Hello there! Today, we have an exciting story about John Winnick, who transformed his career from desktop support to becoming an infrastructure project engineer. John’s journey is packed with learning, determination, and a passion for technology. Let’s dive into his success story and see what we can learn from it.
**Meet John**
John has been fascinated with information technology for almost two years. Before jumping into the tech world, he worked for the railroad but decided to switch gears and pursue a career in cybersecurity. He enrolled at WGU (Western Governors University), where he completed a cybersecurity track, gained his bachelor’s degree, and earned several certifications. His curiosity and drive to explore more about technology led him to focus on infrastructure and networking.
**The Leap into Cybersecurity**
John’s adventure into cybersecurity wasn’t a stroll in the park. He was intrigued by the complexities of cloud technologies, incident response, and basic networking. Engaging with courses, particularly one on Azure, widened his understanding and gave him a solid foundation to build upon. His dedication to learning and improving played a crucial role in his career progression.
**Job Transition Excellence**
John believes that persistence and a proactive approach are the keys to success. When a recruiter contacted him for a role as an infrastructure project engineer, his profile on Dice, a career platform, made a strong impression. This opportunity was a perfect match for John, combining his interests in security, infrastructure, and the thrill of facing new challenges.
**What Does an Infrastructure Project Engineer Do?**
In his new role, John is excited to dive into tasks like:
- Upgrading company equipment and infrastructure
- Deploying cloud solutions and ensuring systems are configured properly
- Working remotely on various projects, making sure everything runs smoothly
John views this opportunity not only as a career advancement but as a platform to learn more and contribute his skills to meaningful projects.
**Advice from John**
John’s journey is inspiring, and he has some advice for others aspiring to advance their careers:
- Stay Curious: Always be eager to learn new things. This attitude helps you grow and opens up more opportunities.
- Be Proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Go out there, learn, network, and make yourself known.
- Use the STAR Method: For interviews, John recommends the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure responses clearly and impressively.
- Expand Your Presence: Make sure you’re visible on job platforms like LinkedIn and Dice. A well-maintained profile can attract unexpected opportunities.
John’s journey from desktop support to becoming an infrastructure project engineer is a testament to the power of persistence, hard work, and continuous learning. His story encourages us not to settle but to keep pushing our limits and exploring new horizons in our careers.
Remember, whether you’re just starting in tech or looking to take the next step in your career, John’s story shows that with the right mindset and dedication, you can achieve your goals. Stay curious, proactive, and open to learning—your dream job might just be a few steps away!
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Keep learning, growing, and chasing your dreams!
Don’t forget to check out my Hands-On IT and Cybersecurity Course to help you bridge the gap between just being skilled and actually landing a job!