Greetings, everyone! It brings me immense joy to announce that I've reached a significant milestone in my educational journey. I've successfully graduated and received my Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) degree in Cloud Computing with First-Class Honors. I'm incredibly proud of this achievement, especially considering the arduous path I had to traverse. Balancing a full-time night job, the responsibilities of fatherhood, and the demands of a rigorous academic program made this journey undeniably challenging.
In terms of job applications, I've been quite diligent, having applied to over 100 positions. While some employers did respond, I've managed to secure three interviews. However, it's been a mixed bag of outcomes. One interview didn't result in success, and another indicated that I was overqualified, which, in my opinion, was a polite way of saying, "Not this time." Nevertheless, I have another interview lined up on the 19th of October.
I'm also actively working on refining my portfolio, updating my CV, and revamping my LinkedIn profile. I believe that my CV might need some adjustments, as the response rate hasn't been as high as I'd hoped. The primary challenge I'm facing currently is gaining practical hands-on experience; as we all know, experience is key in this field. Unfortunately, I don't have enough experience to confidently secure a job just yet.
Adding to the mix of challenges, I've also had to contend with a sprained ankle that isn't healing as quickly as I'd like. Despite all these hurdles, my motivation remains unwavering. Christmas is just around the corner, and the cold weather is already upon us. My plan for the upcoming months is to embark on an intermediate course in Python, simultaneously diving into practical penetration testing. Afterwards, I'll be signing up for Hack The Box to further enhance my skills and knowledge in this exciting field.
In conclusion, the journey has been anything but smooth, but my determination is stronger than ever. With each challenge, I find new opportunities for growth and learning. I can't wait to see where this path takes me in the exciting world of cloud computing and cybersecurity. Stay tuned for more updates on my adventure!
Personal Note: Although I have officially graduated, there is a slight delay in receiving my degree, which is expected to arrive by post within the next 8 weeks. I had originally planned to share a graduation photo, but as fate would have it, my official graduation ceremony is set to take place in the summer of 2024. Sometimes, life's timing doesn't align perfectly with our plans, but this delay only adds to the anticipation of celebrating this significant achievement with my fellow graduates next year.
"That's all for me in October. I'll catch up with you all in November. Until then, keep chasing your dreams and embracing life's adventures. Stay inspired, and I'll see you in the next chapter!"