Overview

Along with my coursework in cybersecurity, I currently work as an IT Support Technician at Old Dominion University. In this role I provide remote Tier 1 technical support for students, faculty, and staff. The job allows me to apply many of the technical skills I have learned in school while also gaining real-world experience in an IT environment.

Working in technical support has helped me better understand how systems operate in a real organization. It has also strengthened my troubleshooting skills and taught me how to communicate technical solutions clearly to users who may not have a technical background.

Artifact: Real-World Technical Support Tasks

In my role I regularly help users solve a variety of technical problems. These tasks include troubleshooting Windows operating system issues, resolving login problems, and assisting users with account access.

Some common tasks I perform include:

  • Assisting users with password resets and account unlocks
  • Troubleshooting multi-factor authentication (MFA) issues
  • Supporting Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems
  • Helping with laptops, printers, and classroom technology
  • Documenting issues and solutions using a ticketing system
  • Escalating complex problems to Tier 2 support when necessary

Working in a help desk environment also requires managing multiple requests at once while maintaining clear documentation and communication with users. This helps ensure that issues are resolved efficiently and that systems remain available for students and staff.

Reflection

This experience has been extremely valuable because it allows me to apply technical knowledge in real situations. Every support request is different, which means I constantly have to analyze problems, identify possible solutions, and guide users through the troubleshooting process.

The role has also helped me understand how important security practices are when managing user accounts and sensitive information. Tasks such as password resets and authentication troubleshooting require careful attention to security procedures to ensure that accounts remain protected.

Overall this experience has strengthened both my technical abilities and my communication skills. It has given me a deeper understanding of how IT systems are supported in a real organization and has helped prepare me for a future career in cybersecurity and information technology.