IT student at Ensign College (BYU Pathway) · Building toward an IT Bachelor's degree · Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
I'm working through a 3-certificate IT Bachelor's degree program at Ensign College, connected through BYU Pathway Worldwide. My first certificate - Technical Support Engineer - is already earned and in hand (February 2026). I'm currently about 80% through my second certificate, with the third ahead.
I approach technology from first principles. I'd rather read the error carefully than skip to the fix. Understanding the why matters more to me than just knowing the how.
| Status | Certificate / Program |
|---|---|
| ✅ Earned (Feb 2026) | Technical Support Engineer Ensign College |
| 🔄 1 course remaining (after this block) | 2nd Certificate - Ensign College |
| 🔄 Started (1 course in progress) | 3rd Certificate — Ensign College |
Cumulative GPA: 3.27 (Ensign College)
| Course | Description | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| CS104 | Python Scripting | A- |
| IT125 | Introduction to Information Technology | B+ |
| IT255 | Networking Fundamentals | B+ |
| IT210 | Linux Fundamentals | B |
| IT235 | Cloud Server Administration | B- |
| IT143 | Database Design and Analysis | A |
| IT160 | Cloud Computing Essentials | B- |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Languages | Python · SQL · Bash (learning) |
| Operating Systems | Linux (Ubuntu/Ubuntu Server) · Windows Server 2022 |
| Networking | Fundamentals · TCP/IP · subnetting concepts |
| Cloud | AWS concepts · Cloud server administration |
| Databases | Relational design · Dimensional modeling · SQL queries |
| Virtualization | Oracle VirtualBox · VM provisioning |
| Security Concepts | Cyber Kill Chain · UFW · AppArmor · system hardening basics |
| Tools | Git (learning) · APT · systemd |
Labs, coursework projects, and personal practice as I build skills publicly. Focus areas:
- Linux server configuration and hardening
- Networking exercises
- SQL and database design projects
- Python scripting practice
- Cloud infrastructure concepts
- Advanced Linux - final 3 weeks · counts toward 2nd certificate
- Cybersecurity Foundations - final 3 weeks · counts toward 3rd certificate · Cyber Kill Chain, SOC workflows, threat detection, blue team fundamentals
- After this block: 1 course left to finish the 2nd certificate
- Python scripting for automation
Connect if you're studying IT or cybersecurity, working in the field, or just want to talk through a problem.
"The quieter you become, the more you can hear." - Ram Dass (Also solid advice for packet sniffing.)