Check out our Sponsor SNHU to learn more about their cybersecurity degree program https://snhu.edu/techtual

Welcome to episode 168 of The TechTual Talk, where we dive deep into the tech world and the journeys it takes to get there. In this episode, How to get into IT without ANY EXPERIENCE we've got a compelling conversation between our host, HD, and the inspiring guest, Damion Hall. Damion shares his incredible story of transforming his life through tech, starting from knowing almost nothing about Windows to becoming a seasoned IT professional with multiple certifications.

We'll unravel the power of networking, the importance of skills over certifications alone, and the unexpected twists and turns of navigating the tech industry. Prepare to be inspired by Damian's journey from immigrant beginnings to carving out a successful career in tech—all within a few short years.

Whether you're a beginner looking to break into tech or a seasoned professional, there's something in this episode for you. Let's dive in! #tech #certs #money

join the discord here: https://discord.gg/8jryx9CUxw

Pod produced & edited by by Henri Davis

Join my mailing list and get my ebook for free: https://mailchi.mp/techualconsulting.com/sign-up

ask your pod questions here: techtualquestions@thetechtualtalk.com

➡️ Need a new resume or need career coaching ⬇️

https://www.techualconsulting.com/offerings

For more Tech Resources click here: https://solo.to/techtualchatter

➡️ Donate to the channel here: https://paypal.me/techtualconsulting?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US

➡️ Check out The TechTual Talk Podcast: https://thetechtualtalk.com

➡️ Follow me on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techtualchatter/

TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techtualchatter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TechtualChatter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-davis/

Follow Dame:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hdmaragh/

-----------------------------------------------

00:00 intro

09:38 Certification Limitations in Job Market

15:31 Certification Insights & Job Skills

19:36 Pursuit of Ideal Job Opportunity

25:33 Rethinking Job Loyalty

28:37 "Sysadmin Support Role Experience"

35:53 Networking Overcomes Job Gatekeepers

39:14 "Importance of Advocacy at Work"

45:59 Mentorship: Key to Overcoming Learning Plateaus

50:29 Cybersecurity Skills Beyond Certifications

56:49 Visualizing Non-Linear Learning Paths

58:50 Reviving Job Interview With Initiative

01:07:03 Impromptu Agile Speaker Success

01:13:12 Solid Bond Fuels Ambitious Goals

01:14:55 Balancing Gig Work and Ambitions

01:19:57 Balancing Night Productivity and Sleep

01:27:34 DIY NAS Setup with ChatGPT

01:30:35 The Importance of Mentorship

FTC Legal Disclaimer - Some links found in the description box of my videos may be affiliate links, meaning I will make a commission on sales you make through my link. This is at no extra cost to you to use my links/codes, it's just one more way to support me and my channel! :)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.