E127 - Daniel Teycheney at Dragonfly Technologies

On today’s episode of The Route to Networking podcast, we’re joined by Mitchell Cole, Senior Network Consultant here at Hamilton Barnes and Daniel Teycheney, Senior Automation Engineer at Dragonfly Technologies. During this episode, Daniel shares how he became to passionate about the world of Automation and the journey he’s been on in the Automation world to get to where he is today. He also talks about the most important skills one needs to get into the Networking industry.

Daniel’s career took an unexpected turn around 2015 when he was first exposed to automation. Intrigued by the possibilities it presented, he started exploring code and writing small snippets. This bit of automation sparked his curiosity, leading him to pursue it further. Recognising the need to enhance his skills, he embarked on a series of short courses focusing on Python programming, enabling him to develop the foundation necessary for automation in networking.

As he spent more time working on his automation skills, he began venturing into larger and more complex applications. The realisation dawned on him in 2019 that automation was not a passing interest but something he wanted to pursue, steering him away from the traditional networking path he had been following. Wanting more technical knowledge, he enrolled in a “Building Network Automation Solutions” course.

The onset of the global pandemic brought challenges to Daniel. During this time, he found himself facing redundancy, prompting him to explore new avenues. It was during this period he secured a role in automation for a large transport company. And then finally around a year ago, he joined Dragonfly Technologies.

Best route to take?

Although Daniel didn’t attend university as a student, his experience working with university-educated colleagues gave him valuable insights into the benefits of formal education. Universities offer technical content specific to your studies. They also give you essential skills such as teamwork and self-initiative, which are crucial for success in any professional setting.

Daniel also says that certs are not the be-all and end-all in looking at a candidate’s potential. However, when reviewing CVs, certifications can provide additional insights into an individual’s commitment and discipline.

Best skills?

When it comes to excelling in the networking industry, he stresses the importance of grasping the fundamentals of routing and switching. These core concepts provide the foundation upon which professionals can build their expertise.

He challenges the traditional saying of “soft skills” by changing that they are, in fact, “hard skills” that are indispensable in any role. While technical knowledge is important, you should also possess strong non-technical competencies such as effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.

Reflecting on his journey, he shares the advice he would offer his 16-year-old self: be prepared for lifelong learning and continuous personal evolution. The rapidly evolving nature of technology necessitates a mindset of constant adaptation and improvement.

Tune in on the 22/06/2023 to hear the full episode!