Deborah Lampitt-McConachie interviews Alumni Adam Marton Beke, as they discus Life at CAT, Network Administrative Security, and what he’s up too now in his field of work.
When did you graduate from CAT’s Network Administrative Security program?
I started NAS January 2nd, 2018, and I graduated NAS 12 months later in December 2018.
What was your first job out of college?
I landed my first job shortly after in February 2019.
Where are you working now?
I currently work as Desktop/ Mobility Support for Conoco Phillips which is the largest corporate oil & gas industry in North America.
Tell us a little about what a typical day looks like for you in your present position?
For the first 4 months my typical day involved troubleshooting day-to-day user problems involving laptops, desktops, mobile phones, office phones. Recently I’ve became more adept in corporate IT culture, so I’ve been granted the privilege of troubleshooting Routers, Switches and other network devices under the supervision of our network consultant.
What is the best thing, and the hardest thing about your present position?
The best part is the lifestyle that comes along with my career. I work standard corporate hours so I’m off every evening, weekend and holiday. IT pays very generously and has an infinite amount of growth opportunity within just about any country, company or field. The hardest part is deciding what path you want to specialize in and dedicating study time to it. Once you get hired, you can make 40k-60k a year straight out of CAT. But if you want to make 6 figures, you must put in work and get certified. CAT + Certification+ Self-motivation = 6 figure yearly salary. If you want to become a Network Engineer and work with Cisco devices– study and take your CCNA while you go to CAT. If you want to become a Systems Engineer and work with Microsoft windows – Study and take your MCSA while you go to CAT. There are many others you can take but BEWARE! Do not waste your time with CompTIA certifications. The material for CompTIA is good to learn, but if you’re going to study for an exam, make sure it’s a Cisco, Microsoft or VMware exam.
What made you chose the CAT Network Administrative Security program?
CATs Tech teachers are industry professionals who work in IT in the real world. These teachers will walk you through hands-on labs and concepts from many different aspects of IT. Fundamentals include Hardware, Linux, Coding, Automation, Microsoft, Network designs, Security, Hacking and so much more.
What things did you learn at CAT that have been helpful to you – either getting into industry, or working in the industry now?
Not everything is technical. Yes, IT is a technical industry, but if you only focus on technical information, you won’t get very far. CAT makes sure to teach you social skills, healthy mindset habits and helps you find out more about who you are as a person. These are all very important skills to have in IT.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time here at CAT?
Every class releases lecture notes at least a day prior to the actual lecture. So myself along with some other students would show up to campus hours before class to study what we were going to learn; once the teacher showed up, it was all review for us! Made every class 10x easier. The best part was after class. We would create a LAN environment to play video games together. Work hard, play hard.
What advice would you have for our current NAS/ NSS students?
Why do you want to take this course? Why do you want to be a part of an industry full of opportunity and money? Why do you want to make a good living for yourself working a career you love? How would your family life look if you were making $6,000-$12,000 a month after tax? What opportunities could you provide for the ones you love if you made all this happen? And last question… why is this all so important to you? Once you answer all these questions, then you will know what you have to do to make it happen. And what I am about to tell you is Pure GOLD : Do NOT listen to those people, who do not have the life that you want. There will be many people who work in IT who are not making 6 figures, who will tell you bad advice. Do not listen to them, because they are broke and that is what they know.
When you have questions, make sure you reach out to those people who have the results that you are looking for. Feel free to reach out to me for any further advice. My email is adammartonbeke@ gmail.com .
Thank you CAT for saving my life…
Adam Marton Beke