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Hi! I’m Jamie Woodman, an Information Technology student at Capella University with a growing passion for artificial intelligence and lifelong learning. I hold a Google IT Support Certificate and am currently preparing for the CompTIA A+ certification. I’ve always been fascinated by technology—even when I didn’t believe I was “tech-savvy” enough to belong in the field. Since beginning my academic journey, I’ve discovered just how much I can learn—and how much I enjoy it. I was recently honored to be accepted into the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), which has inspired me to keep developing both as a leader and a learner. This blog is where I share my experiences as a student, my thoughts on technology, and helpful resources for others navigating a similar path. Whether you’re breaking into IT, exploring AI, or just looking for some inspiration, I’m glad you’re here.
  • More Tools That Are Powering My IT Learning Journey

    More Tools That Are Powering My IT Learning Journey

    One of the best parts of learning IT today is that there are so many incredible resources out there—some free, some paid, but all designed to help you grow at your own pace.

    In my last post, I shared a few of my go-to tools. Today, I wanted to add a few more that have seriously leveled up my study sessions.

    🎓 Video-Based Learning Platforms

    • ITProTV (now part of ACI Learning) – Great for clear, structured lessons with engaging instructors
    • CBT Nuggets – Excellent deep dives into certifications and concepts (especially for Network+, Security+, etc.)

    📺 YouTube Channels I Keep Coming Back To

    • Professor Messer – My #1 pick for free CompTIA A+ and Security+ training
    • Jeremy’s IT Lab – Especially helpful for networking and CCNA-style content
    • NetworkChuck – Fun, high-energy videos that make learning IT concepts actually exciting
    • Eli the Computer Guy – Solid, straightforward explanations with real-world insight

    📝 Practice Makes Progress

    • MeasureUp – I’ve been using their practice exams to prep for the CompTIA A+ and it’s been so helpful. It gives realistic test scenarios, and even explanations for wrong answers so I can actually learn from mistakes.

    There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to learning IT. The key is finding the voices, platforms, and formats that click with you—and then just keep showing up.

    Whether it’s a 2-minute video or a full certification course, every bit counts. And I’m grateful for all the amazing teachers and creators out there making tech education accessible.

    “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”
    — Benjamin Franklin

  • My Favorite Tools That Keep Me Learning & Organized

    My Favorite Tools That Keep Me Learning & Organized

    Sometimes it’s the little things that keep us moving forward—apps, tools, and tech that quietly help us stay on track, especially during busy or uncertain seasons.

    Here are a few of my go-to tools that make life easier while I study, job hunt, and build my IT skills:

    🧠 Learning & Study Tools

    • Quizlet – Great for quick flashcards and review sessions
    • Udemy – My go-to for affordable IT certification courses
    • Professor Messer – Free A+ and Security+ videos that break things down perfectly
    • CompTIA Learn+ Labs – Hands-on practice for certification prep

    🧰 Organization & Notes

    • OneNote – I organize everything: class notes, job search tips, interview prep
    • Google Drive – For saving documents, resumes, and project backups
    • Trello – Keeps my to-do list and study schedule visual and manageable
    • Notion – Where I plan bigger goals, track certifications, and log achievements

    💬 Everyday Tech Tools

    • Glassdoor – For research on companies and interview prep
    • LinkedIn – Networking and keeping my profile current
    • Canva – For building simple blog graphics or refreshing my resume
    • 3DMark – For testing my new gaming PC and comparing performance stats (just for fun!)

    These tools may not be flashy, but they help me stay focused, organized, and a little more confident each day.

    Sometimes success isn’t about having the best gear—it’s about using what you have intentionally.

    “The right tools in the right hands make all the difference.”
    — Unknown

  • Waiting, But Still Moving Forward

    Waiting, But Still Moving Forward

    Right now, I’m in a place of waiting—waiting to hear back after my second interview, and now preparing for a third, for a state IT role I’d really love to land.

    But I’m not sitting still.
    I’ve learned that every moment matters, especially when you’re chasing something that could change your life.

    While I Wait, I Learn.

    Instead of stressing about what I can’t control, I’m choosing to focus on what I can:

    🧠 Reviewing IT fundamentals — staying sharp on hardware, OS, and troubleshooting
    🗂️ Organizing my notes and projects — keeping track of what I’ve done and what I still want to master
    🧰 Studying for future certifications — CAPM and more CompTIA goals still ahead
    🖥️ Hands-on practice — my home lab, PC builds, and support tasks keep me engaged
    📚 Researching the role and agency — I want to walk into that third interview ready

    I know not every opportunity works out—but I’m hopeful.
    I’m showing up prepared, professional, and passionate.

    And if this door opens, I’ll be ready to walk through it with everything I’ve built so far.

    “Patience is not passive; on the contrary, it is concentrated strength.”
    — Bruce Lee

  • Staying Motivated & Learning While Job Hunting

    Staying Motivated & Learning While Job Hunting

    Job hunting can be frustrating—especially when you’re qualified, motivated, and just looking for the right opportunity to grow.

    But instead of letting the waiting wear me down, I’ve decided to treat this time as a learning season.

    I’m using every day to build skills, grow my confidence, and stay sharp for the next opportunity that will come.

    Here’s How I’m Staying Focused:

    📚 Studying — I’m reviewing material for certifications like CompTIA A+ (refresher) and CAPM to strengthen both my tech and project management foundation.
    🧰 Hands-on Practice — Working on personal PC builds and troubleshooting my own hardware/software issues keeps my skills fresh.
    📝 Updating My Resume & LinkedIn — Showcasing what I’ve learned and tracking every small win.
    💬 Reading blogs, forums, and IT news — Staying current with the industry and finding new areas to explore.
    🌱 Reflecting and blogging — Writing helps me process everything and stay connected to my “why.”

    What I’ve Learned So Far:

    • Growth doesn’t stop just because you’re between roles.
    • Every day is a chance to improve—even in small ways.
    • Motivation comes from progress, not perfection.
    • The next opportunity will find me better prepared than ever.

    If you’re job hunting too, don’t forget: your value isn’t defined by your current position.
    Keep learning, keep moving, and keep believing in yourself.

    “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”
    — Robert Collier

  • Red Flags I’ve Learned to Watch for (Thanks, Experience & Glassdoor)

    Red Flags I’ve Learned to Watch for (Thanks, Experience & Glassdoor)

    Now that I’ve gotten some real-world experience under my belt, I’m seeing job hunting a little differently.

    It’s not just about getting hired anymore—it’s about finding a job that supports your growth, respects your time, and sets you up to succeed.

    And that means learning to spot red flags early.

    Here Are a Few I’ve Learned to Pay Attention To:

    🚩 “We’re like a family” – Often code for blurred boundaries, unpaid overtime, or lack of professionalism.
    🚩 No mention of training or onboarding – If they expect you to know everything on day one, that’s a warning.
    🚩 High turnover – Frequent openings in the same position? Something’s wrong behind the scenes.
    🚩 Vague job descriptions – If it sounds like you’ll be doing “everything,” it probably means chaos and no support.
    🚩 Bad reviews on Glassdoor – If multiple former employees mention the same problems (no structure, poor leadership), believe them.

    What I Do Differently Now:

    • 🕵️‍♀️ I check Glassdoor reviews before applying.
    • 🧠 I ask clear questions in interviews about expectations, training, and tools.
    • 📝 I trust my gut when something feels “off”—and I move on.
    • 🚪 I remind myself: It’s okay to walk away from an offer that doesn’t feel right.

    The goal isn’t just to get a job—it’s to find the right one. A place that grows with you, not drains you.

    And now, I’m way more equipped to find it.

    “When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.”
    — Maya Angelou

  • Looking for the Right Fit: Structure and Hands-On Experience

    Looking for the Right Fit: Structure and Hands-On Experience

    This past year has taught me a lot about what I do and don’t want in my IT career.

    While I’m grateful for the opportunity to get my foot in the door, I’ve realized that I thrive in environments with structure, mentorship, and clear expectations—and right now, those are things I’m missing.

    I’m also eager to get more hands-on experience with the areas I love most:

    • 🛠️ Hardware repair and upgrades
    • 💿 Operating system installation and configuration
    • ⚙️ Troubleshooting real-world issues, not just watching from the sidelines

    I want to be somewhere I can continue to grow practically—where I’m trusted to touch the machines, explore the systems, and work directly with users and technology.

    What I’m Looking For in My Next Role:

    • ✅ Structured onboarding and mentorship
    • ✅ Regular hands-on tasks (hardware + OS focused)
    • ✅ A professional environment that values curiosity and growth
    • ✅ A team that collaborates and communicates

    I’m not afraid of the learning curve. I just want to be somewhere that lets me climb it—with support, not silence.

    This is more than just a job hunt—it’s about building a career that actually fits. And I’m ready to find it.

    “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
    — Confucius

  • Learning What I Can, While Looking Ahead

    Learning What I Can, While Looking Ahead

    Not every opportunity turns out the way you hoped—but that doesn’t mean you stop growing.

    Even though my current role hasn’t offered the training or support I expected, I’m still showing up, asking questions, and learning everything I can while I’m here.

    I’ve fixed hardware, troubleshot connections, and handled support calls—all while figuring things out on my own. It’s tough, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come already.

    At the same time, I’ve started quietly taking the next step:
    ✅ Searching for other opportunities.

    Because I know I have more to offer—and I want to be part of a team that helps me keep growing.

    What I’m Doing Right Now:

    • 📚 Still studying for additional certifications
    • 💻 Taking notes and building my personal knowledge base
    • 📄 Updating my resume and applying to new roles
    • 💬 Reflecting on what kind of work environment I do want
    • 🌱 Choosing to stay focused on growth, not discouragement

    This job may not be forever, but it’s part of my journey. And I’ll take every experience, good or bad, and use it to become better.

    I didn’t come this far just to stop now. Onward. 🚀

    “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
    — Arthur Ashe

  • The Learning Curve No One Warned Me About

    The Learning Curve No One Warned Me About

    Starting my first IT job was something I looked forward to for a long time. I was excited, hopeful, and ready to learn.
    But if I’m being honest—it’s been harder than I expected.

    Not because of the technology. Not because I can’t learn.
    But because of the lack of training and professionalism in the environment I’ve walked into.

    Here’s What I’ve Been Facing:

    • ❌ Minimal guidance or onboarding
    • ❌ No structure for learning tools or processes
    • ❌ A workplace culture that feels disorganized and sometimes unprofessional
    • ❌ Feeling like I’m expected to “just know” things, instead of being supported while learning

    I know that every job has growing pains. I know that no environment is perfect. But I also believe that entry-level employees deserve mentorship, communication, and basic respect.

    Despite the frustration, I’m trying to shift my perspective:

    ✅ I’m learning what not to do if I ever lead a team.
    ✅ I’m documenting everything I learn on my own.
    ✅ I’m reminding myself that this is just the beginning—not the end.

    This job may not be ideal, but it’s still giving me real-world insight—and resilience. And that matters.
    Because every challenge is still a step forward.

    “Sometimes the worst experiences teach the best lessons.”
    — Unknown

  • I’m Back—with Big News! 🎉

    I’m Back—with Big News! 🎉

    It’s been a little while since I’ve posted—but for good reason.
    I’ve been busy making moves… and I’m thrilled to share a few updates:

    ✅ I landed my first IT job!
    I’m now working at a small Internet Service Provider (ISP), gaining real-world experience every day. From troubleshooting connections to helping customers stay online, I’m finally doing the work I’ve been working toward.

    ✅ I officially passed the CompTIA A+ exam!
    After months of studying, practice tests, and persistence, I earned my A+ certification just last week. That feeling—seeing “Congratulations” on the screen—was one I’ll never forget.

    What I’ve Learned Lately:

    • Growth comes from action — Nothing replaces hands-on experience.
    • Certifications open doors — The A+ gave me the edge I needed.
    • It’s okay to take a break — Progress doesn’t always happen online. Sometimes, it’s behind the scenes.
    • Imposter syndrome is real—but beatable — The best way to gain confidence is to show up and try.

    This journey has had its ups and downs, but these wins are proof that hard work does pay off. I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and sharing it all with you here.

    Thank you to everyone who’s supported me—this is just the beginning.

    “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”
    — Henry David Thoreau

  • Why Project Management Is Part of My Bigger Picture

    Why Project Management Is Part of My Bigger Picture

    When I started my degree in Information Technology, I was focused on learning the technical skills: hardware, troubleshooting, networking, and systems. But as I progressed, I realized something else was just as important—project management.

    Every successful IT team needs someone who can plan, organize, communicate, and adapt. That’s where project management skills come in—and why I’ve decided to pursue the CAPM certification alongside my CompTIA A+.

    It’s not about choosing between technical skills or leadership skills. It’s about building both, so I can contribute to teams and lead them when the time comes.

    Long-Term, My Goal Is to Be:

    • 💼 An IT professional with project coordination skills
    • 🧩 Someone who understands the “why” behind every task
    • 🧠 A bridge between technical teams and business goals
    • 🚀 Prepared to grow into leadership roles over time

    Project management isn’t just a certification for me—it’s a mindset. It’s about being proactive, organized, and ready to solve real-world problems with real-world tools.

    The more I learn about managing people, time, and resources, the more I see how valuable this skillset is across the board.

    And I’m ready to build on it—one project at a time.

    “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”
    — Warren Bennis