The episode was recorded February 8th, 2024. Ever wondered how a network engineer's career trajectory weaves through the fabric of IT? Buckle up and join us as we unpack the personal stories of transformation and growth in the network engineering landscape. With AJ starting his new position as a Demo Architect at Zscaler and Andy stretching his wings as a Technical Marketing Engineer, we're diving headfirst into how networking smarts blend with new roles in security and tech marketing. Guest star Kevin, balancing public sector network engineering with TikTok fame, gives us a glimpse of how one navigates the complexities of modern IT careers, while Tim sheds light on the training that's powering his journey as a  newly minted Sales Engineer at Cisco. We learn what sparked Kevin's journey into becoming a TikTok creator and what motivates to continue spreading the word on Network Engineering. Are certifications the golden tickets they once were? Let's find out together as we share tales from the trenches—like configuring firewalls sans experience and the intense camaraderie of NOC shifts during holidays. Hear how Kevin's pivot from web design to networking ignited his passion, leading to a CCNA and beyond. We also spar over the continuing relevance of certifications like the CCNP, while coming together in agreement on their potential to open doors, especially in partner-driven professional environments. Finally, as the tech landscape shifts beneath our feet, we explore the future of our field. Will the march of automation and AI spell the end of traditional networking, or is it just another layer to master? We debate the tangibility of physical labs against the allure of virtual environments and muse over how content creation and personal brand cultivation can create unexpected career opportunities. And, despite the tech-heavy discussion, we never underestimate the power of soft skills—because, at the end of the day, it's all about making connections (pun intended). More from Kevin: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adjacentnode LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinnanns Blog: https://adjacentnode.com/ Find everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng