Don’t Just Work in IT — Stand Out 💡

Author

Michael Bowden
April 19, 2025

THE_LOG_FILES#SHOW LOG

IN TODAYS EMAIL:

  • 🔥 How to Become More Valuable in IT

  • 🧰 Tools I Recommend

  • Dedication: The Best Online Labs and Simulators to Build Your Networking Skills

CERTIFICATIONS & SKILLS TO WATCH:

🔥 How to Become More Valuable in IT

There’s two types of people in tech:

1. The ones who land a solid gig and stay till retirement.

2. The ones chasing the biggest bag possible.

If you’re in the second group — this is for you.

🧠 1. Personal Development

You can teach the job… but you can’t teach someone not to be an a**hole.

❝

Be on time. Keep your word. Be someone people want on the team.

💪 2. Build Confidence

Confidence hits different when you know your stuff.

❝

Lab. Study. Apply. Trust yourself more each step of the way.

🧪 3. Stay Up on Tech

Don’t get left behind. Keep labbing and learning.

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The tech won’t wait for you. Stay sharp.

🛠️ 4. Do Real Projects

Projects show you can do, not just talk.

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Home lab, freelance, volunteer — get hands-on and stack wins.

💸 Bonus Tip:

Want the money? You gotta move.

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Job-hopping every 2–3 years usually means more pay and faster growth.

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK:

🧰 Tools I Recommend

Whether you’re building your lab, sharpening your skills, or just looking for gear to level up — I got you.

👉 Check out my Amazon Store for the tools I personally use and recommend.

❝

From networking gear to study resources — it’s all in one place.

Heads up: it’s an affiliate link, so if you buy something, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Appreciate the support 🙌🏾

RECENT EPISODE:

Dedication: The Best Online Labs and Simulators to Build Your Networking Skills

🎯 Want Hands-On IT Practice?

Studying for the CCNA, cybersecurity, or jumping into the cloud?

This video breaks down the best online labs, emulators, and tools to level up your skills — even if you’re just starting out.

🔧 Cisco Labs Covered:

✅ Packet Tracer (Free)

✅ Cisco Modeling Labs (CML)

✅ DevNet Sandbox (Free)

✅ Boson NetSim (Paid)

🧠 Network Emulators (Multi-Vendor):

🔹 GNS3

🔹 EVE-NG

🔹 And my take on real gear vs. virtual labs