Network Engineering & Cybersecurity Careers – Cyber Job Hacks

So what is a design engineer? Isn’t knowing the technology enough? In this episode I explain what it takes to become a good design engineer and the approach we follow. If you are looking to move up to the next level, you want to listen to this episode. Download the Three Pillars of Network Engineering: A Framework to Move Your Career to the Next Level at colburncareer.com Schedule a free career strategy call at https://calendly.com/jeff-colburncareer/30min Contact me at cyberjobhacks@colburncareer.com About the Host Dr. Jeff Colburn is a network architect with 30+ years of experience and over a decade of mentoring network engineers. He helps engineers advance into senior and architect-level roles by focusing on three key areas: deep technical knowledge, design best practices, and technology selection rationale. His approach combines real-world experience with formal training in leadership and coaching, including a Master’s in Human Services Counseling (Executive Leadership) and certification as a Maxwell Leadership Team Coach. Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Colburn Career Strategies LLC

To become a solid network engineer or what I refer to as a next-level engineer, you need to have expert knowledge in the Three Pillars of Network Engineering - Deep Technical Knowledge, Design Best Practices, and Technology Selection Rationale.  In this episode, we explore what it means to have deep technical knowledge and how to develop it. This is the heart of a next-level engineer and the foundation from which everything else is built. If you are looking to become a great engineer, you want to listen to this episode. Download the Three Pillars of Network Engineering: A Framework to Move Your Career to the Next Level at colburncareer.com Schedule a free career strategy call at https://calendly.com/jeff-colburncareer/30min Dr. Jeff Colburn is a Senior Network Architect with 30-years of industry experience. He is a 20+ year CCIE who has spent the decade preparing his students to enter and grow in the IT industry. Contact me at cyberjobhacks@colburncareer.com Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Colburn Career Strategies LLC

I have been working as a network engineer/architect for over 30-years. More and more I am encountering network engineers that are lacking the three critical things that prevent them from becoming a top-level engineer. Three things that enabled me and others to grow to the top of the industry. - Deep Technology Knowledge - Best Design Practices - Reasons to Implement the Technology In this episode, I discuss the three things and how they are important to level up as an engineer. I share how the industry has changed and what is required today to develop these three things. In the coming episodes, we will discuss elements of these three things. Download the Three Pillars of Network Engineering: A Framework to Move Your Career to the Next Level at colburncareer.com Schedule a free career strategy call at https://calendly.com/jeff-colburncareer/30min Dr. Jeff Colburn is a Senior Network Architect with 30-years of industry experience. He is a 20+ year CCIE who has spent the decade preparing his students to enter and grow in the IT industry. Contact me at cyberjobhacks@colburncareer.com Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Colburn Career Strategies LLC

Are you getting the interviews but not the job? Are you tired of the rejections? Are you becoming frustrated and ready to quit? Don't do it. If you are determined to launch a career in the IT industry, you have to be persistent and smart about your approach. In this episode, I share how to continue to become the strongest entry-level candidate and how to use your past interviews to prepare for the next. Dr. Jeff Colburn is a Senior Network Architect with 30-years of industry experience. He is a 20-year CCIE who has spent the decade preparing his students to enter the IT industry with no previous experience. 

Preparing for a certification exam? Not sure if you are ready? Don't want to waste the exam fee on a failed attempt?  In this episode, I share a couple of ways to measure your preparedness to pass the certification exam. It is the method that I have my students use with great success. If you want to go into the exam confident, listen to this episode. Are you interested in becoming one of Dr. Jeff's students? There is 1 slot available for the new virtual course. Receive live one-on-one instruction from Dr. Jeff, a 20-year CCIE and industry expert.  For more information, email courses@teamcaveo.com or schedule a session with Dr. Jeff to discuss your career objectives (see link below).  Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Team Caveo Want to discuss if a cyber career is right for you? Want to know how best to get started? Schedule a one-on-one cyber career coaching session with Dr. Jeff Colburn at: https://coaching.cyberjobhacks.com Join our private Facebook group to receive access to free resources, industry news, invitations to member-only events, and exclusive offers. https://cyberjobhacks.com Or join our mailing list at https://teamcaveo.com/join

Are you looking to start a career as a network engineer? Want to ensure that you are the strongest entry-level candidate? With companies now using skill-based hiring, certifications will not do it alone. In this episode, I explain how to build the skills required to ace the technical interview and land the job. If you want to stand above the other candidates, you will want to listen to this episode. Are you interested in becoming one of Dr. Jeff's students? There is 1 slot available for the new virtual course. Receive live one-on-one instruction from Dr. Jeff, a 20-year CCIE and industry expert.  For more information, email courses@teamcaveo.com or schedule a session with Dr. Jeff to discuss your career objectives (see link below).  Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Team Caveo Want to discuss if a cyber career is right for you? Want to know how best to get started? Schedule a one-on-one cyber career coaching session with Dr. Jeff Colburn at: https://coaching.cyberjobhacks.com Join our private Facebook group to receive access to free resources, industry news, invitations to member-only events, and exclusive offers. https://cyberjobhacks.com Or join our mailing list at https://teamcaveo.com/join

Are you interested in preparing for an IT certification exam? Are you not sure what to study? In this episode I share how I use the exam blueprint to develop a study plan. You will learn how to identify the exam topic, the study resources, and how to block time to properly prepare. This will get you organized and help structure your exam preparation. It is something that I and many of my students have used to successfully pass a certification exam. Are you interested in becoming one of Dr. Jeff's students? There are 3 slots available for the new virtual course. Receive live one-on-one instruction from Dr. Jeff, a 20-year CCIE and industry expert.  For more information, email courses@teamcaveo.com or schedule a session with Dr. Jeff to discuss your career objectives (see link below).  Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Team Caveo Want to discuss if a cyber career is right for you? Want to know how best to get started? Schedule a one-on-one cyber career coaching session with Dr. Jeff Colburn at: https://coaching.cyberjobhacks.com Join our private Facebook group to receive access to free resources, industry news, invitations to member-only events, and exclusive offers. https://cyberjobhacks.com Or join our mailing list at https://teamcaveo.com/join

Are you wanting to launch an IT career in 2025? Are you not sure where to start? In this episode I provide my personal career roadmap if I was starting to pursue a career as a network engineer or a network engineer today. Based upon my 30 years of experience in the industry, I share a 3-track study program that will provide the foundational knowledge in networking, cyber security, and automation that will make you the strongest entry-level candidate and prep you for a career in this industry. Are you interested in becoming one of Dr. Jeff's students? There are 3 slots available for the new virtual course. Receive live one-on-one instruction from Dr. Jeff, a 20-year CCIE and industry expert.  For more information, email courses@teamcaveo.com or schedule a session with Dr. Jeff to discuss your career objectives (see link below).  Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Team Caveo Want to discuss if a cyber career is right for you? Want to know how best to get started? Schedule a one-on-one cyber career coaching session with Dr. Jeff Colburn at: https://coaching.cyberjobhacks.com Join our private Facebook group to receive access to free resources, industry news, invitations to member-only events, and exclusive offers. https://cyberjobhacks.com Or join our mailing list at https://teamcaveo.com/join

Are you wanting to launch an IT career in 2025? Are you not sure where to start? Is the news of layoffs from the large companies scaring you off?  IT careers are still in demand. However, like any career field, you have to possess the skills employers are seeking. In this episode I share some top IT career trends for 2025. Are you interested in becoming one of Dr. Jeff's students? There are 3 slots available for the new virtual course. Receive live one-on-one instruction from Dr. Jeff, a 20-year CCIE and industry expert.  For more information, email courses@teamcaveo.com or schedule a session with Dr. Jeff to discuss your career objectives (see link below).  Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Team Caveo Want to discuss if a cyber career is right for you? Want to know how best to get started? Schedule a one-on-one cyber career coaching session with Dr. Jeff Colburn at: https://coaching.cyberjobhacks.com Join our private Facebook group to receive access to free resources, industry news, invitations to member-only events, and exclusive offers. https://cyberjobhacks.com Or join our mailing list at https://teamcaveo.com/join

What is a Cloud First Strategy? How does it impact how we design and secure networks? In this episode, Dr. Jeff shares what it means to have a cloud first strategy and the disruptive change it has had on how networks are designed and secured. The old design models are out and a new approach must be adopted if you want to be a successful engineer in this industry. Are you interested in becoming one of Dr. Jeff's students? There are 3 slots available for the new virtual course. Receive live one-on-one instruction from Dr. Jeff, a 20-year CCIE and industry expert.  For more information, email courses@teamcaveo.com or schedule a session with Dr. Jeff to discuss your career objectives (see link below).  Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Team Caveo Want to discuss if a cyber career is right for you? Want to know how best to get started? Schedule a one-on-one cyber career coaching session with Dr. Jeff Colburn at: https://coaching.cyberjobhacks.com Join our private Facebook group to receive access to free resources, industry news, invitations to member-only events, and exclusive offers. https://cyberjobhacks.com Or join our mailing list at https://teamcaveo.com/join

Zero Trust. What is it? Why do you need to know it? Zero Trust is the new network security framework. The days of perimeter security are over. Knowing how to implement Zero trust is qucikly becoming an essential skill for every cyber professional. In this episode, Dr. Jeff explains the Zero Trust Network Architecture and how you can begin learning it. Are you interested in becoming one of Dr. Jeff's students? There are 3 slots available for the new virtual course. Receive live one-on-one instruction from Dr. Jeff, a 20-year CCIE and industry expert.  For more information, email courses@teamcaveo.com or schedule a session with Dr. Jeff to discuss your career objectives (see link below).  Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Team Caveo Want to discuss if a cyber career is right for you? Want to know how best to get started? Schedule a one-on-one cyber career coaching session with Dr. Jeff Colburn at: https://coaching.cyberjobhacks.com Join our private Facebook group to receive access to free resources, industry news, invitations to member-only events, and exclusive offers. https://cyberjobhacks.com Or join our mailing list at https://teamcaveo.com/join

The days of command line are behind us. Learning how to automate is an essential skill for anyone working in the cyber industry. Whether you are just starting out or mid career, you need to develop an automation mindset. The two foundational skills are Linux and Python. In this episode, Dr. Jeff discusses the reason for automation and why you need to learn Linux and Python. He will explain how easy it is to setup a home learning environment and availability of free training resources.   Are you interested in becoming one of Dr. Jeff's students? There are 3 slots available for the new virtual course. Receive live one-on-one instruction from Dr. Jeff, a 20-year CCIE and industry expert.  For more information, email info@teamcaveo.com or schedule a session with Dr. Jeff to discuss your career objectives (see link below).  Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Team Caveo Want to discuss if a cyber career is right for you? Want to know how best to get started? Schedule a one-on-one cyber career coaching session with Dr. Jeff Colburn at: https://coaching.cyberjobhacks.com Join our private Facebook group to receive access to free resources, industry news, invitations to member-only events, and exclusive offers. https://cyberjobhacks.com Or join our mailing list at https://teamcaveo.com/join

If you want to become a stronger engineer, you need a lab. A lab is where you put all you learned to the test. It deepens your understanding of the technology. And to be honest, it is the fun part. Implementing technology is the reason we get into this industry.  In this episode, Dr. Jeff explains what a lab is and why it is critical to your cyber career.  Are you interested in becoming one of Dr. Jeff's students? There are 3 slots available for the new virtual course. Receive live one-on-one instruction from Dr. Jeff, a 20-year CCIE and industry expert.  For more information, email info@teamcaveo.com or schedule a session with Dr. Jeff to disscusss your career objectives (see link below).  Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Team Caveo Want to discuss if a cyber career is right for you? Want to know how best to get started? Schedule a one-on-one cyber career coaching session with Dr. Jeff Colburn at: https://coaching.cyberjobhacks.com Join our private Facebook group to receive access to free resources, industry news, invitations to member-only events, and exclusive offers. https://cyberjobhacks.com Or join our mailing list at https://teamcaveo.com/join

Reading books and watching videos is not enough to grow your cyber career. You need access to a lab where you can practice what you learned. In this episode, Jeff shares how he built a home lab using a mini-PC and free software. If you are looking to build a lab and don’t want to spend a lot of money, you will want to listen to this episode.   Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Team Caveo Want to discuss if a cyber career is right for you? Want to know how best to get started? Schedule a one-on-one cyber career coaching session with Dr. Jeff Colburn at: https://coaching.cyberjobhacks.com Join our private Facebook group to receive access to free resources, industry news, invitations to member-only events, and exclusive offers. https://cyberjobhacks.com Or join our mailing list at https://teamcaveo.com/join

If you want to successfully navigate a career in the cyber industry, you need a good guide. In this episode, Dr. Jeff talks about the importance of having a mentor and how they can help you build the cyber career you desire: How to find a mentor Benefits of a mentor Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Team Caveo Want to discuss if a cyber career is right for you? Want to know how best to get started? Schedule a one-on-one cyber career coaching session with Dr. Jeff Colburn at: https://coaching.cyberjobhacks.com Join our private Facebook group to receive access to free resources, industry news, invitations to member-only events, and exclusive offers. https://cyberjobhacks.com Or join our mailing list at https://teamcaveo.com/join

Want to become a good engineer? Even a great engineer? Dr. Jeff share how you can quickly develop expertise in your cyber profession. Following his Get Good Fast methodology, this can be done in months rather than years. How he got good fast Examples of how his students got good fast How you can get good fast Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Team Caveo Want to discuss if a cyber career is right for you? Want to know how best to get started? Schedule a one-on-one cyber career coaching session with Dr. Jeff Colburn at: https://coaching.cyberjobhacks.com Join our private Facebook group to receive access to free resources, industry news, invitations to member-only events, and exclusive offers. https://cyberjobhacks.com Or join our mailing list at https://teamcaveo.com/join

We have been talking about migrating to IPv6 for years. However, with the rapid growth of mobile devices and cloud adoption, this can no longer be put off. Many network engineers and security practitioners have not focused their attention on developing the skills to properly implement and secure IPv6 creating a shortage of expertise. In this episode Dr. Jeff discusses: Why IPv6 migration is happening now Who has already implemented IPv6 Why we need to move from IPv4 to IPv6 The demand for IPv6 skill set IPv6 security risks What skills network engineers and security practitioners will need to learn Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Team Caveo Want to discuss if a cyber security career is right for you? Want to know how best to get started? Schedule a one-on-one cyber career coaching session with Dr. Jeff Colburn at: https://coaching.cyberjobhacks.com Join our private Facebook group to receive access to free resources, industry news, invitations to member-only events, and exclusive offers. https://cyberjobhacks.com Or join our mailing list at https://teamcaveo.com/join

You may have heard the terms DevOps, GitHub, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and CI/CD Pipeline.  In this episode Dr. Jeff Colburn discusses Security Development Operations (SecDevOps). What is Infrastructure as Code and it Benefits How organizations are automating their network and security The increasing demand of automation skill sets Routine security tasks that are being automated What are the basic automation skills to start Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Team Caveo Want to discuss if a cyber security career is right for you? Want to know how best to get started? Schedule a one-on-one cyber career coaching session with Dr. Jeff Colburn at: https://coaching.cyberjobhacks.com Join our private Facebook group to receive access to free resources, industry news, invitations to member-only events, and exclusive offers. https://cyberjobhacks.com Or join our mailing list at https://teamcaveo.com/join  

In this episode Dr. Jeff discusses the increasing demand for network engineers to learn security.  What network security knowledge is required Impact of Zero Trust on network design How to develop the knowledge and skills required for a network engineer Will network engineer and network security engineer become one and the same Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Team Caveo Want to discuss if a cyber security career is right for you? Want to know how best to get started? Schedule a one-on-one cyber career coaching session with Dr. Jeff Colburn at: https://coaching.cyberjobhacks.com Join our private Facebook group to receive access to free resources, industry news, invitations to member-only events, and exclusive offers. https://cyberjobhacks.com Or join our mailing list at https://teamcaveo.com/join

Senior Network Engineer & Architect Marc Colburn joins this episode to discuss what skills are required to become a great network engineer. He shares: Core skills every network engineer must have Specialized skills based upon industry and role How to learn and develop these skills Integration of security with network engineering Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Team Caveo Want to discuss if a cyber security career is right for you? Want to know how best to get started? Schedule a one-on-one cyber career coaching session with Dr. Jeff Colburn at: https://coaching.cyberjobhacks.com Join our private Facebook group to receive access to free resources, industry news, invitations to member-only events, and exclusive offers. https://cyberjobhacks.com Or join our mailing list at https://teamcaveo.com/join