My journey in the world of DevOps kicked into high gear as I got to wear multiple hats in this role. On the one hand, I was all about ensuring that our infrastructure ran like a well-oiled machine. This involved everything from regular maintenance to deploying new infrastructure using a variety of technologies, including Nginx, HAProxy, Keepalived, PgBouncer, PostgreSQL, and a slew of others. But I wasn't just keeping things running smoothly; I was also innovating. I took the initiative to write idempotent Ansible code, which let us maintain our infrastructure as code and keep everything consistent and repeatable.On the other hand, I took on the role of a project manager, organizing the DevOps backlog and tracking our progress. This allowed everyone to see the big picture in relation to our infrastructure projects. Plus, who doesn't love crossing things off a list? I also managed the deployment pipeline and conducted regular software quality assurance tests to ensure that our platform was always up to scratch. And speaking of scratch, I used scripting to automate routine tasks – because why do something manually when you can set up a system to do it for you? I maintained testing infrastructure that consisted of over 100 Windows, macOS, and Linux devices and made sure our services were always available. Additionally, I maintain over 100 production servers.

As an intern, I dove into the deep end of DevOps. This wasn't just a learning opportunity for me; I was an integral part of the team. My day-to-day tasks involved infrastructure maintenance and aiding in provisioning new infrastructure. I got my hands dirty with a range of technologies including Nginx, HAProxy, PostgreSQL, and more.During this time, I also picked up Ansible, which I found to be an excellent tool for automating IT systems. The Level platform became my stomping ground as I learned its ins and outs. All of this hands-on experience gave me a solid understanding of the requirements and challenges of infrastructure management, and I was all set to take it to the next level.

I handled Tier 2 support and was tasked with more complex computer setup and troubleshooting tasks. The hands-on work didn't stop there; I also deployed new servers and infrastructure, ensuring our clients had the tech they needed when they needed it.In addition, I was a 'road warrior' - traveling from site to site to fix issues on-site. This was challenging but rewarding work, allowing me to interact directly with clients and see the real-world impact of my efforts. I had a chance to work with various technologies including diverse operating systems, Level RMM, N-Central, and Kaseya PSA, and all these experiences really helped me grow as an IT professional.

I fielded calls, providing Tier 1 support and solving any issues that I could right then and there. If I couldn't solve it, I made sure the ticket ended up in the right hands. My time was also spent on things like computer setup and troubleshooting - there's nothing like the satisfaction of figuring out what's wrong and making it right!I also worked on resetting passwords, which sounds simple, but it's all about the customer service. And speaking of learning, I earned my CompTIA IT Fundamentals and Linux+ certifications during this period. These certifications really boosted my knowledge of IT systems and served as a testament to my expertise in Linux.

As the driving force behind my own IT consulting business, I became a master of many trades. From IT and DevOps to cybersecurity, networking, and AV, I wore many hats and love every minute of it. As a contractor, I learned how to manage my time efficiently and juggle multiple projects at once. I also had to understand my clients' needs and meet their expectations, which often meant learning new technologies and techniques on the fly. It is a challenging and rewarding experience that continues to shape me as a professional.

As a contractor for Encryption, I found myself immersed in the world of Linux. My primary task was maintaining Linux servers, a job that allowed me to flex my Linux system administration skills. Being a contractor meant I had to be adaptable and able to quickly understand the infrastructure and processes of the company. I learned to work independently and problem-solve under pressure, strengthening my technical abilities and my resilience.

I took on a diverse range of responsibilities, from IT helpdesk and Tier 1 support to server maintenance, website updates, and even new technology implementation. My duties allowed me to dive into the nitty-gritty of computer repair and troubleshooting, both in terms of hardware and software. I also found satisfaction in supporting and updating our website, knowing that a well-maintained and user-friendly site could make a real difference to our clients.

My journey as a developer intern at Edit provided an incredible opportunity to learn and grow in a nurturing environment. I worked on website updates for both static and CMS-driven sites, with a particular focus on WordPress. I had the opportunity to research, design, and maintain client websites, as well as present my work to the client. Each challenge was a chance to learn, and the guidance of experienced developers around me was invaluable. This experience helped me hone my technical skills and better understand client needs and expectations.