Ep 147 - Interview with Sr Technical Advocates Quinn Snyder and Jason Belk

The Art of Network Engineering

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This episode was recorded March 21, 2024.
Ever wondered how to weave through the labyrinth of network engineering? That's exactly what we're unpacking in this episode with the help of Cisco's Learning and Certifications mavens, Quinn Snyder and Jason Belk. They join our newly minted co-host, Kevin, and resonate with Tim's tales of TikTok trials and mindfulness explorations. Together, we dissect the essence of community, mentorship, and the seismic shift personal anecdotes can bring to one's career trajectory, all while dissecting the tech underpinnings that keep us sharp in our ever-evolving digital landscape.
Diving headfirst into the world of network engineering can feel like navigating uncharted waters, but our guests are here with a compass. From Kevin's revelatory induction into the Cisco Insider Champions to my own pivot from Excel spreadsheets to network operations, we share the exhilarating plunge into new roles and the tools that powered our journeys – think NetMeko, Ansible, and more. It's not just about the technical know-how; it's the storytelling of our growth, the embracing of teaching talents, and the power of vulnerability that transforms knowledge into wisdom.
In our final musings, we stitch together the narrative of community-driven growth and the delicate dance of work-life synergy. We shine a light on the important role that local Network User Groups play and sprinkle in personal passions like road cycling and retro gaming to illustrate the balancing act of mental well-being. As we conclude, we leave you with the reminder to nurture not only your technical acumen but also the community and mental health that sustain it. For those hungry for more, find us stirring conversations and igniting minds on the Cisco Learning Network and beyond.
Important Links from the show:
Free Tutorials from Cisco U - https://u.cisco.com/explore/tutorials
The U hands on tutorials Video Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2AuQ_ZjCjsrL3LTRVaGrvjZ0YWmFXy02
More from Quinn:
https://twitter.com/qsnyder
https://www.linkedin.com/in/qsnyder/
More from Jason:
https://twitter.com/renobelk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/renobelk/
Jason's CLUS sessions:
BRKCRT-2021 - Prepare for the DevNet Professional DEVCOR Exam
DEVNET-1085 - Learning YANG Data Modeling By Playing in the NSO Playground
and a CIsco U Theater session
CISCOU-2034 - Splunk Essentials: Monitor & Analyze Cisco Networks

Find everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

Chapters

1. Exploring Senior Technical Advocacy in Networking (00:00:00)

2. Transition to Network Engineering Career (00:10:49)

3. The Power of Networking and Community (00:21:48)

4. Teaching and Creating Content at Cisco (00:29:42)

5. Staying Technical in Evolving IT (00:41:17)

6. Community Networking and Mental Health Balance (00:50:42)