🎯 Two Paths, One Goal: Level Up in Tech

Author

Michael Bowden
May 17, 2025

THE_LOG_FILES#SHOW LOG

IN TODAYS EMAIL:

  • CCNA Exam Breakdown — What to Study & Why

  • 🛒 My Amazon Store: Everything I Use & Recommend

  • Motivation: Build Your Own Lane — Freelancing as a Network Engineer

CERTIFICATIONS & SKILLS TO WATCH:

CCNA Exam Breakdown — What to Study & Why

🎯 What’s inside:

If you’re studying for the CCNA, this post is your roadmap. I break down each topic on the exam and give you a clear strategy on how to prepare smarter — not harder.

🧾 What You’ll Learn:

📌 Print the exam topics.

Your study starts here. Get the official list from Cisco’s website and use it to guide your prep.

📚 Choose your study tools.

Pick your books, lab tools (like Packet Tracer), and practice exams.

🧠 Understand the exam language.

The CCNA topics use words like:

  • Describe / Explain → Use flashcards or study groups to lock in concepts.

  • Compare → Focus on differences/similarities (e.g., TCP vs UDP). Labs help.

  • Configure → This means lab it out. Practice until it’s second nature.

  • Interpret → Know your show commands. Recognize output and logs.

  • Troubleshoot / Identify → Expect broken configs. Your only real prep here: labbing. And yes — labbing again.

💡 Pro Tip:

Not sure what to prioritize? Start with anything labeled “configure” — those are high-yield lab questions.

📢 Call to Action:

👉 Found this helpful? Share it with a friend studying for their CCNA.

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RESOURCE OF THE WEEK:

🛒 My Amazon Store: Everything I Use & Recommend

Whether you’re studying for certs, building your setup, or launching your content — this is where I get my tools. If I use it, it’s in there. 💯

🔌 For IT Certs & Studying:

• Official Cert Guides: CCNA, Security+, Network+

• CompTIA book picks

🎙️ For Podcasting & Content Creation:

• My microphone setup

• Tripod & ring light

• Camera mount + desk arm

• Productivity tools: planner, calendar, whiteboard wall stickers

📘 Career & Business Growth Books:

• Managed Services in a Month – Karl Palachuk

• The 10X Rule – Grant Cardone

• So Good They Can’t Ignore You – Cal Newport

• Deep Work – Cal Newport

• Show Your Work – Austin Kleon

• Start With Why – Simon Sinek

RECENT EPISODE:

Motivation: Build Your Own Lane — Freelancing as a Network Engineer

Today’s episode comes straight from a listener:

“Do you have any advice on becoming a freelance network engineer — and is it possible within a year?”

Short answer: Yes — if you move with intention.

Let’s break down the game plan. 👇

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

✅ Side hustle or full business? Decide your path early

✅ Why an LLC can boost your focus (and protect you)

✅ How to pick your services + set your rates

✅ Where I’d look for clients: Upwork, FieldNation, Fiverr

✅ The smart way to shift into an MSP model for recurring income

✅ 📘 Book pick: Managed Services in a Month by Karl Palachuk (link below)

📚 Resources Mentioned:

🔗 Managed Services in a Month – Karl Palachuk