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Never Too Late: Starting Your IT Career at 41
Send us a textToday’s episode comes straight from a listener question:They’re 41 years old, thinking about entering the tech field, starting a bootcamp soon, and wanted my honest opinion about beginning an IT career at their age — and what I think about job placement programs.In this episode, I break down the truth about starting a tech career later in life, why being 41 is actually an advantage, and what you should expect when you sign up for a bootcamp. I also talk about the realities of job placement programs and share the mindset you need to make this career transition work.Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, or beyond — this is your reminder that tech doesn’t care about your age. It cares about your skills, consistency, and execution.What You’ll Learn Today:•Why being 41 makes you a safer and more reliable investment to employers•How tech is full of career switchers (and why 41 is still “early” for a 20+ year career)•The #1 rule of bootcamps: if you start it, finish it•The real truth behind job placement programs•My advice to make a bootcamp actually work in your favorIf you’re serious about breaking into IT, this episode is packed with clarity, direction, and motivation to help you start strong.⸻🛒 My Amazon Store:Books + gear to level up in tech:👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike📬 The Log Files Newsletter:Real tips to break into IT.👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe⸻#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at [email protected]!🌐 Connect with me:📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission*****************************************Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike******************************************Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ MikeGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.comFor support inquires, or business inquiries, please email [email protected] provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vlFollow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!)IG: @debtfreeinitTikTok: @debtfreeinitLinkedin: Michael BowdenSupport the show
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14:41
Why IT Certifications STILL Matter in 2025 (The Truth You Need to Hear)
Send us a textToday we’re taking a real-world look at IT certifications—what they actually do for your career, why they’re still valuable, and how they can help you break into tech or level up into a better role. Certifications don’t guarantee you a job, but they do give you the fundamentals, the confidence, and the visibility you need to get in the room and stand out from the competition.In this episode, I cover:• How certifications create a fast path into tech• Why certs help you stand out in a crowded job market• How certifications increase your earning potential• How certs attract new opportunities (even when you’re not looking)• Why certifications give beginners structure, clarity, and a roadmapWhether you’re brand new to IT or trying to advance your career, this episode breaks down the practical benefits of getting certified.⸻🛒 My Amazon Store:Books + gear to level up in tech:👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike📬 The Log Files Newsletter:Real tips to break into IT.👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe⸻#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at [email protected]!🌐 Connect with me:📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission*****************************************Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike******************************************Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ MikeGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.comFor support inquires, or business inquiries, please email [email protected] provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vlFollow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!)IG: @debtfreeinitTikTok: @debtfreeinitLinkedin: Michael BowdenSupport the show
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AI Certs You NEED To Know About
Send us a textIn today’s episode, I’m breaking down the AI certifications you should be looking at. If you’re trying to get into IT, level up your skills, or stay relevant as AI continues to change the tech world, these certs will help you get ahead.I cover beginner certs, cloud AI paths, and new AI security certifications that will play a big role in future tech jobs.⸻🔥 What We Cover• CompTIA SecAI+ – AI + cybersecurity• Cisco AITECH – Hands-on AI skills for IT pros• Microsoft AI-900 – AI fundamentals for beginners• Azure AI Engineer Associate – Build AI solutions on Azure• AWS AI Practitioner – Intro to AI/ML on AWS⸻💡 Who This HelpsBeginners, career changers, helpdesk, cloud, networking, cybersecurity, and anyone adding AI to their tech stack.⸻🛒 My Amazon Store:Books + gear to level up in tech:👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike📬 The Log Files Newsletter:Real tips to break into IT.👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe⸻#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at [email protected]!🌐 Connect with me:📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission*****************************************Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike******************************************Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ MikeGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.comFor support inquires, or business inquiries, please email [email protected] provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vlFollow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!)IG: @debtfreeinitTikTok: @debtfreeinitLinkedin: Michael BowdenSupport the show
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The 5 Most Common CCNA Questions
Send us a textIn this episode, I answer the top five questions I get about the CCNA certification.If you’re trying to figure out the best path — CCNA, Network+, or CCST — this video will help you choose what’s right for you.⸻What I Cover:•Net+ vs CCNA — which one is better to start with•Which cert has more respect in the industry•College course vs self-study for the CCNA•What to do after A+ if you’re aiming for networking•CCST vs Network+ when planning to move into the CCNA⸻🛒 My Amazon Store:Books + gear to level up in tech:👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike📬 The Log Files Newsletter:Real tips to break into IT.👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe⸻#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at [email protected]!🌐 Connect with me:📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission*****************************************Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike******************************************Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ MikeGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.comFor support inquires, or business inquiries, please email [email protected] provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vlFollow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!)IG: @debtfreeinitTikTok: @debtfreeinitLinkedin: Michael BowdenSupport the show
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The 5 Habits of Every Successful IT Professional
Send us a textWhat separates the top IT pros from the rest? It’s not luck — it’s habits. 💡In this episode, I’m breaking down The 5 Habits of Every Successful IT Professional — the mindset and skills that keep them growing, relevant, and respected in the industry.💻 Here’s what you’ll learn:1️⃣ Continuous Learning — Why the best IT pros never stop improving their skills.2️⃣ Hands-On Practice — How building your own lab takes your knowledge from theory to real-world skill.3️⃣ Problem-Solving Mindset — Staying calm, confident, and effective when everything goes wrong.4️⃣ Teaching & Sharing Knowledge — How mentoring others helps you master your craft.5️⃣ Deep Expertise in One Area — Why focusing on one specialty over time separates good from great.⸻🛒 My Amazon Store:Books + gear to level up in tech:👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike📬 The Log Files Newsletter:Real tips to break into IT.👉 https://thelogfiles.beehiiv.com/subscribe⸻#CCNA #NetworkingLabs #CiscoLabs #ITCareer #debtfreeinit 💡 Have a question or a topic suggestion? Drop it in the comments or email me at [email protected]!🌐 Connect with me:📸 Instagram | 🎥 TikTok | 👍 Facebook: @DebtFreeInIT🔗 Website: http://debtfreeinitwithmike.com📌 If this helped you, drop a comment and let me know — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone trying to break into tech 💻Support the Channel: cash.app/$DebtFreeinIT*This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission*****************************************Listen to Debt Free in IT w/ Mike******************************************Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: Debt Free In IT w/ MikeGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Website: www.debtfreeinitwithmike.comFor support inquires, or business inquiries, please email [email protected] provided by Epidemic Sounds. Start your free trial here https://share.epidemicsound.com/vi35vlFollow me on Social Media (When you add me, inbox me and say What's Up!)IG: @debtfreeinitTikTok: @debtfreeinitLinkedin: Michael BowdenSupport the show
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20:49