What Actually Gets You Hired in IT (It’s Not Certs)
Mon Feb 02 2026
Dive deeper with Snow Goat — the free hands-on lab that inspired this video. https://hubs.ly/Q03CSkb80Plus, check out the Varonis blog for real-world cybersecurity insights https://hubs.ly/Q03CShBG0
Most people trying to break into IT or cybersecurity believe the same thing: get more certifications and eventually the job will come. But in today’s competitive tech job market, that approach is no longer enough. In this episode of the IT Career Podcast, Dakota sits down with Dr. Gerald Auger, founder of Simply Cyber Academy, to reveal what actually drives IT career growth. We unpack why certifications, degrees, and bootcamps are only a small piece of the puzzle and how personal branding, LinkedIn visibility, and professional credibility are what really separate people who get hired from those who stay stuck.
Gerald shares real-world insight from working with thousands of IT and cybersecurity professionals and explains how building a strong personal brand creates career opportunities long before you ever submit a resume. If you are trying to land your first help desk job, move into cybersecurity, or level up your IT career, this conversation will show you exactly how to stand out in a crowded job market and get noticed by recruiters, hiring managers, and industry leaders.
✅ Gerald Auger, Ph.D. Resources:Website: https://www.simplycyber.io/socialsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplycyberLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldauger/
🔗 Don’t wait—click here to start your tech career journey: https://thebeardeditdad.com/itcareeraccelerator/
Exclusive Career Resources✅ Weekly Insider Tips: https://thebeardeditdad.ck.page/55f710292b🎧Listen to The I.T. Career Podcast HERE:➡︎YT: https://itdad.info/ytpodcast➡︎Apple: https://apple.co/4aw0uVM➡︎Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yBcrfu
Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
#personalbranding #careeradvice #cybersecurity
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Dive deeper with Snow Goat — the free hands-on lab that inspired this video. https://hubs.ly/Q03CSkb80Plus, check out the Varonis blog for real-world cybersecurity insights https://hubs.ly/Q03CShBG0 Most people trying to break into IT or cybersecurity believe the same thing: get more certifications and eventually the job will come. But in today’s competitive tech job market, that approach is no longer enough. In this episode of the IT Career Podcast, Dakota sits down with Dr. Gerald Auger, founder of Simply Cyber Academy, to reveal what actually drives IT career growth. We unpack why certifications, degrees, and bootcamps are only a small piece of the puzzle and how personal branding, LinkedIn visibility, and professional credibility are what really separate people who get hired from those who stay stuck. Gerald shares real-world insight from working with thousands of IT and cybersecurity professionals and explains how building a strong personal brand creates career opportunities long before you ever submit a resume. If you are trying to land your first help desk job, move into cybersecurity, or level up your IT career, this conversation will show you exactly how to stand out in a crowded job market and get noticed by recruiters, hiring managers, and industry leaders. ✅ Gerald Auger, Ph.D. Resources:Website: https://www.simplycyber.io/socialsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplycyberLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldauger/ 🔗 Don’t wait—click here to start your tech career journey: https://thebeardeditdad.com/itcareeraccelerator/ Exclusive Career Resources✅ Weekly Insider Tips: https://thebeardeditdad.ck.page/55f710292b🎧Listen to The I.T. Career Podcast HERE:➡︎YT: https://itdad.info/ytpodcast➡︎Apple: https://apple.co/4aw0uVM➡︎Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yBcrfu Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. #personalbranding #careeradvice #cybersecurity