Cyber Job Hacks | How to Start Your Cyber Security Career

About Cyber Job Hacks | How to Start Your Cyber Security Career

Learn how to build, grow, and advance your career in network engineering and cybersecurity—while developing a deep understanding of the technology that sets top engineers apart. Hosted by Jeff Colburn, a network engineer with 30+ years of experience and a CCIE for over 20 years, this podcast goes beyond surface-level advice to help you think like a network architect. Whether you're starting your first IT job, transitioning into cybersecurity, or leveling up your career, you'll learn how to: • Break into network engineering and cybersecurity • Build in-demand skills and certifications (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, and more) • Develop a deep understanding of networking and security technologies • Learn best design practices used in real-world environments • Understand the “why” behind protocols, architectures, and decisions • Transition from engineer to network architect • Navigate job interviews, promotions, and career growth Each episode focuses on practical strategies, real-world design insights, and the mindset required to move beyond configuration into true technical mastery. If you’re serious about building a high-level career in networking or cybersecurity, this podcast will give you the clarity, depth, and direction you need to succeed.

Publisher

Jeff Colburn | Network Engineering & Cybersecurity Career Coach

Category

technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 Jun 2024

Latest episode

25 May 2026

Latest episodes

32 of 34 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   25 May 2026TRANSCRIPT

   S3 E10 - Is the New Cisco CCNA 2.0 More Than Just Another Exam Update

   Dr. Jeff Colburn, a network architect, discusses how the new Cisco CCNA 2.0 exam shifts from memorization to practical application, preparing stronger entry-level network engineers.

2. 

   18 May 2026TRANSCRIPT

   S3 E9 - Networking for AI vs AI for Networking - Their Impact to the Future of Network Engineering

   Dr. Jeff Colburn explores how AI revolutionizes network engineering by enabling "Networking for AI" infrastructure and "AI for Networking" operations, guiding engineers to adapt for future career relevance.

3. 

   11 May 2026TRANSCRIPT

   S3 E8 - Certify with Purpose - How to Align Your Certification Path with Your Career Path

   Many network engineers work hard—earning certifications, and learning new technologies—yet still feel like they’re not making meaningful progress. One of the biggest reasons is their certification path does not match their career path. In this episode, I share two important lessons I learned when deciding which certifications to pursue; pursue certifications that match your target role and pursue certifications that are industry recognized. If you’ve ever felt like you’re staying busy but not moving forward, this episode will help you step back, refocus, and move with purpose. In this episode, you will learn: Common mistakes when pursuing certifications How to identify certifications that match your target role The difference between a primary and specialization certification How to align your certification path with your career path Episode Overview: Certifications have their uses. However, only when they align with your career path. The certifications you pursue should help close the technical gap between where you are today and the role you want tomorrow. These certifications must have industry recognition within your target role. Key Takeaway: Pursue only certifications that lead towards your target role. Pursue industry recognized certifications. Network Engineer Career Accelerator Cohort (CAPE Framework) I am offering a Career Accelerator for Network Engineers. During this 12-week virtual cohort, we will define your career goals (Clarity), identify your current reality (Alignment), explore the options (Proximity), and develop a plan of action (Execution). If this is you, email me at cohort@colburncareer.com The Three Pillars of Network Engineering Download the Three Pillars of Network Engineering: A Framework to Move Your Career to the Next Level at colburncareer.com Schedule a Free Career Strategy Call Schedule a free career strategy call at https://calendly.com/jeff-colburncareer/30min Contact me Contact me at cyberjobhacks@colburncareer.com About the Host Dr. Jeff Colburn is a network architect with 30+ years of experience and over a decade of mentoring network engineers. He helps engineers advance into senior and architect-level roles by focusing on three key areas: deep technical knowledge, design best practices, and technology selection rationale. His approach combines real-world experience with formal training in leadership and coaching, including a Master’s in Human Services Counseling (Executive Leadership) and certification as a Maxwell Leadership Team Coach. LinkedIn Profile: https://linkedin.com/in/jeffreyacolburn Cyber Job Hacks is the official podcast of Colburn Career Strategies LLC

Inside a recent episode

S3 E10 - Is the New Cisco CCNA 2.0 More Than Just Another Exam Update

Published 25 May 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] Let's get started. Hey, it's Jeff. Welcome to Cyber Job Hacks. Well, Cisco made an announcement last week, and we usually start seeing these things heading into Cisco Live. But with this announcement was the new version of the CCNA, version 2.0. Now, it's been six years since a major version release. […]

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 11 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

9

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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