Homeless security guard to CCIE: You can't train ambition: Katherine McNamara shares her story 

Katherine's details: Blog: www.network-node.com/ Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/katherinermcnamara Twitter: twitter.com/kmcnam1 Routergods: www.meetup.com/routergods/ Katherine's story: 10 years ago: - I was barely starting out in IT with no college degree or certifications making $12.50/hr -Worked as a security guard at night to barely scrape together money for study materials and certs. I only had 4 hours between the two jobs to sleep. - Couldn't afford regular meals so I was eating out of a snack machine most of the time. - My stress levels were through the roof since my car was always breaking down, didn't have any savings or really a place to live to call my own. - I was probably in a constant state of working through any illnesses I caught because I couldn't afford to take a day off. Friends who saw me during this time said I was wrecked and I certainly felt like it. Now in 2018: - Finished college and grad school - Definitely have some certifications out of the way - In a job that I love - I don't have 2 full time jobs with only 3-4 hours inb - I've achieved a lot of great professional goals and I have a lot more on the horizon that I'm working on - I eat much healthier now - I work out - My personal life is much better. Here's to another 10 years of progress and health! See here: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6490492376430313472

I have similar story...4 years ago I was Security guard making barely 10eur/h. Started studying hard, got my CCNA RS and CCNA Security in 3 months from scratch. Then got my first IT job in DataCentre. Continued studying for CCNP and after six month later passed all three exams. Then started looking for Network Engineer position, and found in less than 2 months. Now it's my 3rd year when I'm working as a Network Engineer for mobile operator, and have passed CCDA and CCDP last year. Also got extensive experience working with multivendor environment, like Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, HP, DELL, and much more. Almost making six figures :) Hard Work always Pay off..keep studying and everything is possible, sooner than you can imagine.

1) You can't train ambition. 2) Make yourself stronger than your excuses. 2 of the best quotes i've gotten from David's vids so far and im sure more to come. Thank God for these people inspiring other people.

I went through the same situation worked as a security guards during night 12 hour shift but gave me the chance to study for CCNA now im a 1st line network support Ccna changed my life

I was lucky enough to attend a training course a number of years ago with Katherine McNamara..(she was taking the same course)......she's an absolute legend in the IT sector and an inspiration to all. She nails it every time, and is one of the most impressive engineers I've met in nearly 30 years

Ive seen this video at least 10 times since I started working towards my first cert. 3 years ago, I was working loss prevention for target making $13 an hour. Now with just a sec+ and ccna(ccnp on the horizon), I started a job 2 months ago with a 6 figure salary. Im not saying this to brag or inflate my ego, I'm saying this because if a clown like myself can do this, than anyone can do it with enough time and effort put towards labbing and studying. Keep grinding guys. We all deserve success

I Love this woman and her story. I follow her on Twitter and didn't realize this was her journey. I remember working 80-90 hours working 2 help desk jobs. She really motivates me to become a CCIE one day.

"i have meet people who have one year of experience 20 times" that's very deep. thank you for making me realize that at my very beginning as a cybersecurity engineer, much respect 🙏🙏👏👏

Good interview since it hits home. Since I've become homeless myself I've gotten my Sec+ cert and am close to getting ICND2 / CCNA. Hoping to get (back) into the IT field.

Im homeless now living in the local Salvation Army (long story). I recently was accepted into a program to study and take a+, netwrk+ and security+ . Im excited and scared and grateful its an opportunity that is beyond belief to me.

I have the pleasure of knowing Katherine in person and she is truly an inspiration every day

Mashalllah a great inspiration not only for women but also men....

I watched this video few days before my last interview at Cisco and I took all the Katherine advices. Now I’m part of Cisco and I’m very grateful with this kind of videos and the sensibility of David. THANK YOU!

Katherine is such an awesome person really glad to see her tell her story. I've seen her work habits through Routergods and she is forever hungry.

She has an inspirational story, that is the first time I’ve heard the homeless to CCIE from her. Great interview David. Katherine’s online training in Security has been helpful for me in my studies.

It's AWESOME to hear another story like this! I also was underemployed, at one point living on a friend's couch, only working 2 days a week, etc. Worked my way up always learning, got my CCIE nearly 10 years ago, work for a large tech company playing with the latest and greatest, great $$. Even then it's always been new things. The learning never stops. If it does you should be nervous! Congrats to Katherine and for everyone watching you can do it too!

"You can't train ambition" - love that one it's so true. Thank you for the interview.

If i were to settle down with someone, she must have a similar passion and attitude to life like this...amazing individual you are Katherine, your story is a Hollywood type and ma'am you just woke me up from "sleep". I'd be honored to have you as a real friend. Thanks David for this interview and for bringing such awesome people like this on...

I've found my community. You're all very supportive... thank you

Correct me if I am wrong, and I am sorry if I am wrong: but is she the one in Paris Hilton's RU-vid documentary? I think it's her, and if that's true: Katherine McNamara is a survivor of Provo Canyon school, which is a psychiatric youth residential centre in Utah, well known for abusing the students. What an inspiration she is, as a human: after such a tough and abusive childhood, as well as a tough adult life to begin with: about which she speaks in this video, she has reached such great heights! I honestly am short of words to speak about the inspiration she is!

Simply amazing, you can't teach ambition, that'll forever stick, so true!

I passed my CCNA same day as David, and I'm currently working on CCNP (will take the exams immediatly after the Lockdown has passed) and start persuing CCIE. thanks for the mortivation @David-Bombal and @Katherine McNamara. This is shear hard work... then there's these suckers who thumbs-down other peoples videos, if you don't vibe with someones content...move on instead of feeding negativity into other peoples craft.

Thank you for sharing your story, Katherine. I empathize with you completely. I've been where you were and knew I had to do something about it or risk forever being a "could've been". I'm far too stubborn (Scorpio and Sicilian) to just give up though. So now I'm working towards my CCIE, knowing it will lead to my dream job. When one works a job they love, it never feels like work. Ambition indeed cannot be taught. Neither can perseverance and resilience, which are two important qualities when it comes reaching such a lofty goal as the CCIE. Let alone two. Congratulations on your successes and on being the central character in such an inspiring story.

She’s amazing! I’m very impressed! My future instructor David and motivation from Katherine.

The point Katherine made about Job Titles versus Role. Seriously, the truest statement ever made. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I was hired as a Systems Admin, only to do everything from Network Admin to Network Engineer, if there is such a thing as Title and Job Description. The problem I faced, was that I did the Network Engineering stuff as my primary, but my title never changed, therefore, i was passed up on future potential employment, due to that fact. I even had a previous Manager call me (before I was hired) and ask me, if I was a Systems Engineer or a Network Engineer; since my Titles stated one thing, but the experience stated another. While I believe Titles are nothing more than that, a title; too many people give too much credence toward them, thinking that the title dictates your experience. It's very unfortunate that some companies do that.

WOW. I just found this video and I been following you for about as long as this has been out. Inspiring

This popped up on my RU-vid feed. First time visitor. Thanks for sharing her story.

Wow, I know I am a little late to the party, but that was an excellent interview and story. Some great advice from Kat! As you can tell by my profile picture, I am old. I have been in this field my entire work-life, with a few transitions along the way. I remember making the switch from electrical engineering to IT and taking a course from a very smart and talented network engineer. She told the class that technology changes so fast and the demands for training are never ending. She continued that you can only do about 18 months to 2 years at a time, then you need a break. She became a barista for about 6 months or so every couple of years. I couldn't imagine that at the time and thought it would never apply to me. She was right that the technology changes fast and that you will always be training, but I have never tired of that. It's what makes the job so interesting to me. I can not tolerate the boredom of a stagnant job. A job in IT is anything but stagnant unless YOU choose it. And if you do choose it, you will devalue yourself. You have to constantly be learning. One thing I would add to what Kat said... When I started in IT, you could pretty much be an expert at everything if you wanted to be. The roles and technology silos were not that clearly defined and were closely enough related that you could more or less master every area. That is no longer the case, not even close to being true anymore. There is just too much breadth and depth now-a-days in technology, you can not be an expert at everything. Heck, it's even hard to be an expert on one area, say routing. There is so much to it, datacenter routing, WAN routing, storage routing, cloud routing, voice routing etc. You have to focus on one thing for a while. If you want to switch up after you feel you have conquered that, then find another area to focus on and do the same there.

Thank you David for this, I really really needed this because I resonate with her quite alot. I was among the best in school, then got to uni but life came in the way (my mom got sick and needs someone almost all the time) so I dropped out. After that was basically like her, a slave working shitty jobs and simply put, I was barely able to make ends meet. It was in this dark hour that somehow you find the true you and I decided to do the heavy networking stuff and follow the CISCO Route. I have passed ICND1 in december and i am currently learning for ICND2, and after watching this video at 3 am in the morning while Spanning Tree Protocol is busting my ass I feel even more determined to push forward. Gonna make myself a pint of coffee and I'll see you next as a CCNA.

what an incredible story thanks for sharing! Currently on my own IT journey. Just took and passed my net+ yesterday after career swapping from the service industry. One positive of COVID!

I'm studying computer science I'm good at programming but when it comes to networking i stuck i feel bad about that , but when i see videos like this , stories like this, persons like david in this lady i feel good and i have motivation to perfect myself at networking and become a ccie or professional in cyber security engineer, thank you so much for this content 🌹

What an inspirational story. I keep telling my 16 year old son he should get into Security and networking but he's not interested. He's very clever as well. I guess you can bring a horse to water but you can't force him to drink. One day he may realize there are great opportunities out there if you put the work in.

True definition of a SLAY QUEEN!!!

Love this. I’ve been working operational security for 4-5 years since I was 18 I was interesting in the sheriffs roles and correctional officer field but life gets in the way personal and sub human conditions were applied. I’m now focussing to the HR manager field and keeping my manpower security experience and credentials and use it alongside with a university management and accomodation/Infrastructure/after hours experience into this field anything security cyber with HR potential government or anything is the dream.

She's amazing. Much respect.

I saw here post on linked in about this a few months ago - it's cool she's sharing her story. It's very hopeful that with hard work - you can go as far as you want.

I needed to hear this. I love people who motivate others!

i remember i listened to this back when i worked at fedex office, then i didn't have any certs. this just popped back up in my feed and now i have my A+, Net+, and Sec+, its a good feeling. i tried to use this year as chance to throw myself into IT after getting furloughed from fedex, oddly enough it was the best thing to happen to me. i was able to use the extra free time get the A+ and Sec+ which allowed me to get a job in a NOC working over night, which enabled me to get my Net+ not too long ago while having my job pay for it. Now i'm working on my CCNA with hopes to learn linux(maybe through the linux+) and python, i know i have so much to learn (AWS, GCIH, CEH, CCNP) i can't wait to get deeper into networking and security. On another note she is completely right about not bloating your resume its good to put skills you hope to learn but make sure you label them, i was just as honest as possible with the company i work for now and told them i had a lot of theory under my belt but no hands on experience they let me in and its been a huge jump in not only learning environment but also with peers who hope to attain similar goals which i think is invaluable. The pay is nice too.

thank you so much, David. Katherine's story is absolutely amazing and it is very motivating for all of us.

Thanks David! This woman is truly remarkable!

Absolutely the best / most helpful video interview of someone working in the cybersecurity field that I've seen so far. As someone who's been working in IT for 20+ years, this was most valuable as I begin to shift my focus toward CySec. Thank You!

I find it impressive that she could study on 4 hours of sleep. After our 2nd child was born with a 2 year old also fatigue became a huge factor and concentration was tough even with discipline

wow katherine ....you are such a motivation for all. I watched all your ISE videos, it helped me alot.

Ms.Katherine story somewhat resembles to my life and now you've inspired me even more on my way to ccna as a start in this industry.I am also a cyber security enthusiast. Thanks Mr.David.

Mr.David. you make my life to studying more and more. Thank you very much.

wooah i didn't know that she was homeless. I looked at her linkedin profile 2 weeks ago and was really impressed by skillset and experience she possessed. really happy for you katherine. 👍

Oh wow she's cool! Glad to see her interview and hear her story. I follow her on LinkedIn. Very knowledgeable and insightful. This is my 5th lab attempt, and I don't see stoppage anytime in my future. Her story inspires me to keep drilling

Thanks Dave, for such an inspiring interview with Katherine McNamara. You have lately becoming my IT role model. Thanks for all you do.

Great ethics, passion and drive to learn will also win, it’s also about doing things you love. I fell in love with computers at 15, I am now 56 and even though I have been a tech PMO and manager for 12 years I love the tech and still know more than 98% of people, which shocks me every week! Just found David and chucks stream - they are such fun delivery of content ! Well done guys 👍 security will get more and more important with time and it’s unique , constantly evolving and requirements increasing .

Very inspirational! An example of how you can achieve anything as long as you work hard and put your mind towards it. Thank you!

Seeing this now I'm confident that my approach of always keep learning really does pay off, currently working towards ccnp security.

Man....I had to share this to Twitter! Excellent as usual!!!!

Thanks David; Katherine is great and an inspiration for us all

Concurrent with any IT studies, you should be working on Linux. It will help you in all areas of IT. Try doing most/all your work on a Linux VM, primarily in the terminal (bash shell). That will expand your tech understanding greatly.

Just finished watching this really good vid. TYVM David & Katherine. It was a lot of great advice and really enjoyed Katherine's career in IT. Def. motivational and makes me wanna hit the books again and work towards my CCNA. Currently a HD Analyst.

Thanks David for this interview with Katherine. Her words have affected me positively.

Hey David, only just recently found your RU-vid Channel and I wish to thank you VERY much for the excellent content you publish. Thanks VERY much to Katherine for sharing her hard and inspirational journey, and her work with 'RouterGods' and giving back to the community. I share and watch these sorts of things with my kids in the hope that they take some of the inspiration in (as well as me)! Many, many thanks, cheers Stewart

What a great interview, I just found her RU-vid channel she has good training video.

I remember Kat from the GLORY YEARS of the Techexams forums. Her 10+ year glow up is the stuff of legend.

i been a fan from your blog and video but suddenly landed on this video and i saw this for the first time

David, you are always the best. Thank you for all your efforts to hep inspire people.

I know im late to watch this video...but its really inspiring one...post more of these!!!...People need inspiration more these days to move forward with confidence.

Humbling story nice work Ms. Kath!

Thank you David and Katherine. It gives a lot of motivation to us to fulfill our dreams working in IT, security or whatever we have dreamed about...

No joke. I saw this thumbnail at the side of various videos in RU-vid for a very long time. Why it always popped there I guess just Algorithm of RU-vid. Anyway I marked it for "To Watch Later". That was well over a year ago. I'm just watching it now. I'm so sorry I hadn't watched this earlier, but at least I got around to watching it vs having never at all. I find this very inspirational. And since i'm also actively studying for the New CCNA 200-301 I find even more meaning and inspiration in having watched this at this time. The Ambition quote is spot on. David, you should carry and extra mic for times like that your doing an on spot interview and need another mic. I didn't learn router labing watching this video, but the information learned was of Labing of Life, just as valuable in the effort, time and persuit of things I found helpful from the interview. I've watched your motivational stories just dropping in and out of your channel. We do need more inspirational stories like this though sadly as they are not often shared. Much inspiration can be shared from people like Kathrine and their stories. Great I was also able to find her blog and Twitter as well. Great video. Also shared and sent this video to a friend in NY that's a Security Guard whom i went to high school with. Maybe, it can help change his life a well.

this reminds me of the book the intuitionist for some reason. there was a character who was a security gaurd who spent his time studying a university by mail course. I guess when you keep at it for long enough though you actually get somewhere!!! Too easy to give up though when you see how long it will take to get there. Which is what I think most people do.

SHE IS BRILLIANT

Thank you, David, for posting this. Very encouraging!

Wow she is an inspiration, thank you for sharing such an informational and motivational video, thank you David Bombal you are the best!!! Love you

This woman is an inspiration.

Kathy thak you for inspirational story! Came across this video and I can tell you I'm glad that I have found you David.

OMG! she is amazing, i need to move to California. where i live... well, at least they were willing to give her a chance in the IT field. That interview is really moving for me. Thanks

I like her. Her mindset is similar to some of the people I work with

She is an absolute rockstar. Unbelievable.

New to David's channel and I'm hooked. His content is very motivating. Awesome and inspiring interview. Thank you for sharing.

I needed this. Much appreciated.

what an inspiring lady.

Amazing inspiring storey, been studying for my CCENT

This is a life advice exactly what I needed to hear!!! Thank you Katherine and David for sharing your story. Great interview David ;-)

Oh my god. Katherine side by side with David. Two CCIE Guru together

Simply amazing! I love this story and example of life and why anything is possible in life. We are our only obstacle! Thank you David.

An Excellent and really motivational story. Now to get off my butt and train, just have to tear myself away from tutorial hell. Thanks David for always providing awesome content.

Absolutely Fantastic Story, Katherine your my heroine.

Katie is a great person! I am lucky to count her as a friend!

I almost destroyed the replay button on this video XD. There's a lot of great advice in just a few minutes. Thanks for creating this wonderful video David!

"Work with people who are smarter than you."

Katherine story is very inspirational i must confess.I connected with her on LinkedIn sometimes last year or early this year.I read her story on LinkedIn when the 10 years challenge stuffs came on-board.I already had my CCNA which unfortunately expired around last year, but i will re-certified very soon.I just want to finish my Msc program for now and hit back on track.I am still getting my hands dirty on alot of lab at my free time in grad school for now.All i need do is to study for few months and re-certified because one of the certification i will love to have on my resume is CCIE.David thanks for sharing this video and thanks for the good job you are doing much appreciated.

Thank you very much for this Katherine, I hope you the best

Wow Katherine. You are an inspiration.

Passed my CCNA Security Yesterday....now i'm working on Linux cert, since I'm in a Service Desk dept.so I Need ti know a lot of technologies...and in this year I want to achieve at least one another cert: VCP or CCNP RS...Just keep studying and Never give up..."no winter lasts Forever", let the bad times go away and focus on your professionals and personal goals! Great job David!

This is true if you are willing to learn you will grow definitely. Dual ccie cheers. Congrats for achieving this milestone. #woman has more strength than anyone in this world.

Excited to watch this, love the motivational/real life content you put out

Great Story! And her words "Sometimes you have to put that sacrifice to get where you want to !" touched me and motivated me a lot. Thanks David for this interview with Katherine.

She's amazing... Inspiring story. Congrats to Katherine.

This woman just found what she really loves and is good at. With a bit of motivation and patience she made it through and fulfilled her potential. Currently on my way towards last mcsa exam ;)

She's awesome. She has a lab video series on RU-vid that I watch. I learned a ton from it. She's a really smart engineer. Much respect!

Who sat on a journey, he should arrive! motivated story for every one in this track and want to get inside this track...thanks for sharing this amazing story

From sleeping on couches doing entry level jobs for $12.50/hr to a six figure salary in 10 years. Her confidence levels are through the roof and it shows in the way she speaks. Awesome.

Awesome interview, Katherine is awesome! Very inspiring, thank you

Another great video David, thank you 👌