Week 1 - Embracing a New Chapter: My Venture into Information Technology

 

Hi everyone! I’m Toni, and I’m excited to share my journey into the world of Information Technology with you all. After spending 15 years managing operations at a large retail company, I recognized it was time for a change and decided to return to school. Thankfully, the company I work for supports my educational goals by covering the full cost of my degree!

While initially considering pursuing a business degree, I realized my years of management experience already demonstrate my skills in that area. Instead, I wanted to explore an unfamiliar territory that piqued my interest—Information Technology. I’m eager to broaden my skill set and equip myself for new opportunities in the tech industry.

Although my experience building computers is somewhat limited, I've enjoyed assisting my husband with various builds for our personal computers. My approach was mostly research-driven—sourcing parts and understanding what was needed while he managed the hands-on assembly and any questions that came up. One fantastic resource I discovered is PCPartPicker.com, which helped me map out the essentials for a cost-effective and high-performing gaming PC.

After much consideration, I settled on the following setup:

• Case: Thermaltake View 200 TG ARGB ATX Mid Tower
• Processor: Intel Core i5-13400 10-core, 2.5 GHz
• CPU Cooler: Cooler Master I70C
• Motherboard: ASUS Prime B660M-A D4 Micro ATX
• RAM: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB)
• Storage: Western Digital Black SN770 1 TB NVMe SSD
• Graphics Card: Gigabyte Vision OC GeForce RTX 3070 (8 GB)
• Power Supply: Corsair RM750x (750W, 80+ Gold)
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home
• Monitors: Acer Predator XB273 GZ (27” 1080p, 280 Hz) & Acer Nitro XV1 XV271U (27” 1440p, 180 Hz)

I appreciate that PCPartPicker not only provides compatibility checks, such as needing a BIOS update for my CPU, but also offers insightful reviews and price comparisons across retailers. This level of detail is invaluable for anyone looking to dive into PC building!

Certification is significant for me as I transition into the IT world. I understand the importance of having credentials to back my skills and the necessity of continuous education to stay abreast of technological advancements.

I’m thrilled to begin this journey alongside my classmates and can’t wait to share my experiences, lessons, and insights as we explore the fascinating realm of technology together. Here’s to new beginnings and exciting challenges ahead!