@nutanix #nextconf #AW101

From CNC to NTC:A Journey of Professional Growth

Paul Woodward Jr, Data Center Engineer

A Quick Introduction

• Paul Woodward Jr

• Twitter - @ExploreVM

• Virtual Design Master Season 4 –

3rd Place

• Systems Engineer, Presidio

Session Overview

Deciding There’s Something More

Training for the New Life

Finally Making the Leap

Got the Foot in the Door, Now Continue to Climb!

Question & Answer

Deciding There’s Something More

Key Takeaways

• Understand the time dedication to changing careers or specialties

• Don’t jump in without preparation

• Family and friend support is crucial to success!

Training for the New Life

Key Takeaways

• Keep your sanity by staying organized

• Maintain a work / training / personal life balance

• Know and acknowledge when you’ve bitten off more than you can

chew

• Find a mentor to help you down your path

Graduation Day!

Finally Making That Leap

Hey Paulie, What’s Happening?

Key Takeaways

• Getting out of your comfort zone is an amazing way to learn and grow

• Understand your risk / reward threshold

• Do not be afraid to fail

Got the Foot in the Door, Now Continue to Climb!

Make Google Work for You!

Never Underestimate the Power of Social Media

Studying Tactics

Read, Read, Read!

• Dedicate uninterrupted time to studying

Optimize Time Otherwise Spent

• Listen to Podcasts while commuting to/from work

Schedule the Exam for Monday

• Utilize the entire weekend preparing

• Get plenty of rest the night before

• Schedule the exam in the afternoon

Remember, What Worked for Me May Not Work for You!

Mentally Prepare Yourself for the Possibility You Might Fail.

• I passed the VCP my 2nd attempt, after working with ESXi in my career for one year

• Utilize a cool down period between exam attempts

Tomatoes in IT?

Key Takeaways

• Get involved in the IT community

• Build your personal brand, it’s more important than you think

• Give back to the community that helped you grow

• Always keep an eye on where technology is going

• Continue to learn, train, and certify

• Help your co-workers strive

• Be a confident but compassionate leader, but also a willing teammate

Fill out the survey

found in this session’s

page on your agenda

for a chance to WIN!

@nutanix #nextconf #AW101

Any Questions?

Resources mentioned in this presentation available at ExploreVM.com

@nutanix #nextconf #AW101

Thank YouPaul Woodward Jr| Paul@ExploreVM.com | @ExploreVM