Homeless security guard to CCIE: You can't train ambition: Katherine McNamara shares her story

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  • Опубліковано 24 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 559

  • @davidbombal
    @davidbombal  5 років тому +73

    Katherine's details:
    Blog: www.network-node.com/
    Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/katherinermcnamara
    Twitter: twitter.com/kmcnam1
    Routergods: www.meetup.com/routergods/
    Katherine's story:
    10 years ago:
    - I was barely starting out in IT with no college degree or certifications making $12.50/hr
    -Worked as a security guard at night to barely scrape together money for study materials and certs. I only had 4 hours between the two jobs to sleep.
    - Couldn't afford regular meals so I was eating out of a snack machine most of the time.
    - My stress levels were through the roof since my car was always breaking down, didn't have any savings or really a place to live to call my own.
    - I was probably in a constant state of working through any illnesses I caught because I couldn't afford to take a day off. Friends who saw me during this time said I was wrecked and I certainly felt like it.
    Now in 2018:
    - Finished college and grad school
    - Definitely have some certifications out of the way
    - In a job that I love
    - I don't have 2 full time jobs with only 3-4 hours inb
    - I've achieved a lot of great professional goals and I have a lot more on the horizon that I'm working on
    - I eat much healthier now
    - I work out
    - My personal life is much better.
    Here's to another 10 years of progress and health!
    See here: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6490492376430313472

    • @mohsinala7183
      @mohsinala7183 5 років тому

      youtube channel is also great lots of new videos just uploded in last few weeks

    • @stephenhunter70
      @stephenhunter70 5 років тому

      I when from Security guard to as far as the CCNP exam. At which point i found out that apparently Seccies can not possibly learn enough to legitimately get their CCNA. At this time i do not earn enough to renew my CCNA!

    • @MuhammadKhan-yl7mt
      @MuhammadKhan-yl7mt 4 роки тому +4

      And that's what the title echo's, "You can't train ambition"..
      Amazingly good.

    • @ardentdfender4116
      @ardentdfender4116 4 роки тому +1

      Thanks for the links for Katherine. Helpful!

    • @JEHOVASAVES010
      @JEHOVASAVES010 4 роки тому +1

      Can you go from A+ to CCNA? or is it better if you do Network + before CCNA? Thanks.

  • @gorbi7777
    @gorbi7777 4 роки тому +429

    I have similar story...4 years ago I was Security guard making barely 10eur/h. Started studying hard, got my CCNA RS and CCNA Security in 3 months from scratch. Then got my first IT job in DataCentre. Continued studying for CCNP and after six month later passed all three exams. Then started looking for Network Engineer position, and found in less than 2 months. Now it's my 3rd year when I'm working as a Network Engineer for mobile operator, and have passed CCDA and CCDP last year. Also got extensive experience working with multivendor environment, like Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, HP, DELL, and much more. Almost making six figures :) Hard Work always Pay off..keep studying and everything is possible, sooner than you can imagine.

    • @007finness
      @007finness 4 роки тому +15

      You and Katherine are inspiring

    • @semovian
      @semovian 4 роки тому +4

      wow appreciate you sharing that information, people need to know that when you apply effort in the right direction you WILL be rewarded

    • @thaimai9971
      @thaimai9971 4 роки тому +14

      Are you single?

    • @HernanHH95
      @HernanHH95 4 роки тому +2

      John Doe 😂 😂 😂

    • @asmitpandey7047
      @asmitpandey7047 4 роки тому +3

      Have Professional level experience in R&S and switching with cisco juniper and also associate security experience but salary is $500 monthly. Poor country of mine :(

  • @spooworks
    @spooworks 5 років тому +113

    1) You can't train ambition.
    2) Make yourself stronger than your excuses.
    2 of the best quotes i've gotten from David's vids so far and im sure more to come. Thank God for these people inspiring other people.

  • @mohardy4456
    @mohardy4456 5 років тому +109

    I went through the same situation worked as a security guards during night 12 hour shift but gave me the chance to study for CCNA now im a 1st line network support
    Ccna changed my life

    • @UnknownSend3r
      @UnknownSend3r 5 років тому

      Damn bro. You should have stayed at the security job for a few months and got your CCNP, if it allowed you to study while working.

    • @gerryvalenzuela9158
      @gerryvalenzuela9158 5 років тому +1

      how old are you bro?

    • @UnknownSend3r
      @UnknownSend3r 5 років тому +1

      @@gerryvalenzuela9158 who me or OP ?

    • @MrM0nKey79
      @MrM0nKey79 4 роки тому +4

      @@UnknownSend3r You need the practical experience to really pass CCNP. I come across people with CCNP certs all the time that are unable to do the most basic troubleshooting.

    • @Nick-zi4sd
      @Nick-zi4sd 4 роки тому +1

      Hey man, I too am a security guard studying for the CCNA on 12 hour night shifts. Trying to get a 1st line job but it's so tough without prior exp.

  • @NetworkBruh
    @NetworkBruh 5 років тому +26

    I Love this woman and her story. I follow her on Twitter and didn't realize this was her journey. I remember working 80-90 hours working 2 help desk jobs. She really motivates me to become a CCIE one day.

    • @KatieMac
      @KatieMac 5 років тому

      We all start somewhere... I doubt the majority of people had everything handed to them.

    • @shawnmendrek3544
      @shawnmendrek3544 Рік тому

      woa. Why 2?

  • @KevinMinihane
    @KevinMinihane 4 роки тому +8

    I was lucky enough to attend a training course a number of years ago with Katherine McNamara..(she was taking the same course)......she's an absolute legend in the IT sector and an inspiration to all. She nails it every time, and is one of the most impressive engineers I've met in nearly 30 years

    • @KatieMac
      @KatieMac 4 роки тому +1

      CCIE Data Center, right?

  • @tinanickerson1006
    @tinanickerson1006 4 роки тому +14

    Im homeless now living in the local Salvation Army (long story). I recently was accepted into a program to study and take a+, netwrk+ and security+ . Im excited and scared and grateful its an opportunity that is beyond belief to me.

  • @bill_and_amanda
    @bill_and_amanda 2 роки тому +2

    I have the pleasure of knowing Katherine in person and she is truly an inspiration every day

  • @mikewhitney7345
    @mikewhitney7345 5 років тому +49

    She has an inspirational story, that is the first time I’ve heard the homeless to CCIE from her. Great interview David. Katherine’s online training in Security has been helpful for me in my studies.

    • @KatieMac
      @KatieMac 5 років тому +9

      Yeah.... I typically didn't talk about my personal life in detail in previous posts. Little bit of embarassment and I know everyone has a past so I don't want to sound like I'm better than anyone else tbh.

    • @mikewhitney7345
      @mikewhitney7345 5 років тому +1

      Katie Mac , well I am also a WGU student, not sure if I will go down the Masters path as well but it is a good school for working professionals.

    • @KatieMac
      @KatieMac 5 років тому +3

      @@mikewhitney7345 Very nice! MS is definitely not needed in this industry. If I have to be honest, I was a bit bored during my graduate studies. My undergrad was a lot more fun since I love techncial content more

    • @mikewhitney7345
      @mikewhitney7345 5 років тому +1

      @Katie Mac For sure same with me, anything technical, I enjoy the most. The more General Education courses, I frown all the way through it. Thanks for the content you do, I found the CCIE SEC lab videos you put out a few years ago to be some of the best. After I'm complete with my degree I will most likely go down the IE Security track. All the best to you! Thanks again

  • @TheJaygregory
    @TheJaygregory 5 років тому +22

    Katherine is such an awesome person really glad to see her tell her story. I've seen her work habits through Routergods and she is forever hungry.

  • @zakariakhaif903
    @zakariakhaif903 Рік тому +3

    "i have meet people who have one year of experience 20 times"
    that's very deep. thank you for making me realize that at my very beginning as a cybersecurity engineer, much respect 🙏🙏👏👏

  • @abrahamavila7869
    @abrahamavila7869 5 років тому +6

    I watched this video few days before my last interview at Cisco and I took all the Katherine advices. Now I’m part of Cisco and I’m very grateful with this kind of videos and the sensibility of David. THANK YOU!

  • @FinGeek4now
    @FinGeek4now 5 років тому +105

    Good interview since it hits home. Since I've become homeless myself I've gotten my Sec+ cert and am close to getting ICND2 / CCNA. Hoping to get (back) into the IT field.

    • @KatieMac
      @KatieMac 5 років тому +10

      Glad you're jumping back into it. I wrote a blog post on job advice awhile ago. I hope this helps you out: www.network-node.com/blog/2016/5/19/careerjob-advice-and-observations

    • @jonolly8629
      @jonolly8629 4 роки тому +1

      @@KatieMac wow, u are one incredible person Katie.

    • @HendrixDBZ
      @HendrixDBZ 4 роки тому +6

      Why is everyone becoming homeless before studying networking. Is that a prerequisite? 🤔

    • @trendyniro
      @trendyniro 4 роки тому

      Hope you got back dave! I myself got back after a gap. :)

  • @bigslacker666
    @bigslacker666 4 роки тому +4

    It's AWESOME to hear another story like this! I also was underemployed, at one point living on a friend's couch, only working 2 days a week, etc. Worked my way up always learning, got my CCIE nearly 10 years ago, work for a large tech company playing with the latest and greatest, great $$. Even then it's always been new things. The learning never stops. If it does you should be nervous! Congrats to Katherine and for everyone watching you can do it too!

    • @KatieMac
      @KatieMac 4 роки тому +3

      Thank you, sir. We all have our beginnings. Underemployment is something many people struggle with these days :( I'm glad you were able to work your way up and out.

  • @nmf220
    @nmf220 2 роки тому +5

    Ive seen this video at least 10 times since I started working towards my first cert. 3 years ago, I was working loss prevention for target making $13 an hour. Now with just a sec+ and ccna(ccnp on the horizon), I started a job 2 months ago with a 6 figure salary. Im not saying this to brag or inflate my ego, I'm saying this because if a clown like myself can do this, than anyone can do it with enough time and effort put towards labbing and studying. Keep grinding guys. We all deserve success

    • @d.jmamba7237
      @d.jmamba7237 2 роки тому

      Man thanks for the motivation needed it

    • @iTouchin
      @iTouchin 2 роки тому

      Well bloody done man

  • @bmalin
    @bmalin 4 роки тому +21

    "Work with people who are smarter than you."

  • @worstusername22
    @worstusername22 4 роки тому +8

    I've found my community. You're all very supportive... thank you

  • @delin7441
    @delin7441 3 роки тому +2

    Correct me if I am wrong, and I am sorry if I am wrong: but is she the one in Paris Hilton's UA-cam documentary? I think it's her, and if that's true: Katherine McNamara is a survivor of Provo Canyon school, which is a psychiatric youth residential centre in Utah, well known for abusing the students.
    What an inspiration she is, as a human: after such a tough and abusive childhood, as well as a tough adult life to begin with: about which she speaks in this video, she has reached such great heights! I honestly am short of words to speak about the inspiration she is!

  • @fahadawad6868
    @fahadawad6868 2 роки тому +1

    Mashalllah a great inspiration not only for women but also men....

  • @offorh.i.c8374
    @offorh.i.c8374 5 років тому +3

    If i were to settle down with someone, she must have a similar passion and attitude to life like this...amazing individual you are Katherine, your story is a Hollywood type and ma'am you just woke me up from "sleep". I'd be honored to have you as a real friend. Thanks David for this interview and for bringing such awesome people like this on...

    • @ulfbye8394
      @ulfbye8394 4 роки тому

      You are great. Wanna kiss you , ser....fantastic engineer , my respect , i l you too david

  • @christopher1510
    @christopher1510 5 років тому +5

    Simply amazing, you can't teach ambition, that'll forever stick, so true!

  • @mrkasuj
    @mrkasuj 5 років тому +7

    "You can't train ambition" - love that one it's so true. Thank you for the interview.

  • @swordothemorning
    @swordothemorning 5 років тому +5

    Thank you for sharing your story, Katherine. I empathize with you completely. I've been where you were and knew I had to do something about it or risk forever being a "could've been". I'm far too stubborn (Scorpio and Sicilian) to just give up though. So now I'm working towards my CCIE, knowing it will lead to my dream job. When one works a job they love, it never feels like work.
    Ambition indeed cannot be taught. Neither can perseverance and resilience, which are two important qualities when it comes reaching such a lofty goal as the CCIE. Let alone two. Congratulations on your successes and on being the central character in such an inspiring story.

    • @KatieMac
      @KatieMac 5 років тому

      Great job! Good luck on the CCIE!

  • @Eric3Frog
    @Eric3Frog 5 років тому +20

    Concurrent with any IT studies, you should be working on Linux. It will help you in all areas of IT. Try doing most/all your work on a Linux VM, primarily in the terminal (bash shell). That will expand your tech understanding greatly.

    • @Chris-Christopher-
      @Chris-Christopher- 4 роки тому +1

      Linux is only used by hackers who do illegal things. Don't @ me.

    • @Chris-Christopher-
      @Chris-Christopher- 4 роки тому

      @@mortkebab2849, I was kidding.

    • @whatup20eleven
      @whatup20eleven 3 роки тому

      @@Chris-Christopher- plz dont heekk me.. I only got enough money for 1 piece of french fri

    • @whatup20eleven
      @whatup20eleven 3 роки тому

      Tries to download packer tracet in ubuntu.... Lib file missing one leading to another... *cries*

  • @Hahatah
    @Hahatah 5 років тому +3

    The point Katherine made about Job Titles versus Role. Seriously, the truest statement ever made. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I was hired as a Systems Admin, only to do everything from Network Admin to Network Engineer, if there is such a thing as Title and Job Description. The problem I faced, was that I did the Network Engineering stuff as my primary, but my title never changed, therefore, i was passed up on future potential employment, due to that fact. I even had a previous Manager call me (before I was hired) and ask me, if I was a Systems Engineer or a Network Engineer; since my Titles stated one thing, but the experience stated another. While I believe Titles are nothing more than that, a title; too many people give too much credence toward them, thinking that the title dictates your experience. It's very unfortunate that some companies do that.

  • @siphoshangase711
    @siphoshangase711 4 роки тому +4

    I passed my CCNA same day as David, and I'm currently working on CCNP (will take the exams immediatly after the Lockdown has passed) and start persuing CCIE.
    thanks for the mortivation @David-Bombal and @Katherine McNamara.
    This is shear hard work...
    then there's these suckers who thumbs-down other peoples videos, if you don't vibe with someones content...move on instead of feeding negativity into other peoples craft.

  • @RunOs3
    @RunOs3 5 років тому +4

    She's amazing. Much respect.

  • @abcdefg9613
    @abcdefg9613 5 років тому +8

    Thank you David for this, I really really needed this because I resonate with her quite alot. I was among the best in school, then got to uni but life came in the way (my mom got sick and needs someone almost all the time) so I dropped out. After that was basically like her, a slave working shitty jobs and simply put, I was barely able to make ends meet. It was in this dark hour that somehow you find the true you and I decided to do the heavy networking stuff and follow the CISCO Route. I have passed ICND1 in december and i am currently learning for ICND2, and after watching this video at 3 am in the morning while Spanning Tree Protocol is busting my ass I feel even more determined to push forward. Gonna make myself a pint of coffee and I'll see you next as a CCNA.

    • @KatieMac
      @KatieMac 5 років тому

      Good luck! It's absolutely doable!

    • @predata252
      @predata252 5 років тому +2

      I hope I do this well too, I'm only starting to study CCENT as a career change at 35.

  • @losxlakers
    @losxlakers 4 роки тому +9

    She’s amazing! I’m very impressed! My future instructor David and motivation from Katherine.

  • @poppingjaz
    @poppingjaz 5 років тому +6

    I find it impressive that she could study on 4 hours of sleep. After our 2nd child was born with a 2 year old also fatigue became a huge factor and concentration was tough even with discipline

    • @kmcnamara013
      @kmcnamara013 5 років тому +4

      It was not easy... It was a rough time.

  • @virtuousguit10
    @virtuousguit10 5 років тому +7

    thank you so much, David. Katherine's story is absolutely amazing and it is very motivating for all of us.

  • @rastamahn9104
    @rastamahn9104 2 роки тому

    Thanks David! This woman is truly remarkable!

  • @pataleno
    @pataleno 5 років тому +9

    What an inspirational story. I keep telling my 16 year old son he should get into Security and networking but he's not interested. He's very clever as well. I guess you can bring a horse to water but you can't force him to drink. One day he may realize there are great opportunities out there if you put the work in.

    • @vaibhavrajan2506
      @vaibhavrajan2506 5 років тому +3

      Introduce him to some online gaming and once he is hooked tell him how online gaming works with networks perspective or may be darkside of networks like hacking networks and host machined.
      Show him things like a datacenter if you can.

    • @elikelik3574
      @elikelik3574 5 років тому +7

      Parents should be careful with children, we can see good opportunity for them but it doesn't mean they will be happy if the follow this path. Just try to understand,what does he/she like most and try to help them to reach theirs goal, not yours. Not all of us should be IT specialist. Anyway it is my point of view, you can disagree.I wish all the best to all good people :) Peace

    • @pataleno
      @pataleno 5 років тому +1

      @@elikelik3574 No I don't disagree. He knows If he wants to consider IT I will be there to help him.

    • @KatieMac
      @KatieMac 5 років тому +1

      When I was 16, I didn't have much motivation to study for work stuff but I did naturally love computers and dug into stuff I could practically use. i.e. I liked hacking and phreaking a bit more than studying for a career. Maybe reframe it as a challenge or something fun practically that he can use? There's quite a few hacking challenge boxes out there

    • @Yurikon3
      @Yurikon3 5 років тому

      What I have pondered about advices is that they should be considered tools, not absolute commands. Just like any tool does not fit to every situation you still have it at hand if the need arises. Sometimes it might be good to push young one to something they do not necessarily passionately do but at least tried a bit, it is still better than doing nothing. The main goal is to make young have as much freedom as healthy and also use that freedom wisely so they can at least take care of themselves. When base is formed, they can build upon it however they see fit. I think overemphasizing passion or ambition is more like putting cart before the horse. When one gets the basics up, ambition and passion might come with it but trying primarily to seek ambition or passion might just be directing energy to wrong directions.

  • @michaeldurkin8659
    @michaeldurkin8659 3 роки тому

    Wow, I know I am a little late to the party, but that was an excellent interview and story. Some great advice from Kat! As you can tell by my profile picture, I am old. I have been in this field my entire work-life, with a few transitions along the way. I remember making the switch from electrical engineering to IT and taking a course from a very smart and talented network engineer. She told the class that technology changes so fast and the demands for training are never ending. She continued that you can only do about 18 months to 2 years at a time, then you need a break. She became a barista for about 6 months or so every couple of years. I couldn't imagine that at the time and thought it would never apply to me. She was right that the technology changes fast and that you will always be training, but I have never tired of that. It's what makes the job so interesting to me. I can not tolerate the boredom of a stagnant job. A job in IT is anything but stagnant unless YOU choose it. And if you do choose it, you will devalue yourself. You have to constantly be learning. One thing I would add to what Kat said... When I started in IT, you could pretty much be an expert at everything if you wanted to be. The roles and technology silos were not that clearly defined and were closely enough related that you could more or less master every area. That is no longer the case, not even close to being true anymore. There is just too much breadth and depth now-a-days in technology, you can not be an expert at everything. Heck, it's even hard to be an expert on one area, say routing. There is so much to it, datacenter routing, WAN routing, storage routing, cloud routing, voice routing etc. You have to focus on one thing for a while. If you want to switch up after you feel you have conquered that, then find another area to focus on and do the same there.

  • @uzomajoe8354
    @uzomajoe8354 5 років тому +2

    True definition of a SLAY QUEEN!!!

  • @mohsinala7183
    @mohsinala7183 5 років тому +3

    wow katherine ....you are such a motivation for all. I watched all your ISE videos, it helped me alot.

  • @ultraderek
    @ultraderek 5 років тому +14

    This popped up on my UA-cam feed. First time visitor. Thanks for sharing her story.

    • @davidbombal
      @davidbombal  5 років тому +2

      Welcome to the channel Derek!

  • @larbesabdellah7079
    @larbesabdellah7079 Рік тому

    I'm studying computer science I'm good at programming but when it comes to networking i stuck i feel bad about that , but when i see videos like this , stories like this, persons like david in this lady i feel good and i have motivation to perfect myself at networking and become a ccie or professional in cyber security engineer, thank you so much for this content 🌹

  • @farhanprofessor4223
    @farhanprofessor4223 5 років тому +17

    Uh motivated me to try to get my ccie routing and switching hardworking

  • @GyricRaid
    @GyricRaid 4 роки тому +3

    Love this.
    I’ve been working operational security for 4-5 years since I was 18 I was interesting in the sheriffs roles and correctional officer field but life gets in the way personal and sub human conditions were applied. I’m now focussing to the HR manager field and keeping my manpower security experience and credentials and use it alongside with a university management and accomodation/Infrastructure/after hours experience into this field anything security cyber with HR potential government or anything is the dream.

  • @TishTalksTech
    @TishTalksTech 5 років тому +9

    Man....I had to share this to Twitter! Excellent as usual!!!!

  • @robertlemonsjr
    @robertlemonsjr 3 роки тому +1

    WOW. I just found this video and I been following you for about as long as this has been out. Inspiring

  • @kylemahnken222
    @kylemahnken222 3 роки тому +1

    what an incredible story thanks for sharing! Currently on my own IT journey. Just took and passed my net+ yesterday after career swapping from the service industry. One positive of COVID!

  • @gamercatsz5441
    @gamercatsz5441 4 роки тому +17

    I'm struggeling to get CCNA in 8 months, then I see people who do a whole bunch of certifications in 3 months and I can't believe how they do it..

    • @goldiemusic8394
      @goldiemusic8394 4 роки тому +10

      they buy answers.

    • @LoveWillTearUsAppart
      @LoveWillTearUsAppart 4 роки тому +3

      WTH, every body have their particular speed and concentration capabilities. Or learning techniques. Comparisons are nothing good in that way.

    • @RememberTheLord
      @RememberTheLord 4 роки тому +14

      Don’t ever compare yourself to someone else! First, people can EASILY lie, just to make themselves look better... second, they can cheat on the test... and third, everyone learns in different ways. If you’re studying with textbooks, try videos, if you’re doing videos, try books... if you’re preferring videos, it could very easily be also that you aren’t learning from an instructor who vibes with you. Try a different teacher/course/book/etc. You can DO IT! As someone who still hasn’t gotten CCNA either. Don’t be down. Be positive and don’t stop reaching 💗 and if somehow, worst case, possibly you just don’t end up liking networking after a couple more months... try something else.

    • @ianfernandes5437
      @ianfernandes5437 4 роки тому +3

      Dont believe others ... People talk too much

    • @inspiringminds7284
      @inspiringminds7284 3 роки тому +1

      @@ianfernandes5437 I was able to get 7 certs in 1 year by studying daily and only taking a few days off in between certs. So you don't want to believe that is ok, I'm over here kicking ass while you're a non-believer.

  • @baref0ot455
    @baref0ot455 5 років тому +3

    I saw here post on linked in about this a few months ago - it's cool she's sharing her story. It's very hopeful that with hard work - you can go as far as you want.

  • @user.netizen11
    @user.netizen11 5 років тому +6

    Ms.Katherine story somewhat resembles to my life and now you've inspired me even more on my way to ccna as a start in this industry.I am also a cyber security enthusiast.
    Thanks Mr.David.

    • @KatieMac
      @KatieMac 5 років тому +1

      Good luck, my friend

    • @user.netizen11
      @user.netizen11 5 років тому

      @@KatieMac Thank you, madam!

    • @cpluse2
      @cpluse2 5 років тому

      This was a great vid! Ty

  • @dynamo3059
    @dynamo3059 5 років тому +9

    this reminds me of the book the intuitionist for some reason. there was a character who was a security gaurd who spent his time studying a university by mail course. I guess when you keep at it for long enough though you actually get somewhere!!!
    Too easy to give up though when you see how long it will take to get there. Which is what I think most people do.

  • @simobinjeelani
    @simobinjeelani 5 років тому +2

    Seeing this now I'm confident that my approach of always keep learning really does pay off, currently working towards ccnp security.

  • @akhawaja011
    @akhawaja011 5 років тому +3

    Just finished watching this really good vid. TYVM David & Katherine. It was a lot of great advice and really enjoyed Katherine's career in IT. Def. motivational and makes me wanna hit the books again and work towards my CCNA. Currently a HD Analyst.

  • @dannym2595
    @dannym2595 2 роки тому +1

    I needed to hear this. I love people who motivate others!

  • @johnf4659
    @johnf4659 4 роки тому

    This woman is an inspiration.

  • @CalpeperMinutemen
    @CalpeperMinutemen 2 роки тому

    Absolutely the best / most helpful video interview of someone working in the cybersecurity field that I've seen so far.
    As someone who's been working in IT for 20+ years, this was most valuable as I begin to shift my focus toward CySec. Thank You!

  • @5945751
    @5945751 5 років тому +1

    Thanks David; Katherine is great and an inspiration for us all

  • @naingaung7827
    @naingaung7827 5 років тому +2

    Mr.David. you make my life to studying more and more. Thank you very much.

  • @huannm123
    @huannm123 5 років тому +2

    SHE IS BRILLIANT

  • @WilliusMaximus
    @WilliusMaximus 4 роки тому +1

    i remember i listened to this back when i worked at fedex office, then i didn't have any certs. this just popped back up in my feed and now i have my A+, Net+, and Sec+, its a good feeling. i tried to use this year as chance to throw myself into IT after getting furloughed from fedex, oddly enough it was the best thing to happen to me. i was able to use the extra free time get the A+ and Sec+ which allowed me to get a job in a NOC working over night, which enabled me to get my Net+ not too long ago while having my job pay for it. Now i'm working on my CCNA with hopes to learn linux(maybe through the linux+) and python, i know i have so much to learn (AWS, GCIH, CEH, CCNP) i can't wait to get deeper into networking and security. On another note she is completely right about not bloating your resume its good to put skills you hope to learn but make sure you label them, i was just as honest as possible with the company i work for now and told them i had a lot of theory under my belt but no hands on experience they let me in and its been a huge jump in not only learning environment but also with peers who hope to attain similar goals which i think is invaluable. The pay is nice too.

    • @cd.8749
      @cd.8749 3 роки тому

      Awesome, keep going !

    • @d.jmamba7237
      @d.jmamba7237 2 роки тому

      Greatly motivational

  • @faisaliqbal8514
    @faisaliqbal8514 5 років тому +2

    wooah i didn't know that she was homeless. I looked at her linkedin profile 2 weeks ago and was really impressed by skillset and experience she possessed. really happy for you katherine. 👍

    • @KatieMac
      @KatieMac 5 років тому +1

      Thank you. This is actually the first time I talked about my earlier circumstances. I've actually been blown away by the positive responses. I usually feel pretty nervous about talking about personal stuff most of the time.

    • @faisaliqbal8514
      @faisaliqbal8514 5 років тому

      @@KatieMac hearing life experiences like yours really motivate people whom are struggling. thank you

  • @nickdolan8068
    @nickdolan8068 3 роки тому

    Great ethics, passion and drive to learn will also win, it’s also about doing things you love. I fell in love with computers at 15, I am now 56 and even though I have been a tech PMO and manager for 12 years I love the tech and still know more than 98% of people, which shocks me every week! Just found David and chucks stream - they are such fun delivery of content ! Well done guys 👍 security will get more and more important with time and it’s unique , constantly evolving and requirements increasing .

  • @ZeroneSolutions
    @ZeroneSolutions 2 роки тому

    Thanks Dave, for such an inspiring interview with Katherine McNamara. You have lately becoming my IT role model. Thanks for all you do.

  • @zorlac72
    @zorlac72 5 років тому +1

    Very inspirational! An example of how you can achieve anything as long as you work hard and put your mind towards it. Thank you!

  • @CyberSec_Pub
    @CyberSec_Pub 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks David for this interview with Katherine. Her words have affected me positively.

  • @jjbb7010
    @jjbb7010 4 роки тому +3

    Humbling story nice work Ms. Kath!

  • @dangrissom7791
    @dangrissom7791 5 років тому +2

    what an inspiring lady.

  • @paulc1905
    @paulc1905 5 років тому +7

    What a great interview, I just found her UA-cam channel she has good training video.

  • @stewartw99
    @stewartw99 5 років тому +2

    Hey David, only just recently found your UA-cam Channel and I wish to thank you VERY much for the excellent content you publish. Thanks VERY much to Katherine for sharing her hard and inspirational journey, and her work with 'RouterGods' and giving back to the community. I share and watch these sorts of things with my kids in the hope that they take some of the inspiration in (as well as me)! Many, many thanks, cheers Stewart

  • @NitinSharma-pp5jp
    @NitinSharma-pp5jp 5 років тому +1

    Thank you David and Katherine. It gives a lot of motivation to us to fulfill our dreams working in IT, security or whatever we have dreamed about...

  • @Stark-lu6hi
    @Stark-lu6hi 4 роки тому +3

    Oh wow she's cool! Glad to see her interview and hear her story. I follow her on LinkedIn. Very knowledgeable and insightful. This is my 5th lab attempt, and I don't see stoppage anytime in my future. Her story inspires me to keep drilling

    • @KatieMac
      @KatieMac 4 роки тому

      Good luck on your lab!

  • @Jason_Teixeira
    @Jason_Teixeira 6 місяців тому

    She is an absolute rockstar. Unbelievable.

  • @twinturbo3461
    @twinturbo3461 5 років тому

    From sleeping on couches doing entry level jobs for $12.50/hr to a six figure salary in 10 years. Her confidence levels are through the roof and it shows in the way she speaks. Awesome.

    • @gorbi7777
      @gorbi7777 4 роки тому

      I have similar story...4 years ago I was Security guard making barely 10eur/h. Started studying hard, got my CCNA RS and CCNA Security in 3 months from scratch. Then got my first IT job in DataCentre. Continued studying for CCNP and after six month later passed all three exams. Then started looking for Network Engineer position, and found in less than 2 months. Now it's my 3rd year when I'm working as a Network Engineer for mobile operator, and have passed CCDA and CCDP last year. Also got extensive experience working with multivendor environment, like Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, HP, DELL, and much more. Almost making six figures :) Hard Work always Pay off..keep studying and everything is possible, sooner than you can imagine.

  • @kalMHe
    @kalMHe 3 роки тому

    David, you are always the best. Thank you for all your efforts to hep inspire people.

  • @arxileecharxos
    @arxileecharxos 5 років тому +2

    Oh my god. Katherine side by side with David. Two CCIE Guru together

  • @route4555
    @route4555 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you, David, for posting this. Very encouraging!

  • @TheNinjaMarmot
    @TheNinjaMarmot 5 років тому +2

    I like her. Her mindset is similar to some of the people I work with

  • @jamalkhan815
    @jamalkhan815 5 років тому +5

    Wow she is an inspiration, thank you for sharing such an informational and motivational video, thank you David Bombal you are the best!!! Love you

  • @kaios8231
    @kaios8231 4 роки тому +1

    I know im late to watch this video...but its really inspiring one...post more of these!!!...People need inspiration more these days to move forward with confidence.

  • @lawrenceS59
    @lawrenceS59 4 роки тому +3

    I needed this. Much appreciated.

  • @predata252
    @predata252 5 років тому +4

    Amazing inspiring storey, been studying for my CCENT

  • @Impact4ever
    @Impact4ever 5 років тому +13

    OMG! she is amazing, i need to move to California. where i live... well, at least they were willing to give her a chance in the IT field. That interview is really moving for me. Thanks

    • @KatieMac
      @KatieMac 5 років тому

      Where do you live? It's also not just California. I wrote this awhile back for people looking to get into IT. I hope it helps: www.network-node.com/blog/2016/5/19/careerjob-advice-and-observations

    • @thischannelisnotmine
      @thischannelisnotmine 5 років тому +1

      You act as though women are not welcome in the IT field, all it takes is knowledge and education

  • @TMTHelp
    @TMTHelp 5 років тому +2

    Absolutely Fantastic Story, Katherine your my heroine.

  • @lastsamurai3560
    @lastsamurai3560 5 років тому +1

    Wow Katherine. You are an inspiration.

  • @lucaparente8402
    @lucaparente8402 5 років тому

    Passed my CCNA Security Yesterday....now i'm working on Linux cert, since I'm in a Service Desk dept.so I Need ti know a lot of technologies...and in this year I want to achieve at least one another cert: VCP or CCNP RS...Just keep studying and Never give up..."no winter lasts Forever", let the bad times go away and focus on your professionals and personal goals! Great job David!

  • @dedankimathi7136
    @dedankimathi7136 3 роки тому

    She's amazing... Inspiring story. Congrats to Katherine.

  • @ardentdfender4116
    @ardentdfender4116 4 роки тому +1

    No joke. I saw this thumbnail at the side of various videos in UA-cam for a very long time. Why it always popped there I guess just Algorithm of UA-cam. Anyway I marked it for "To Watch Later". That was well over a year ago. I'm just watching it now. I'm so sorry I hadn't watched this earlier, but at least I got around to watching it vs having never at all. I find this very inspirational. And since i'm also actively studying for the New CCNA 200-301 I find even more meaning and inspiration in having watched this at this time. The Ambition quote is spot on. David, you should carry and extra mic for times like that your doing an on spot interview and need another mic. I didn't learn router labing watching this video, but the information learned was of Labing of Life, just as valuable in the effort, time and persuit of things I found helpful from the interview. I've watched your motivational stories just dropping in and out of your channel. We do need more inspirational stories like this though sadly as they are not often shared. Much inspiration can be shared from people like Kathrine and their stories. Great I was also able to find her blog and Twitter as well. Great video. Also shared and sent this video to a friend in NY that's a Security Guard whom i went to high school with. Maybe, it can help change his life a well.

    • @davidbombal
      @davidbombal  4 роки тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed the video Ardent! Better late than never. I definitely learned a lot doing interviews at Cisco Live and now have multiple microphones for interviews :) Got to keep on learning and improving.

    • @KatieMac
      @KatieMac 4 роки тому

      Thank you for the kind words, Ardent Dfender

  • @traceyke
    @traceyke 2 роки тому

    I remember Kat from the GLORY YEARS of the Techexams forums. Her 10+ year glow up is the stuff of legend.

  • @drahomiramajercikova4434
    @drahomiramajercikova4434 5 років тому +2

    Kathy thak you for inspirational story! Came across this video and I can tell you I'm glad that I have found you David.

  • @mmerritt143
    @mmerritt143 5 років тому

    Katie is a great person! I am lucky to count her as a friend!

    • @KatieMac
      @KatieMac 5 років тому

      And I am lucky to count you as a friend. Thanks for being there through the tough times, Mike :)

  • @johnwayne2103
    @johnwayne2103 4 роки тому +1

    I had a similar story and my part time hobby turned into a career and all I had to do was be ambitious, study, take notes and show that you care.
    I've had other people do the same thing and others who have no drive and ambition and are still doing desktop support 8 years latter. They have essentially missed a 25k pay raise for 8 years. 8 x 25k is 200k worth of missed earning.
    As you move up in your career you should be getting 25k pay raises and the only way you do that is move to another job. Most IT jobs at a steady job will barely give you more than $2500 in a pay raise. it's very easy to get comfortable in IT. In networking you can pretty much stay stagnant and there is always a company with a shitty network you can always manage.
    Be wary of jobs that require you to be on call 24x7 365. That bullshit gets old real quick and they don't pay you what you are worth.
    Don't ever equate a bonus as part of your pay. That's why it's called a bonus. When those bone headed recruiters call you they like to throw the bonus in there as a sweetener.
    Most recruiters are worthless, they are just as bad as used car salesmen, they are just trying to get an ass into a seat so they can get their finders fee of 10k to 20k.
    Always remember a bonus can suddenly disappear if the company does poorly and it is the first thing they will take off the table before the layoffs happen. Always have your pulse to the company because when they start cutting immediately look to your dept to see who is dead weight. Last hired is usually first fired.
    A lot of companies run their IT dept's lean. Ever see that clown act where he runs around and spins the plates on a stick and keeps running toward the stick with the wobbly plate and puts more spin on it to stay stable? Yeap that's IT in some companies.
    Try to stay with medium sized companies unless the big ones are willing to pay the big bucks. If they are too small they won't have budget and you can never take a vacation.
    Always know your worth but beware because you could price yourself out of a job
    Always be looking sometimes the job you want won't be the best fit for you.
    Look for a better job while you have one, you can be picky.
    My 3 cents will be worth 100k to you if you take heed and don't waste your time with companies who don't care about you.

  • @angelicadean1804
    @angelicadean1804 5 років тому +3

    They’re both AMAZING

  • @Rishabhsharma-lr6du
    @Rishabhsharma-lr6du 5 років тому

    This is true if you are willing to learn you will grow definitely. Dual ccie cheers. Congrats for achieving this milestone. #woman has more strength than anyone in this world.

  • @alexgoldstein958
    @alexgoldstein958 4 роки тому +1

    This young lady is the bomb!

  • @mileycoco9772
    @mileycoco9772 5 років тому +2

    @David Bombal the best video ever !!!! Thank you so much for your hard work!!!!!

  • @zezerik
    @zezerik 4 роки тому +1

    New to David's channel and I'm hooked. His content is very motivating. Awesome and inspiring interview. Thank you for sharing.

  • @dausk675
    @dausk675 5 років тому +3

    Another great video David, thank you 👌

  • @mithunkayackalvlogs
    @mithunkayackalvlogs 4 роки тому +2

    Actully very good interview. But here I would like to share my story as well. Actually I have worked as printing assistant in a local priting press around 12 years. And I have diagnosed retinitis pigmentosa and doctor said you will become blind as soon as possible. And he suggested me to keep away the compuer and all also he suggested me to adjust my life with this situation. Finally I have decided to learn things through correspondence and then I have completed my ccna and ccnp voice then completed CCIE collaboration (#51602) as .Now I am working as a senior UC engineer.
    I dont know when will I become blind ? But now I have started learning ccie security.Thank you Cisco.

    • @KatieMac
      @KatieMac 4 роки тому

      Holy crap! That's inspiring! Great job on the CCIE and I hope medical science finds a way to prevent you from going blind in the meantime.

  • @statwizard
    @statwizard 5 років тому +1

    Great story. Well done Katherine!

  • @riverasanchez
    @riverasanchez 5 років тому

    Simply amazing! I love this story and example of life and why anything is possible in life. We are our only obstacle! Thank you David.

  • @Ureyeuh
    @Ureyeuh 5 років тому +2

    I've been on the cusp of leaving college and my psychology degree path for a couple of months now to refocus on certs and IT. It just seems way more promising with a high degree of future security. Why would I spend 40k to get a degree that earns me 22/hour on my university's schedule when I can go all in and bet on myself with certs for WAY less on my own schedule?? It seems like a no brainer, and these stories are stoking me to learn so much.

    • @Eric3Frog
      @Eric3Frog 5 років тому

      In IT, there is a nice, linear relationship between what you learn and what you earn. We need more vocational schools and true universities. Vocational schools are much more efficient paths to being productive in specific areas of functional knowledge. A real university education should train you how to think critically, how to learn, speak publicly, negotiate, and communicate effectively among other interdisciplinary skills. After achieving that, you can then specialize in a field of study. Universities claim that they do that, but their graduates show that they are not effective in that area. Unfortunately, most university education paths today just train you to be a good employee. That is short run thinking for their graduates and our country.

  • @coco9004
    @coco9004 5 років тому +2

    Congradulation. I am proud of you

  • @Mongoosemcqueen
    @Mongoosemcqueen 5 років тому +2

    Excited to watch this, love the motivational/real life content you put out

  • @A_Changed_Heart_Ministries
    @A_Changed_Heart_Ministries 5 років тому +2

    Awesome interview, Katherine is awesome! Very inspiring, thank you