The I.T. Career Podcast

The Bearded I.T. Dad - Dakota Snow

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: info@snowmediagroup.com

  1. Sep 16

    You Are Studying Cybersecurity WRONG (Stop Wasting Money)

    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

    You Are Studying Cybersecurity WRONG (Stop Wasting Money)

  2. Aug 31

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

    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/spotify Timestamps: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 Cyber 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.#pentesting #hacking #cybersecurity

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

  3. Aug 26 ·  Bonus

    The 2026 Tech Jobs AI Can’t Replace

    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/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.#ai #informationtechnology #ad

    The 2026 Tech Jobs AI Can’t Replace

  4. Aug 24

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

    Meter: Visit https://meter.com/itcareer to book a demo If 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=PLLLne0mZGoj7Pzy7ZVFzDGjBEw1cz4Ubh 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 #jobs #ai

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

  5. Aug 19 ·  Bonus

    The Network Engineer Shortage That's About to Hit

    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/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.#networking #careeradvice #ai

    The Network Engineer Shortage That's About to Hit

  6. Aug 17

    Is AI Destroying Your Chances of Getting Hired

    Meter: Visit https://meter.com/itcareer to book a demo Are 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: 👉 https://thebeardeditdad.kit.com/resume-template Free ATS-Compliant Resume Template: Clear the first hurdle and get your resume seen by a human. -------------------------------- Morgan Willis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganwilliscloud/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganwilliscloud/ 🔗 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 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

  7. Aug 12 ·  Bonus

    Why CCNA Video Courses Fail Most Students

    Join Boson's Live 8-Week CCNA Workshop starting Aug 17:https://itdad.info/8Weeks2CCNA If 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 Day 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.#cisco #ccna #ad

    Why CCNA Video Courses Fail Most Students

  8. Aug 10

    Land a Cybersecurity Job in 2026

    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/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 #2026 #ad

    Land a Cybersecurity Job in 2026
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4.8
out of 5
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About

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: info@snowmediagroup.com

Information

  • Creator
    The Bearded I.T. Dad - Dakota Snow
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    141
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Bearded I.T. Dad - Dakota Snow
  • Show Website
    The I.T. Career Podcast

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