A Realization to Improve

Recently, I participated in a hands-on evaluation for a network support technician role I applied for, where I didn’t successfully complete the given task. The role would allow me to transition from user support to networking, and I entered the evaluation confident, backed by certificates and courses that reinforced my networking knowledge.

As I worked through the evaluation, I was able to troubleshoot and resolve most of the issues, except one: reconstructing an Ethernet cable. The proctor provided the necessary tools, but although I had read about assembling cables before, I had never actually done it. With time running out, I resorted to WikiHow instructions for crimping the cable—while being monitored—and ultimately failed to finish on time.

While some might see this as failure, I view it as a crucial learning experience. It gave me hands-on practice with Ethernet tools in a real-world scenario. Now, I know what to focus on to better prepare for future networking roles. Though evaluations and interviews can be stressful, they challenge us in ways that reveal our growth and potential. They remind us to stay humble, open-minded, and always willing to learn, no matter how much experience or certification we have. 

P.S. Please subscribe to my newsletter to follow my journey, or reach ou!. I would love to share my tips and tricks on how I made a career shift into the realm of IT.