Career Downloads

Career Downloads
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Career Downloads

Manuel Martinez hosts the Career Downloads podcast where he interviews a different guest each episode to learn about their individual and diverse backgrounds, job history, and techniques they use to manage their career. So plug in and download the knowledge.

  1. 16 HR. AGO

    From Managing at 16 in Iran to Tech Leadership in America - A Journey of Determination with Fahimeh Camero | Ep018

    In this inspiring episode of Career Downloads, Manuel Martinez sits down with Fahimeh Camero, whose remarkable journey showcases the power of determination and continuous learning in building a successful technology career. From managing her father's engineering company in Iran at age 16 to implementing critical privacy compliance programs in America, Fahimeh shares her unique path into technology leadership. Her story demonstrates that with passion and persistence, no career obstacle is insurmountable. In this episode, you'll learn: • How early exposure to engineering through her father's company shaped her problem-solving mindset • Strategies for navigating career transitions across cultures and countries • The importance of taking initiative and making impact, regardless of your position • How to build confidence in technical roles, especially as a woman in tech • Tips for balancing career growth with single parenthood • The value of continuous learning and going beyond job descriptions • Why understanding technical details matters in leadership positions • Insights on overcoming language barriers and cultural challenges in corporate America Whether you're considering a career change, facing professional challenges, or looking to advance in technology leadership, Fahimeh's experience offers valuable lessons for technology professionals at all levels. Guest Background: Fahimeh Camero has worked across various technology roles, from desktop support to privacy compliance leadership. Her unique perspective combines technical expertise with business acumen, demonstrating how diverse experiences can create stronger technology leaders. Connect with Fahimeh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fahimeh-camero-b98844100/ #CareerDownloads #WomenInTech #TechCareers #CareerGrowth #TechnologyJobs #ProfessionalDevelopment New episodes released every Tuesday. Subscribe to never miss an episode!

    1h 21m

  2. NOV 5

    From Military IT to Enterprise Tech Solutions with Rob McAbee | Ep 017

    In this episode of Career Downloads, host Manuel Martinez sits down with Rob McAbee, Solutions Architect at VMware by Broadcom, for an insightful discussion about navigating technology career transitions and growth. Show Notes: Rob shares his professional journey, starting with his military service in IT automation and networking from 2000-2004. He discusses his transition into civilian tech roles in the casino industry, where he progressed from PC technician to network architecture and management positions. Key Discussion Points: - Military experience in network engineering and deployment - Navigating promotions and salary negotiations in the casino industry - The role of mentorship in career development -Transitioning from technical roles to solution sales - Three guiding principles for professional satisfaction - Building confidence and adapting to organizational changes Resources Mentioned: VMware Network Security Business Unit Book: "Personality Isn't Permanent" by Benjamin Hardy Connect with Rob McAbee: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmac1813/ Connect with Manuel Martinez: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuelmartinez-it/ Twitter: @ManuelM_IT Website: https://careerdownloads.com Don't forget to subscribe to Career Downloads on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated on new episodes featuring technology leaders and their career journeys. #CareerDownloads #TechCareers #VMware #CyberSecurity #CareerAdvice #TechnologyJobs #CareerGrowth #NetworkEngineering #CloudComputing #TechTransition

    1h 1m

  3. OCT 29

    From Admin Assistant to Sr. Director to Professor - How Karen Ahern Navigated Her Tech Career | Ep 016

    In this episode of Career Downloads, host Manuel Martinez sits down with Karen Ahern, Professor and Networking Program Director at the College of Southern Nevada, who shares her inspiring journey through the technology industry. From her unexpected start as a computer lab assistant to becoming a Senior Director of Technology Services, and ultimately finding her calling in education, Karen's story demonstrates how being open to opportunities can lead to a fulfilling career in technology. Guest: Karen Ahern Current Role: Professor, Computing and Information Technology Department, College of Southern Nevada Focus Areas: Networking, Cloud Systems Administration, Infrastructure, and Systems Administration Episode Highlights: - How a chance conversation led Karen into technology without any prior tech background - The importance of being willing to take on tasks others avoid - Transitioning from technical roles to leadership positions - Managing imposter syndrome while advancing in career - The value of emotional intelligence in technology careers - Why lateral career moves can lead to unexpected growth - Securing and managing National Science Foundation grants - The transition from corporate IT to education Key Insights: - Finding and leveraging mentorship opportunities - Building confidence through continuous learning - Balancing technical expertise with people skills - Managing teams and expectations in IT leadership - Creating opportunities through networking - The importance of being uncomfortable for growth Career Advice Highlights: - Be open to tasks others avoid - it can lead to specialization - Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back from opportunities - Sometimes a pay cut for the right opportunity can lead to greater rewards - Network consistently, even when comfortable in your current role - Consider lateral moves for skill development - Be patient with yourself and others while learning Resources Mentioned: - CompTIA A+ Certification - Management Information Systems degree programs - Society of Information Managers - National Science Foundation grants Connect with Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-ahern-88805523/ Follow Career Downloads: Website: https://careerdownloads.com YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@careerdownloads X/Twitter https://twitter.com/@careerdownloads TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@careerdownloads LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/career-downloads Instagram https://www.instagram.com/careerdownloads FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/people/Career-Downloads/61561144531249 #CareerDownloads #TechCareers #WomenInTech #TechnologyLeadership #CareerDevelopment #ITEducation #TechMentorship #CloudComputing #HigherEducation #CareerAdvice

    1h 11m

  4. OCT 22

    From Marketing Agency Owner to IT Professional - A Career Transformation Story with Liz DelSignore | Ep 015

    In this enlightening episode of Career Downloads, host Manuel Martinez sits down with Liz DelSignore, who shares her remarkable journey from owning a digital marketing agency to becoming a successful MSP technician. Liz's story is a masterclass in career transition, networking, and the power of continuous learning. About Our Guest: Liz DelSignore is an IT professional who made a bold career change at age 27. Starting her professional life as a self-employed digital marketing agency owner, she later transitioned into IT through an unconventional path, landing her first role through a Facebook group. Now working as an MSP technician, she combines her technical skills with strong communication abilities to serve clients from housekeepers to CEOs. Key Discussion Points: - The catalyst for changing careers from marketing to IT - How Toastmasters transformed her networking abilities - Managing career transition as a neurodivergent professional - The importance of documentation in technical roles - Strategies for interviewing and asking the right questions - Balancing technical skills with people skills - The value of hands-on experience in IT - Future career aspirations in DevOps and automation Valuable Insights: - Why building a professional network is crucial for career growth - How to prevent burnout through work-life balance - Strategies for effective workplace communication - Tips for researching potential employers and interviewers - The importance of continuous learning in technology Career Advice Highlights: - Research your interviewers on LinkedIn before meetings - Ask culture-focused questions during interviews - Don't be afraid to make career changes when necessary - Build relationships without expecting immediate returns - Document everything to create lasting value #CareerDownloads #TechCareers #ITCareer #CareerTransition #WomenInTech Resources Mentioned: - Toastmasters International - CompTIA certifications (A+, Network+, Security+) Connect with Liz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-delsignore/ Follow Career Downloads: Website: https://careerdownloads.com YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@careerdownloads X/Twitter https://twitter.com/@careerdownloads TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@careerdownloads LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/career-downloads Instagram https://www.instagram.com/careerdownloads FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/people/Career-Downloads/61561144531249 Don't forget to subscribe to Career Downloads wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on more inspiring career stories and practical advice for your technology career journey.

    1h 24m

  5. OCT 15

    From Tech Support to Software Engineering Leader with James Oravec | Ep 014

    In this episode of Career Downloads, host Manuel Martinez welcomes James Oravec, a Senior Manager for Software Engineering, who shares his inspiring journey through the tech industry. From his early days in tech support to building a successful e-commerce venture and eventually leading software engineering teams, James offers a wealth of insights for anyone navigating their career in technology. Key topics discussed: - James's introduction to technology and his first job in tech support - The creation and growth of War Toys, James's e-commerce business - Innovative warehouse optimization techniques developed for e-commerce operations - Transitioning from entrepreneurship to corporate software engineering roles - The patent development process at IBM and the value of continuous learning - Recent experiences with job searching in the current tech market James shares valuable lessons on perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of pursuing your passions in the tech industry. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance to leadership roles, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration to help you succeed in the ever-evolving world of technology. Tune in to learn how James turned a $15/hour side hustle into a thriving business, developed creative solutions for e-commerce operations, and navigated the challenges of job searching in today's competitive market. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you take control of your tech career and achieve your professional goals.

    1h 36m

  6. OCT 8

    From El Salvador Electical Engineering to Gaming QA Lead with Carlos Matal | Ep013

    In this engaging episode of Career Downloads, host Manuel Martinez sits down with Carlos Matal, a seasoned QA Lead who shares his inspiring journey from El Salvador to becoming a key player in Las Vegas's tech scene. Episode Highlights: - Carlos's unique path from electrical engineering in El Salvador to software QA in the US - Overcoming language barriers and cultural differences in the American tech industry - The art of job hunting and standing out in a competitive market - Transitioning from manual testing to automation and becoming a QA Lead - Balancing career growth with family responsibilities - The importance of soft skills and adaptability in tech careers - Insights into the world of Quality Assurance and its role in software development - Tips for breaking into the tech industry without prior experience Key Takeaways: - Persistence pays off: Carlos's story of repeatedly applying and improving his skills is a testament to the power of determination. - Continuous learning is crucial: From learning English to mastering new technologies, Carlos emphasizes the importance of always expanding your skillset. - Cultural intelligence matters: Carlos shares valuable insights on navigating cultural differences in corporate America. - QA is more than just testing: Discover the difference between being a tester and a quality assurance engineer. - Work-life balance in tech: Learn how Carlos manages his career while prioritizing family. Whether you're a tech enthusiast looking to break into the industry or a seasoned professional seeking inspiration, Carlos's journey offers valuable lessons and insights for anyone looking to advance their career in technology. Tune in to this episode of Career Downloads for an honest, engaging, and informative conversation about the realities of building a successful tech career from the ground up.

    1h 28m

  7. OCT 1

    From Brazilian Marketing to AWS Project Management with Maureen Peterson | Ep 012

    In this episode, host Manuel Martinez sits down with Maureen Peterson, a Customer Solutions Manager at AWS, to explore her fascinating journey from advertising in Brazil to tech project management in the US. Maureen's story is a testament to the power of continuous learning, adaptability, and perseverance. She shares her experiences transitioning from marketing to technology, working in various industries including casinos, and ultimately landing a role at one of the world's leading tech companies. Key takeaways from this episode: - How to successfully pivot from marketing to tech project management - Strategies for navigating major career changes across industries and countries - Tips for overcoming imposter syndrome in the tech world - Insights on preparing for and acing interviews at top tech companies - The importance of continuous skill development and stepping out of your comfort zone Whether you're in tech, marketing, or considering a career pivot, Maureen's journey offers valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to advance their career. Listen in as Maureen shares her experiences implementing digital analytics, managing large-scale projects, and adapting to new challenges as a non-native English speaker in the tech industry. Her story is not just about career progression, but also about personal growth and the courage to pursue new opportunities. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that proves with determination and the right mindset, you can successfully navigate significant career transitions and thrive in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Subscribe to Career Downloads for more episodes featuring industry professionals sharing their career wisdom and practical advice for professional growth. Episode Length: 1:39:08 Release Date: October 1, 2024 Follow us on social media: X/Twitter https://twitter.com/@careerdownloads TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@careerdownloads LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/career-downloads Instagram https://www.instagram.com/careerdownloads FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/people/Career-Downloads/61561144531249 We'd love to hear from you! If you have any questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes, please reach out to us.

    1h 39m

  8. SEP 26

    Leveling Up in Tech with Oscar Diaz | Episode 011

    In this episode of Career Downloads, we're joined by Oscar Diaz, a seasoned tech professional who takes us through the second half of his career journey. Oscar shares his experiences transitioning from government IT roles to becoming a Technical Account Manager, offering valuable insights for both newcomers and veterans in the tech industry. Key discussion points include: - The transition from technical roles to management and back again - The value of certifications and effective study techniques - Balancing technical expertise with essential soft skills - The critical importance of continuous learning in IT - Strategies for explaining complex tech concepts to non-technical stakeholders - Tips for career growth and finding your niche in the ever-evolving tech landscape Oscar's story discusses the diverse opportunities within the tech world. He emphasizes that it's never too late to enter the field or pivot your career, as long as you're passionate and willing to learn. His journey showcases how skills from various IT roles can culminate in positions like Technical Account Management, where understanding both the technical and business sides is crucial. Whether you're considering a career in tech, looking to advance in your current IT role, or curious about the day-to-day of a Technical Account Manager, this episode provides practical advice and real-world insights. Oscar's experiences highlight the interconnectedness of technology across industries and the importance of adaptability in building a successful tech career. Tune in to hear Oscar's perspective on the challenges and rewards of working in tech, and gain valuable advice for navigating your own career path in this dynamic field.

    49 min
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About

Manuel Martinez hosts the Career Downloads podcast where he interviews a different guest each episode to learn about their individual and diverse backgrounds, job history, and techniques they use to manage their career. So plug in and download the knowledge.

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  • Creator
    Career Downloads
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2024 by Career Downloads All Rights Reserved.
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    Career Downloads

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