Kevin

A new, young, and experienced IT Professional

Posted by irish12k on 11 Jun 2011

Now that was a semester I won't forget. To top off the last 5 months of college and Career Factor, I had my graduation on in May and then flew straight to TechEd NA. TechEd was an experience. :) The week in Atlanta was everything I expected, plus a little more. It was absolutely amazing to get to finally meet all the other participants on the show...

TechEd Day 3 : The student gets unleashed to more sessions

Posted by irish12k on 18 May 2011

Wrap-Up Last night I got to go adventure to some sweet parties around town and bump into other techies. I met people from all over the world and from different countries. That was sweet! Shout out to my Canadians that throw great parties!! I did not expect TechEd to be like this, but hey, it is an amazing way to get to network and watch other people...

TechEd Day 2, the very organized chaos

Posted by irish12k on 17 May 2011

Hello, hello, everyone! We're all here at the Geeks with Blogs.Net blogging station in the expo room right now.... It's another GREAT day at Microsoft's TechEd event in Atlanta. Yesterday, I got the chance to dine with some very fine folks from Microsoft for dinner at the Georgian Terrace Hotel. We got to shoot some cool video over dinner...

Final checklist for TechEd

Posted by irish12k on 16 May 2011

So tomorrow is TechEd North America. It's the start of a great GREAT week that will take place in Atlanta. If you are here, you know and see the excitement ahead of you. All TechEd's are known to be so overwhelming and packed full of well...everything! (sessions, meeting people, etc) Here's what I am doing: Praying for guidance, peace, and...

Kevin’s status update prior to TechEd

Posted by irish12k on 12 May 2011

Afternoon, everyone! Just wanted to recap on my exam progress, job searching, and sum up the last week before TechEd NA....well, next week! I'm so very excited!!! This time of life flies by and I'm definitely bringing a camera next week! I have a MTA Operating System cert ! Yet, many of you know, I failed my first two attempts at the Windows...

TechEd North America expectations

Posted by irish12k on 2 May 2011

Looking forward to TechEd, anyone going to the event could have so plenty of expectations. For me, this is my first TechEd, or even technology event that I've participated in, so some of my expectations are set high and some not. Hear me out: People I finally get to meet the cast of Career Factor! This will be so exciting! After working next to...

MTA exam thoughts

Posted by irish12k on 27 Apr 2011

MTA Exam thoughts: When I took the first exam - Configuring: Windows 7, 680, I failed it even on my second chance. The questions were very detailed and seemed particular and descriptive compared to the study materials I had available with my self-paced study kit. I did not know Microsoft was kind to recommend that I take these MTA exams to not only...

Microsoft Career Factor Reflection (part 1)

Posted by irish12k on 21 Apr 2011

When I originally applied for Career Factor, I did so with unknown expectations. I delighted in the opportunity. I also figured that Microsoft certifications were easy and that it was difficult to talk to other professionals that already have certifications. This is not the case. Sure, I have managed to not pass those first two attempts at the Windows...

The Fundamentals of Windows 7

Posted by irish12k on 21 Apr 2011

There are people out there studying for Windows 7 : Configuring just like me. I'm not the only one, I'm not the only one! My first two attempts at the 680 exam weren't winners but I've compiled some good resources from some mentors of mine and other roles on the show. I have a choice of taking MTA exams to help me build up to my knowledge...

Resume-tailoring with Heather Ackmann response

Posted by irish12k on 20 Apr 2011

Original Session Info : Career Essentials Resume/CV workshop yesterday with Heather Ackmann of Train Signal | Computer Training Videos 4/19/11 Job Interview Bootcamp. http://ow.ly/4AxID What I learned from the session: Optimize my resume for search engines by adding key words and elaborating on the specifics of technologies. If I had some great learning...

Confused. But not defeated.

Posted by irish12k on 14 Apr 2011

Test I failed my second chance! This wasn't a fun day, but after my exam (Windows 7: Configuring 680) yesterday I spent some time recuperating from my exam. It drained me to know that I failed something for a second time. I went out to eat with my girlfriend, and we had some good time just letting it sink in and focus on the right output. It was...

A week without a job. Time to be a student.

Posted by irish12k on 9 Apr 2011

What a productive week I had! This was my first week with zero hours of work, since the first 2 months of my freshman year, to not be working a 25 hours at a student worker position on campus or even off campus. My first job was with Eddie Bauer when I was 16. I've gotten to be a waiter as well for ClubCorp, and held positions on campus at the admissions...

Students - Freelance work

Posted by irish12k on 27 Mar 2011

* Through Microsoft’s Born To Learn Blog posts about students, I found: “Land a freelance gig – Freelance work may not be as glamorous as working with a Fortune 500 company, but it carries many benefits. First, you get relevant work experience while not having to sign on for a long-term commitment. This is perfect for the short-term...

Failed my MCTS Exam - this time

Posted by irish12k on 21 Mar 2011

This weekend, I took my first Microsoft certified exam. I got a 520. I didn’t pass it. But I know I will take it again and this does not set me back further than I can handle. At certain stages in life, God shows us his plan over our plan. One verse that is close in times of prosperity and struggle to me is Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the...

Exam tips 101 : The Day is coming!

Posted by irish12k on 18 Mar 2011

No, not graduation just yet. But my first Microsoft Certified Exam is tomorrow! I have studied hard for the MCTS exam (Configuring Windows 7 : 680) and I am a little nervous to be honest. Study tips that are working for me: How to study: Read a Self-Paced Training Kit. Check Amazon or O'Reilly if you need to search for any resources o In my case...

April 29: Kevin explores Dallas Baptist University and gives us an update on his resume and cover letter and progress:

March 30: Kevin gives us an update to what he's been doing the last month, including taking his certification exam:

February 25: Kevin gives a Friday night update

February 18: Kevin's video blog on MCCC, LinkedIn, and School!

Kevin's introductory video

My Blog

Kevin's Goal: Find an IT job after graduating from college

Certification Exams - provided by the Microsoft Learning Student Career Portal (get up to 55% off academic student certification exams)

Note: Academic exams are identified with the "72" prefix. The exam content is the same as that of the retail exams, which have a "70" prefix.

72-642 - TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
72-685 - Pro: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician

Practice Exams from MeasureUp

70-642 - TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
70-685 - Pro: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician

Relevant Learning Plans

Books and e-books Used - Provided by Microsoft Press

E-Learning Used

Other Resources Used

Microsoft Certified Career Conference - an online, 24 hour event that combines training sessions on Microsoft technologies and career skills along with a virtual fair with companies offering IT jobs
TechNet Plus Professional Subscription - Provided by TechNet, TechNet Plus is the premium technical resource for IT Professionals, offering access to full-version software, Microsoft e-Learning,
Microsoft Learning Career Portal - Chart your career and get the help you need to land the top IT jobs.

Kevin Dicken

Kevin is a college senior studying Management Information Systems at Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas, USA. He grew up as a technology enthusiast and found his niche helping those around him with their computer problems. As he moves towards graduation, he hopes to work as a business analyst for a large technology or security company. His ideal career would allow him to act as a liaison between tech staff and managers.

Technology is just one of his interests. Kevin also likes to work out, play sports, and be sociable. He likes to work with his hands and build things, ranging from working on old cars to refurbishing used cell phones.

In the last two years, Kevin has traveled to Africa and China on excursions arranged by DBU and his church. During these trips, he has identified his highest priorities as his family and his Christian beliefs.



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Kevin Dicken