Success Blueprints: Career Advice from Industry’s Best Minds

The Route to Networking Podcast

Listen Now

The Route to Networking podcast

Every year, we visit universities and engage with the next generation of engineers, sharing insights on how to build a career in the networking space. Through these interactions, we've discovered that many students are unaware of the pathways and opportunities available to them in this exciting field.

This realisation inspired us to launch our podcast, specifically designed for students eager to explore careers in space engineering. 

The Route to Networking podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the most successful minds in the space industry got to where they are today, covering their education, career progression, and the invaluable lessons they've learned along the way. Listen to their golden nuggets of advice and discover what they wish they had known when starting out in the industry. The podcast also explores the hottest technologies, emerging trends, and expert predictions on what the future holds for the tech space.


Head to Podcasts

The Education Journeys of Top Industry Leaders…

David Ramsden Network Architect at Formula 1

"With a clear sense of direction, he decided to further his education and pursue a BTEC National Diploma in Computing at college. Upon graduating from college, he decided to go to university, enrolling in a program focused on computer networking and management design. What's more, the company where he had been working since his school days offered him a sponsorship throughout his university years, providing both financial support and hands-on experience. Consequently, he remained with the company for six years after earning his degree. He advocates for the benefits of a "sandwich year" at university, where students can gain real-world experience, enhancing their qualifications and understanding of the industry they aim to enter." View Episode Here

Andy Lapteff Product Manager at Juniper Networks

"Andy’s entry into the tech industry was far from conventional. With a desire to join the world of technology, he initially attempted to pursue a computer science path. However, his initial efforts in this direction hit roadblocks, leading him to question his path into the tech field. In his words, he thought, “I guess I’m not smart enough to go into tech.” Andy ended up taking the sales and marketing route, where he gained his interpersonal and communication skills. A time came for him during this period when he realised it was time for a career change. Still having a strong passion for tech, he contemplated how to merge his skills with his desire to work in the tech industry. Armed with a communications degree, he explored roles that were closely related to communication within the technical space. Andy took on a cabling role. While in this role, he pursued and obtained his CCNA certification, a stepping stone that paved the way for his career in tech. With the CCNA under his belt, he transitioned to working in a NOC for two years. Building on this knowledge, he then moved on to a 7-year journey with a global data centre WAN provider. Andy then pivoted again and became a Product Manager at Juniper Networks." View Episode Here

Kaon Thana Network Engineer at The New York Times

" Kaon’s journey in the networking space began during his undergraduate degree where he studied computer science in New York City. Whilst studying he landed his first tech role at a local ISP, laying the groundwork for a career in networking. In between classes, he would venture out to troubleshoot networks for residents, hotels, and businesses, relishing the constant feedback loop that came with resolving network issues. For him, the process of identifying, fixing and solving an issue created positive reinforcement in his eagerness to learn, pushing his curiosity further." View Episode Here

Success Secrets: Advice from the Best

Rob Mershon Director of Security Operations and Engineering at Confidential

"Rob advises aspiring cybersecurity professionals to seize any experience opportunity, even if it starts with a helpdesk role. While certifications are valuable, practical skills and a willingness to learn are paramount. Starting with a specific area of focus can be beneficial. Mentorship can be invaluable, so building relationships with experienced professionals is key. Lastly, the future of remote work is uncertain, but both in-person and remote environments offer benefits and drawbacks, especially for new professionals who might benefit from in-office mentorship. He also points out the importance of building good habits. Changing your environment can be helpful, and breaking down studying into manageable chunks is key to avoiding burnout. Consistent effort leads to ingrained learning habits. " View Episode Here

Bogdan Nastase Director of Network Engineering at Fiserv

"For anyone looking to get into automation now, he recommends getting started as early as possible. He shares how when he was younger, he would spend many extra hours learning various technologies and maximising his 24 hours as much as he could. He stresses that finding a company that will support and invest in your learning is fundamental however as an individual you must be proactive and utilise your free time to succeed in this industry." View Episode Here

© empowering-future-network-engineers 2024
Site by Venn