Episode Information Show Notes In this episode of Career Downloads, we’re joined by Oscar Diaz, a seasoned tech professional who takes us through the second half of his career journey. Oscar shares his experiences transitioning from government IT roles to becoming a Technical Account Manager, offering valuable insights for both newcomers and veterans in the tech industry. Key discussion points include: The transition from technical roles to management and back again The value of certifications and effective study techniques Balancing technical expertise with essential soft skills The critical importance of continuous learning in IT Strategies for explaining complex tech concepts to non-technical stakeholders Tips for career growth and finding your niche in the ever-evolving tech landscape Oscar’s story is a testament to the diverse opportunities within the tech world. He emphasizes that it’s never too late to enter the field or pivot your career, as long as you’re passionate and willing to learn. His journey showcases how skills from various IT roles can culminate in positions like Technical Account Management, where understanding both the technical and business sides is crucial. Whether you’re considering a career in tech, looking to advance in your current IT role, or curious about the day-to-day of a Technical Account Manager, this episode provides practical advice and real-world insights. Oscar’s experiences highlight the interconnectedness of technology across industries and the importance of adaptability in building a successful tech career. Tune in to hear Oscar’s perspective on the challenges and rewards of working in tech, and gain valuable advice for navigating your own career path in this dynamic field. 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your thoughts on this episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content! Website: https://careerdownloads.com YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@careerdownloads X/Twitter https://twitter.com/@careerdownloads TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@careerdownloads LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/career-downloads Instagram https://www.instagram.com/careerdownloads FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/people/Career-Downloads/61561144531249 #CareerAdvice #TechCareers #ITJobs #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerGrowth #TechnicalAccountManager #Virtualization #VMware #LasVegasTech #GovernmentIT #CareerDownloads Transcription Manuel: And I know we’ve talked a little bit about certifications in the past and kind of what are your thoughts towards them. So obviously I know that they are beneficial, but what’s the benefit that you see? Is it having that on your resume to try and get another role? Is it, you know, I’ve talked to different people and again, everybody has a slightly different idea of what the benefit is to you. So is it having something to put, you know, a couple of letters to put on your resume? Is it going through and forcing yourself to learn, you know, that technology? Sure, you can learn it hands-on, but I think with the certifications, it’s a very almost a prescriptive way. Like you have to know this material. So what are your thoughts on certifications, I guess in general? Oscar: It’s a double-edged sword with certifications, right? Some people think, oh, I just go get this cert and I’m an expert. The certification doesn’t say that, right? It just certifies that you know this portion of it or this much of this topic. And you know, I’ve worked with some people who are just go take the cert, but then know nothing of that product or just leave it alone afterwards. I think there’s still a lot of benefit to it because as you’re studying for the certification, whether you like it or not, you’re learning these things, right? Even if you’re just reading the same thing over and over, it’s going to stick in your head what these things are. So I always recommend go ahead and take the cert.