Welcome to Calum McKinlay's Portfolio

I am passionate about IT, focusing on helpdesk and networking. I have had an unconventional path towards this field. My prior career was in Hospitality as a chef. A lot of office admin, and time fixing IT-related issues at various restaurants in various situations revealed the world of IT and Networking as a natural next step in my career/life..

Such work-related issues include, but are not limited to: malfunctioning office and ticket printers, POS networks going down, wifi outages, ISP conflicts, and general Windows office-related issues, such as slow-running OS, computer failures, virus protection, and network congestion.

I have always had an interest in computers at an enthusiast or greater level. I have garnered several industry certifications and skills, and know that this is the time for me to proceed with this new career. This portfolio showcases my educational achievements, projects, and skills, reflecting my commitment to excellence in the technology field.

About My Journey

My IT Aspirations

My ultimate goal in IT is to become a network Engineer. I truly find it fascinating how computers, especially large networks, communicate with one another. Many of my personal projects revolve around network connectivity of some sort. From one of my first projects involving Plex Media Server hosted in a FreeNas container, to more complex projects involving Enterprise Cisco Appliances connecting Virtualized clients to the web, or hybrid cloud/on-prem networking using VPNs, which I've started to learn more about.

I understand I will need to spend some time paying my dues, likely on the helpdesk, either facing out to customers or supporting the IT needs of employees in an internal environment. I know that I am still towards the beginning of this exciting adventure, and I am up to the task. My never-quit attitude, combined with my passion for continued education and pursuit of knowledge, should guarantee me a bright future. Explore my journey in IT, highlighting my dedication to the helpdesk and networking. This portfolio is a testament to my skills, projects, and educational accomplishments in the ever-evolving tech landscape.