Peter Baker

Tell us about your current role?

I’m currently working as a Technical Support Engineer at Colva Tech. I am part of a team that provides Technical and IT Support to local business. This can range from password resets to implementing network and server infrastructures.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy learning and testing new technologies and the variation of tickets raised. Each day can be different, every customer can have unique issues and I like customer interaction, engaging with them, learning what they do. I get satisfaction in completing a project or troubleshooting.

What are the biggest challenges?

The biggest challenges I would say is staying up to date with the latest technologies, but this would also be something I enjoy. Another I would say is, having to think on the spot, sometimes we are faced with complex queries or issues that we may not have the answer to.

How do you feel your studies at Solent helped prepare you for your career?

My studies helped as it covered a lot of the day-to-day jobs such as server management (AD, DHCP, DNS, IIS). It also would cover a lot of Networking principles Particularly with Cisco (CCNA, CCNP) as this was my focus for the MSc course which I studied at Solent after my degree.

What advice would you give to those wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Stick to it, keep up to date with new technologies. Also look at industry certifications online, some companies may require specific ones other may even provide them. Quite often the training is free but companies will often fund the exams. Be a team player, put yourself out there.

What's next for your career?

I’m currently undergoing my Acronis Certifications. The plan is to become a certified partner. As with my career progression, next step is building my knowledge. Learning from the Senior techs, and one day, leading my own team, or even a company.