how to plumb the pipes. The supply of up-and-coming talent is completely dry.🔗 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://itdad.info/apple➡︎ Spotify: https://itdad.info/spotifyDisclaimer: 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.#networking #careeradvice #ai

Is AI Destroying Your Chances of Getting Hired 17.08.2026 56min

Meter: Visit <a href="https://meter.com/itcareer">https://meter.com/itcareer</a> to book a demoAre you tired of being ghosted by an algorithm? In 2026, the job market has turned into an "automation arms race." With over 900+ bot-generated applications hitting every job posting, hiring managers simply don’t have time to find the humans behind the screens.Today, I’m sitting down with Morgan Willis, a Principal Cloud Technologist and Developer Advocate at AWS, to discuss why your "auto-apply" strategy is actually getting you rejected and how to fix it. Morgan has spent 15 years in software and IT, and she’s currently building the very AI agents that are reshaping our industry.We’re skipping the sugar-coating and diving into what actually lands cloud jobs right now—from leveraging your "human" superpower to why the "Next Wave" of hiring is actually happening in-person.------------------------------------ ⚡️ THE RECOVERY KIT (FREE RESOURCES) Don't let the bots win. If you're stuck in the AI rejection loop, start here: 👉 <a href="https://thebeardeditdad.kit.com/resume-template">https://thebeardeditdad.kit.com/resume-template</a> Free ATS-Compliant Resume Template: Clear the first hurdle and get your resume seen by a human. --------------------------------Morgan Willis: LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganwilliscloud/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganwilliscloud/</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/morganwilliscloud/">https://www.instagram.com/morganwilliscloud/</a>🔗 Don’t wait—click here to start your tech career journey: <a href="https://thebeardeditdad.com/itcareeraccelerator/">https://thebeardeditdad.com/itcareeraccelerator/</a>Exclusive Career Resources ✅ Weekly Insider Tips: <a href="https://thebeardeditdad.ck.page/55f710292b">https://thebeardeditdad.ck.page/55f710292b</a> 🎧 Listen to The I.T. Career Podcast HERE: ➡︎ YT: <a href="https://itdad.info/ytpodcast">https://itdad.info/ytpodcast</a> ➡︎ Apple: <a href="https://itdad.info/apple">https://itdad.info/apple</a> ➡︎ Spotify: <a href="https://itdad.info/spotify">https://itdad.info/spotify</a>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. #AICareer #careeradvice #AI

Why CCNA Video Courses Fail Most Students 12.08.2026 12min

Join Boson's Live 8-Week CCNA Workshop starting Aug 17:https://itdad.info/8Weeks2CCNAIf you are studying for the CCNA by just watching video courses on a second monitor while you scroll through social media, you are setting yourself up to fail on your first attempt. I learned this the hard way, burning hundreds of dollars on exam fees early in my career because my study strategy had a massive flaw. Passive information consumption does not build long-term retention or real skill. In this video, I am breaking down the exact study stack I wish someone handed me when I started—videos for introduction, labs for muscle memory, active recall for retention, and practice exams for verification—so you can build real skills, stop wasting money, and pass on your first attempt.🔗 CCNA study stack resources mentioned:Download Anki (Free flashcards): https://apps.ankiweb.net/Pre-made CCNA Anki Decks (AnkiWeb): https://ankiweb.net/shared/decks/ccnaCisco Packet Tracer (Free simulator): https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer🏫 Continue learning:Did you miss my deep-dive with Ryan Rose on the updated CCNA blueprint? Watch that next to understand exactly what Cisco expects you to know now.📺 Watch the Ryan Rose interview: https://youtu.be/FMaluOJk9GM🔗 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://itdad.info/apple➡︎ Spotify: https://itdad.info/spotify⏰ Time Stamps:0:00 - What's wrong with your CCNA study plan2:14 - The issue with video courses3:08 - Transforming Video Courses Into Active Learning3:58 - Tools to Force Brain Recall and Retention7:44 - Stop Building Massive Labs and Start Labbing Smarter10:07 - The Final Countdown: Preparing for Exam DayDisclaimer: 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.#cisco #ccna #ad

Land a Cybersecurity Job in 2026 10.08.2026 1t 16min

Dive deeper with Snow Goat — the free hands-on lab that inspired this video: https://hubs.ly/Q03CSkb80Plus, check out the Varonis blog for real-world cybersecurity insights: https://hubs.ly/Q03CShBG0/Learn about the skills needed to start your cybersecurity career. David shares some career advice on how to get into cyber security jobs and the skills that helped him land a role as a cyber security analyst. This video also covers entry level cybersecurity positions.David Huynh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/knowfatiguetech/🔗 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://itdad.info/apple➡︎ Spotify: https://itdad.info/spotifyDisclaimer: 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 #2026 #ad

CCNA v2.0 Moves On From Memorization | Here's What Replaces It 06.07.2026 43min

Unlock your dream job in IT with our proven community: https://itcareerjob.com/Cisco just dropped the brand new CCNA v2.0 blueprint, bringing the most disruptive change to the certification track in six years. In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Ryan Rose, Cisco’s Director of Product Management for Skills and Certifications, to pull back the curtain on why the exam is changing on February 3, 2027, and what it means for your IT career.We break down the massive shift from basic terminology memorization to deep, scenario-based network troubleshooting. Ryan explains the return of performance-based exam labs, the structural elimination of the standalone automation domain, and how Cisco plans to test your ability to audit AI hallucinations in production environments. If you are currently studying for CCNA v1.1 or trying to break into the networking industry, this conversation will completely redefine your study roadmap and home lab strategy.📱 Ryan Rose’s SOCIALLinkedIn: /ryanrose3Cisco Blogs: https://blogs.cisco.com/author/ryanroseX: https://x.com/RyanRose🖥️ Cisco Resources Mentioned:Cisco Announcement: https://blogs.cisco.com/learning/ai-updates-ccna-ccie-automationCCNA 2.0 Blueprint: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/ccna-v2-exam-topicsCisco U: https://u.cisco.com/Cisco Learning Network: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/Netacad: https://www.netacad.comPacket Tracer: https://www.netacad.com/cisco-packet-tracer🔗 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://itdad.info/apple➡︎ Spotify: https://itdad.info/spotify⏰ Time Stamps:0:00 - Brand New CCNA0:49 - Ryan Rose - Cisco1:50 - First CCNA change in 6 years6:25 - Is the exam too hard?10:10 - Adding Practical Skills/Troubleshooting13:00 - Should I wait for CCNA V2.015:50 - New Lablets now in the CCNA17:50 - v2.0 Changes how you study22:00 - Importance of time management25:00 - Automation domain removed from CCNA32:30 - AI in the new CCNA40:10 - Ryan's advice for studentsDisclaimer: 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. #CCNA #Cisco #Networking #ITCertifications #NetworkEngineer #CCNAv2

Brutally Honest Advice for New Network Engineers 01.07.2026 21min

Get SOC 2 ready fast without the manual paperwork: https://rippling.com/soc2Thinking about breaking into network engineering, or wondering what it actually takes to succeed in IT today?I sat down live at Cisco Live with Daniel Dib, one of the few dual CCIE/CCDE experts in the world, to get his brutally honest advice for new network engineers. We bypassed the usual corporate fluff to talk about the real skills, mindsets, and massive shifts happening in the networking world right now.If you are currently studying for certifications, trying to land your first helpdesk or networking role, or feeling stuck in your tech career, this blueprint from a top 1% engineer will change how you look at your career path.🔗 Don’t wait—click here to start your tech career journey:https://thebeardeditdad.com/itcareeraccelerator/✅ Exclusive Career ResourcesWeekly Insider Tips: https://thebeardeditdad.ck.page/55f710292b🎧 Listen to The I.T. Career Podcast HERE:➡︎ YT: https://itdad.info/ytpodcast➡︎ Apple: https://itdad.info/apple➡︎ Spotify: https://itdad.info/spotifyDisclaimer: 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.#networking #ccna #careeradvice

How to Stand Out in a Broken IT Job Market 29.06.2026 1t 4min

Unlock your dream job in IT with our proven community:https://itcareerjob.com/Join the Bearded IT Dad for a candid IT career advice panel. Gain perspective on how the tech landscape is shifting for professionals today.This panel discussion brings together industry experts to break down the evolving state of the IT industry. Whether you are just starting your journey or looking to navigate the current IT career field, this conversation offers direct insights into what is changing and how to adapt.Dakota and his fellow panelists examine the core shifts occurring in technical roles, providing clarity on what skills and mindsets are becoming essential. Use this discussion to benchmark your own professional trajectory against current industry standards and expectations.Subscribe for weekly IT career advice breakdowns, and comment below with your biggest question about the future of the IT industry.🔗 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.#CiscoLive #it #networking

The END of the Manual Network Engineer! 26.06.2026 24min

Unlock your dream job in IT with our proven community:https://itcareerjob.com/Traditional network engineering is shifting fast, and typing manual configurations into a CLI will no longer secure your career. In this episode live from Cisco Live 2026, Girard Kavelines returns to break down the specific technical shifts that allow modern architects to write their own checks. We break down the real-world utility of kernel-level eBPF technology, machine communication protocol (MCP) servers, and Cisco Live Protect. If you want to scale your value and avoid stagnation, you must change your daily operational workflow.🔗 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.#networking #ciscolive #careeradvice

The AI Mindset Shift Every Network Engineer Needs 24.06.2026 19min

Learn how Itential is bringing AI into network automation the right way — with governance, visibility, and control. https://bit.ly/itential-overviewAre you worried that AI and automation are going to replace network engineers? It’s time to flip the script. In this incredibly uplifting episode, network automation legend John Capobianco joins the show to explain why the rise of AI is actually the best thing to ever happen to your networking career. Instead of stealing jobs, automation is eliminating the boring, repetitive grunt work and freeing up engineers to focus on high-value, strategic architecture. If you’ve been feeling anxious about the future of tech, John’s refreshing, expert perspective will completely change how you view your career path.We dive deep into how automation is making engineers more valuable than ever, the exact mindset shift you need to make today, and why this technological leap is the ultimate career upgrade. John shares real-world insights from his work at iTensil to prove that the future of networking isn’t automated without you—it’s empowered by you. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that will leave you excited and ready to conquer the next evolution of tech. Watch until the very end to find out how to turn AI into your ultimate career superpower!John Capobianco Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-capobianco-644a1515/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCYE2gcN4wWewmriAP2QlT2AWebsite: https://www.automateyournetwork.ca/🔗 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.#networking #ai #podcast

An InfoSec Director Explains Why the IT Job Market Is Broken 22.06.2026 1t

Meter: Visit https://meter.com/itcareer to book a demoRob discusses his extensive experience in cyber security architecture and defense, particularly with The Walt Disney Company. He highlights his work securing major assets like Disney parks and Star Wars Galaxy Edge. This deep dive into information security and incident response cyber security offers valuable insights into protecting large-scale digital infrastructures and highlights how network security is paramount.Connect and follow Robert Whetstine:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BowTieSecurityGuyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bowtiesecurityguy/Where to find his epic hat: https://www.ziahatmakers.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://itdad.info/apple➡︎ Spotify: https://itdad.info/spotifyDisclaimer: 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 #job #careeradvice

The Network Engineer Shortage That's About to Hit 19.06.2026 14min

Unlock your dream job in IT with our proven community:https://itcareeraccelerator.com/The data shows this isn't just a future prediction—it is actively happening. The latest research from Enterprise Management Associates reveals that 52% of companies are struggling to hire and retain network engineers right now, a massive jump from just 26% a few years ago.Two massive shifts are colliding to cause this crisis:• The retirement cliff: The industry is currently smack in the middle of a massive demographic wave where an estimated 25% of senior network engineers are retiring within a five-year window.• The pipeline drought: For the past decade, new tech workers have completely avoided networking. Everyone rushed into software engineering, web development, or AI because they thought networking was a dying, on-premises field.Now, hyperscalers and enterprises are building massive data center infrastructure and realizing they have plenty of software people but a severe shortage of engineers who actually know how to plumb the pipes. The supply of up-and-coming talent is completely dry.🔗 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://itdad.info/apple➡︎ Spotify: https://itdad.info/spotifyDisclaimer: 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.#networking #careeradvice #ai

What It Actually Takes to Become a Network Engineer Today 25.05.2026 49min

Meter: Visit https://meter.com/itcareer to book a demoWhat does it actually take to become a network engineer today? In this episode, 15-year veteran infrastructure engineer Kevin Nanns (@adjacentnode) strips away the corporate fluff to give you the honest roadmap for building a successful tech career.If you’re feeling completely stuck grinding away at a tier-1 help desk resetting passwords, or you’re exhausted from collecting IT certifications like trading cards hoping for a breakthrough, this conversation is the reality check you’ve been waiting for. Kevin shares his own journey from a school district help desk to engineering massive enterprise networks, breaking down the exact tactical shifts you need to make to bypass the entry-level bottleneck and unlock six-figure infrastructure roles.We also dive deep into his most contrarian views, including why traditional physical home labs are a massive waste of money, what nobody tells you about the real value of a CCNA, the toxic "LinkedIn cringe" ruining mainstream career advice, and where artificial intelligence is genuinely shifting the workload versus where it’s just overhyped vendor marketing garbage.🎙️ CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adjacentnodeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/adjacentnodeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adjacentnodeListen to the Life in Uptime Podcast: https://lifeinuptime.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/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.#NetworkEngineer #ITCareer #CCNA #HelpDesk #TechCareers #adjacentnode #Networking #cybersecurity

Certs Are Dying. Skills Are Taking Over. Are You Ready? 01.04.2026 1t 10min

Want to break into Cyber? You have to beat the IT gatekeepers first. 🛑Grab my FREE "No-Experience" IT Resume Template here: 👉 Everyone wants to work in "cyber security", but few discuss what truly leads to "career growth" and success. This video shares unconventional paths to achieving "career success", focusing on practical steps rather than typical resume building. Learn how guests achieved significant "career growth" in under a year, offering valuable "career advice" for advancing in the industry.🔗 Don’t wait—click here to start your tech career journey:Exclusive Career Resources✅ Weekly Insider Tips:🎧 Listen to The I.T. Career Podcast HERE:➡︎YT: ➡︎Apple: ➡︎Spotify: 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.#cybersecurity #careeradvice #informationsecurity

The AI Shift That’s About to Hit Networking 30.03.2026 52min

Learn how Itential is bringing AI into network automation the right way — with governance, visibility, and control. https://bit.ly/itential-overviewRight now, the field of networking is being reshaped by artificial intelligence and network automation. This video discusses how these changes are making some network engineering roles more valuable, while others become irrelevant. We offer career advice on how to adapt and thrive in tech careers by embracing this technological shift.🔗 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.#ai #networking #automation

Day in the Life of a Hardware Hacker 24.03.2026 1t 7min

Meter: Visit https://meter.com/itcareer to book a demoMany devices, from smart home gadgets to company IoT devices, are vulnerable to attacks because they weren't designed with security in mind. This video with hardware hacker Matt Brown explores the critical need for robust cybersecurity and ethical hacking practices. We discuss how these devices are susceptible and the importance of network security to ensure your home security.Matt Brown:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC3VDCeZYZH7mCihtMVHqppwLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattbrwn/Discord: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattbrwn/🔗 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.#Hacking #HardwareHacking #Cybersecuirty

Hack Your Way Into Cybersecurity (Ethically) 20.03.2026 59min

Meter: Visit https://meter.com/itcareer to book a demoCybersecurity feels gatekept for a lot of beginners. If you have been studying for months, stacking certifications, and still not getting interviews, this episode is your wake-up call. Dakota (The Bearded I.T. Dad) sits down with Josh Mason, founder of Noob Village at DEF CON, to break down what actually gets you hired in cybersecurity. Spoiler: it is not another certification. It is proof. We talk about why entry-level cyber roles are tough to land, how to stand out when job listings demand experience, and the hacker mindset that helps you build your own path into the industry.We also get into what Noob Village is and why it exists as the beginner on-ramp at DEF CON. Josh shares practical next steps you can start today, including KC7Cyber (a free incident response training game) and how to turn what you learn into proof: write-ups, lab walkthroughs, GitHub notes, and LinkedIn posts that hiring managers can actually evaluate.Josh Mason:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmason/Josh's Book (Cybersecurity Beginner's Guide): https://amzn.to/40Egv9RNoob Village: https://www.noobvillage.org/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.#hacking #cybersecurity #careeradvice

The I.T. Career Podcast

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The I.T. Career Podcast

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