IT Career Talk with Matt Fowler

Matt Fowler
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Breaking into IT? Get honest advice for starting your tech career in small bite-sized portions. IT Career Talk with Matt Fowler provides you with the tools and mentality to get started and succeed in the Information Technology field. If you're switching careers or just getting started, this podcast offers practical advice, mindset tips, and real-world strategies to help you land your first IT job. From entry-level roles to long-term growth, we focus on what works based on experience. Follow for helpful advice on IT career paths, certifications, job hunting, and getting into the field.

  1. 3D AGO

    Note to Younger Self: It's not too late (career growth)

    It's easy to get caught up in thinking too much time has passed by. Thinking it's too late for any big hopes and dreams. That's a bunch of nonsense! I'd argue that it is rarely too late. Growth is one of the things that keeps us going. Being able to help one another is a huge motivating factor to do better.One of the most impactful ways to grow is through your occupation. Money doesn't buy happiness, but it can buy freedom. The freedom to pay your rent or mortgage, the freedom to feed your family, the freedom to help another do the same. That is the motivating factor behind these videos: assisting others to achieve financial freedom. My biggest obstacle in achieving success was me. The second biggest obstacle was failing to return to school. I knew it was the right thing to do. There were many signs and signals to indicate it was the correct path, but yet I tried to avoid it. Once I went back to school and started making progress, my life changed for the better.Please don't give up, and keep at it! Before you know it, you'll learn, grow, and become a true professional. Until then, please consider using my affiliate links for additional learning :).Rich Dad Poor Dad: https://amzn.to/46ncRohUdemy: https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=avkYeU1u33I&offerid=1708380.5572&type=3&subid=0Udacity: https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=avkYeU1u33I&offerid=1730781.3&type=3&subid=0Thank you so much for watching!

    8 min

  2. SEP 2

    Job Interview Etiquette: How to Stand Out and Get Hired

    How to Make a Great First Impression in an IT Job Interview | Job Interview Tips for Career Changers & BeginnersLanding a job in IT isn’t just about having the right technical skills. It’s also about how you present yourself in the interview. First impressions matter, and often they set the tone for the entire conversation. In this video, I share practical IT interview tips that will help you look confident, professional, and prepared. Whether you’re changing careers into IT or going after your very first tech role.Here’s what we’ll cover in this video:Why you should never chew gum during an interviewHow to introduce yourself, shake hands, and remember names when entering the roomThe importance of sitting up straight and using positive body languageHow to use plain language: avoid slang, acronyms, and trying to sound “too fancy”Why you should dress one level above the job you’re applying for (including a fun Office reference: Jim in a tux when Charles Miner started as VP!)How to relax and stay comfortable without losing professionalismWhy it’s smart to ask questions and treat the interview as a two-way conversationThese interview habits will help you connect better with hiring managers and recruiters, show that you’re serious about the opportunity, and increase your chances of moving to the next round.Whether you’re preparing for your first IT help desk interview, transitioning into tech after years in another career, or just looking to sharpen your job interview skills, these tips will help you make a strong impression.👉 If you find this helpful, be sure to like the video, subscribe for more IT career advice, and leave a comment with your favorite job interview tip or question you want answered in a future video.Please don't give up, and keep at it! Before you know it, you'll learn, grow, and become a true Information Technology (IT) pro. Until then, please consider using my affiliate links for additional learning :).CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: https://amzn.to/4kO5YAJUdemy: https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=avkYeU1u33I&offerid=1708380.5572&type=3&subid=0Udacity: https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=avkYeU1u33I&offerid=1730781.3&type=3&subid=0Thank you so much for watching!

    9 min

  3. AUG 26

    Why You Shouldn't Practice For Technical Interviews

    I've noticed a lot of confusion around interviews for entry-level IT roles. There have been many questions on the subreddit r/ITCareerQuestions about how to cram for technical interview questions. The answer is...you don't.It's obviously best to come prepared. Ensure you have taken the necessary steps to succeed in the interview and moving forward, if you are hired. The problem is, these technical questions can be about anything. I've been hired for jobs when I didn't know the answer to multiple technical questions. It could be argued that no one even expects you to know all of the answers. This gives an opportunity to see how you handle that situation. It's a common occurrence to not know everything in the IT field. What should you prepared for? You should prepare for the standard interview questions that are asked for any job. Show some personality in your answers and try to respond with stories when possible. The interviewers want to know who you are and how you would handle situations. This is just the tip of the iceberg for the topic. It is far from all inclusive. Please share some of the questions you think are most important to prepare for. Don't be afraid to ask questions in the comments either. I try to respond to most of them.Subscribe for more grounded IT career advice and real-world stories from the field.Please don't give up, and keep at it! Before you know it, you'll learn, grow, and become a true Information Technology (IT) pro. Until then, please consider using my affiliate links for additional learning :).CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: https://amzn.to/4kO5YAJUdemy: https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=avkYeU1u33I&offerid=1708380.5572&type=3&subid=0Udacity: https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=avkYeU1u33I&offerid=1730781.3&type=3&subid=0Thank you so much for watching!

    7 min

  4. AUG 19

    Computer Science vs Information Technology

    This video is about as unrehearsed as it gets. It's bordering on an old school rant, but certainly with good intentions. The topic is comparing Computer Science and Information Technology. From an educational perspective, these are easy references. Both are used as degree types for technical jobs. It can be quite confusing for newcomers. I remember not knowing what I needed to learn to get started. I honestly thought I needed to know a little bit of everything. That seems to be a common trend. This feeling continued until I actually got my first job and a little experience in the field.On one side you have IT Infrastructure. Most people would think Systems and Networks. Infrastructure also includes the Help Desk and Cybersecurity has Infrastructure tendencies.The other path is Software Engineering and Development. These are the people building and maintaining all the web-based things and software. Don't forget about databases.These roles are overlapping more and more these days. We've all heard of DevOps. The hybrid roles of Software and Infrastructure are only going to increase with the rise of AI. These tools are going to become superpowers to those who embrace them. I'm not even on the AI hypetrain, but I can respect it and will embrace it.Have the terms IT and Computer Science confused you? Subscribe for more grounded IT career advice and real-world stories from the field.Please don't give up, and keep at it! Before you know it, you'll learn, grow, and become a true Information Technology (IT) pro. Until then, please consider using my affiliate links for additional learning :).CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: https://amzn.to/4kO5YAJUdemy: https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=avkYeU1u33I&offerid=1708380.5572&type=3&subid=0Udacity: https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=avkYeU1u33I&offerid=1730781.3&type=3&subid=0Thank you so much for watching!

    5 min

  5. AUG 12

    Why Do Entry Level IT Jobs Require Experience?

    Why do entry-level IT jobs require experience? It’s one of the most common and frustrating questions beginners ask when trying to break into the field of Information Technology (IT). In this video, I explain why experience is expected even at the entry level, what “experience” actually means, and how to stand out with no traditional IT job on your resume.Whether you’re applying to help desk roles, IT support, or junior sysadmin jobs, this video will provide a grounded perspective on how to prepare and position yourself for success, even if you're just getting started.What you’ll learn:Why “entry-level” doesn’t mean “no skills required”What counts as IT experience (even without a job title)How to get noticed by hiring managersWhy preparation matters more than perfectionPractical steps to build confidence and credibilityHave questions or your own experience to share? Drop a comment below—I'd love to hear from you.Please like & subscribe if this helped you on your IT career journey.#EntryLevelIT #ITCareerAdvice #HowToGetIntoIT #TechCareers #NoExperienceJobs #CompTIA #ITSupportPlease don't give up, and keep at it! Before you know it, you'll learn, grow, and become a true Information Technology (IT) pro. Until then, please consider using my affiliate links for additional learning :).CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: https://amzn.to/4kO5YAJUdemy: https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=avkYeU1u33I&offerid=1708380.5572&type=3&subid=0Udacity: https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=avkYeU1u33I&offerid=1730781.3&type=3&subid=0Thank you so much for watching!

    12 min

  6. AUG 5

    How Long Does It Really Take To Get An IT Job

    How long does it really take to get an IT job? My journey from Corrections Officer to IT Professional. It was far from an overnight success.Breaking into the IT field isn’t just about passing a certification or getting a degree. It’s about persistence, sacrifice, and doing the work no one sees.In this video, I walk through my personal journey of going from a Corrections Officer to landing my first IT job. I discuss what it was like going back to college as a working adult, studying for the CompTIA A+ certification during my off-hours, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with trying to change your career later in life.Many people thought my transition into tech was fast or lucky, but what they didn't see were the years of preparation behind the scenes. I made this video for anyone wondering how long it actually takes to get your first IT job. If you’re starting from scratch, switching careers, or trying to break in without experience, this one is for you.If you’re currently studying for IT certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, or working toward a Bachelor’s in IT or Cybersecurity...If you're applying for entry-level tech jobs like IT Support, Help Desk, or Desktop Support Technician...Or if you're feeling discouraged about how long it's taking to land that first role...This video is for you.I'm incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to create videos that help others experiencing this same process. Your journey might not be quick or easy, but it is possible, and you are not alone.Subscribe for more grounded IT career advice and real-world stories from the field.Please don't give up, and keep at it! Before you know it, you'll learn, grow, and become a true Information Technology (IT) pro. Until then, please consider using my affiliate links for additional learning :).CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: https://amzn.to/4kO5YAJUdemy: https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=avkYeU1u33I&offerid=1708380.5572&type=3&subid=0Udacity: https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=avkYeU1u33I&offerid=1730781.3&type=3&subid=0Thank you so much for watching!

    8 min

  7. JUL 29

    Do You Need To Know Programming for Entry-Level IT

    Do entry-level IT jobs require programming? Not really. Here's what you actually need to know.A lot of people think you have to be a programmer to work in IT, but that’s just not true. Most entry-level roles, like Help Desk or Desktop Support, don’t expect you to write code. What will set you apart, though, is learning a few simple command-line skills and knowing how to automate tasks with batch files or PowerShell scripts.In this video, I’ll break down:The difference between IT support roles vs software engineeringWhy learning a few Windows commands is more useful than learning Python (at first)How to use Task Scheduler and simple scripts to automate repetitive tasksHow tools like ChatGPT and Copilot can help you write scripts, and why you still need the basics to debug themIf you're just getting started in Information Technology or making a career switch, this video will help you understand what matters the most right now. Scripting isn’t as scary as it sounds, and learning just a little can give you a real edge in your first job.This is practical, real-world stuff. No computer science degree required.If this helped, check out my other videos for beginners looking to break into IT.Got questions? Drop them in the comments. I reply to as many as I can.#ITCareer #HelpDesk #NoCoding #Powershell #EntryLevelIT #CareerChangePlease don't give up, and keep at it! Before you know it, you'll learn, grow, and become a true Information Technology (IT) pro. Until then, please consider using my affiliate links for additional learning :).CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: https://amzn.to/4kO5YAJUdemy: https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=avkYeU1u33I&offerid=1708380.5572&type=3&subid=0Udacity: https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=avkYeU1u33I&offerid=1730781.3&type=3&subid=0Thank you so much for watching!

    8 min

  8. JUL 26

    Don't Be a Know-It-All In Your Information Technology Career

    In this video, I discuss one of the biggest mindset traps in the IT industry. The misconception that you need to know everything. Whether you're just starting out or already working in tech, the pressure to have all the answers can be overwhelming. The truth is, no one knows it all. Why try to act like you do? That’s where real problems start.I’ll share why humility is one of the most underrated skills in IT, how it’s helped me throughout my career, and why being honest about what you don’t know can actually build more trust than pretending you’ve got it all figured out.If you’re breaking into tech or trying to grow in your IT role, this one’s for you.What's Covered:Why this topic mattersThe myth of the know-it-allWhat actually gets you hiredHumility vs arrogance in the workplaceReal stories from my IT journeyWhat to say when you don’t know somethingPlease don't give up, and keep at it! Before you know it, you'll learn, grow, and become a true Information Technology (IT) pro. Until then, please consider using my affiliate links for additional learning :).CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: https://amzn.to/4kO5YAJUdemy: https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=avkYeU1u33I&offerid=1708380.5572&type=3&subid=0Udacity: https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=avkYeU1u33I&offerid=1730781.3&type=3&subid=0Thank you so much for watching!

    6 min
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Breaking into IT? Get honest advice for starting your tech career in small bite-sized portions. IT Career Talk with Matt Fowler provides you with the tools and mentality to get started and succeed in the Information Technology field. If you're switching careers or just getting started, this podcast offers practical advice, mindset tips, and real-world strategies to help you land your first IT job. From entry-level roles to long-term growth, we focus on what works based on experience. Follow for helpful advice on IT career paths, certifications, job hunting, and getting into the field.

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