Career Mentoring in IT
Support for people starting out in IT, growing into cybersecurity, or trying to better understand certifications, hands-on learning, community involvement, and career direction.
Work directly with me
Need a second opinion on a technical project or career question?
Over the years, readers, IT professionals, homelab enthusiasts, and community members have reached out looking for practical advice, honest feedback, and one-on-one guidance. This page is designed for those who want direct access to my experience in a more personal and approachable way.
I focus on technical advisory, mentoring, and knowledge sharing. I am always happy to connect with people who are looking for perspective, encouragement, practical next steps, or simply a chance to talk through an idea with someone who has real-world experience.
At this time, I am open to these conversations on an informal, no-cost basis. My goal is to support others, share what I have learned, and give back to the broader IT community in a way that feels approachable and genuine.
Areas I can help with
Technical advisory topics
These are the kinds of topics I am most often asked about. The emphasis is on guidance, recommendations, planning, and skill development.
Homelab & Proxmox Guidance
Advice on building or improving a homelab, choosing hardware, organizing storage, planning backups, setting up Proxmox, and creating a practical learning environment.
Open-Source & Self-Hosted Tools
Help exploring open-source options, comparing tools, and understanding how platforms such as Nextcloud, Linux, or self-hosted services may fit your goals.
Technical Content & Personal Branding
Guidance for professionals who want to share what they know through blogging, community contribution, documentation, or building a stronger technical presence online.
Mentoring
Mentoring for IT professionals and enthusiasts
One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been helping others grow. Whether you are early in your IT journey, moving toward cybersecurity, or building skills through a homelab, I enjoy helping people make progress with practical advice and encouragement.
Mentoring sessions are informal, personal, and built around your questions. They are a good fit for people who want perspective, direction, and honest feedback from someone actively working in the field.
Good fit for mentoring if you are:
- Starting a career in IT or cybersecurity
- Building a homelab to gain real hands-on experience
- Trying to decide which certifications or learning path make sense
- Looking for feedback on a technical project or career direction
- Wanting to grow your confidence with Microsoft technologies or security concepts
Let's connect
Mentoring and technical conversations
I enjoy connecting with readers, IT professionals, and technology enthusiasts who are working on interesting projects or exploring new ideas. Conversations through this page are focused on mentoring, technical discussions, and sharing knowledge.
If you are interested in connecting, send me a brief note about what you are working on and what kind of guidance you are looking for. I am always open to thoughtful conversations around these topics and supporting others where I can.
About me
David Bradette
I’m an IT professional, blogger, mentor, and Microsoft MVP with a strong interest in cybersecurity, Microsoft technologies, open-source tools, and hands-on lab infrastructure.
My professional background includes over 25 years of experience in IT, with a focus on infrastructure, security, support, and practical problem-solving. Outside of my day-to-day work, I enjoy sharing what I learn through my blog, community involvement, and one-on-one conversations with others in tech.
Why people reach out
People usually contact me because they want help from someone who can explain technical topics clearly, offer practical advice, and bring a mix of real-world experience and community-minded perspective.