Between Exams and Experience

On October 25th, I received my results for the intermediate examination (AP1). To be honest, I hadn’t expected much, since most of what I had studied didn’t even appear in the test. But against all odds, I achieved an unexpectedly strong result: 89 out of 100 points, coming very close to the top grade. Considering that only a small portion of what I had prepared for actually appeared, a brief networking question and a simple UML diagram, I’m genuinely happy with the outcome. This first part of the final qualification counts for 20% of my overall grade, which gives me a solid foundation for what’s still ahead. The remaining three written exams each count for only 10%, which makes them less decisive, though of course I’ll still aim for high marks. The most important milestone is yet to come: the final project examination, which alone makes up half of the entire grade.

While the results were a great motivation boost, my focus has already shifted toward something even more defining - my internship. It began about two weeks ago and marks the start of a completely new phase in my training. After months of theory, simulations, and classroom work, I finally get to apply what I’ve learned in a real-world environment. My internship takes place at an IT service provider that specializes in data backup solutions, primarily for medium-sized businesses. The environment is practical and fast-paced, exactly what I was hoping for. From the first day onward, I was given responsibility and real tasks, not just observation time. It’s challenging, but in a good way.

The first few days were dedicated to settling in, getting to know the team, and setting up my workspace. I spent time researching how to configure a Domain Controller and establish an Active Directory domain without relying on DNS or DHCP server roles. Shortly after, I implemented the setup myself, configured remote access policies, and integrated a virtual machine into the domain. That early hands-on experience helped me understand not just the theory behind domain services, but also the dependencies and configuration details that are often overlooked in training environments.

As the days progressed, my responsibilities expanded. I learned how internal processes such as complaint management are documented, joined several team meetings, and started researching server technologies like Microsoft Exchange and Intra2net Business Server. I also explored different Linux operating systems to compare their performance and stability for potential use in client environments. During that time, I updated and integrated additional PCs into the company domain, which gave me a clearer understanding of how user management and policy application work in practice.

I soon started experimenting more deeply with Linux systems. I installed various lightweight distributions on older laptops, checked their hardware compatibility for potential Windows 11 upgrades, and created a structured comparison list to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. This exercise was particularly insightful, as it demonstrated how resource management differs across distributions and what makes certain systems better suited for specific use cases.

By the second week, I began joining field assignments, assisting with troubleshooting and hardware upgrades. One day involved resolving a TAPI interface issue, while another focused on preparing a workstation for the sales department, installing a new SSD, formatting drives, changing storage paths, and documenting every step along the way. Documentation is something I’ve come to appreciate more than ever; it’s not just bureaucracy but a record of precision and accountability.

Another task involved connecting a fiber line to a server, upgrading a client machine to Windows 11, and installing both Navision and SQL Server to support internal workflows. These projects demanded a good mix of technical knowledge and adaptability, and I enjoyed being part of a process where the results had a visible impact on daily operations.

The following week offered more routine but equally valuable experience. I managed emails, participated in meetings, and analyzed several laptops for hardware defects and boot issues. Some systems had corrupted installations, which I diagnosed and repaired. Later that week, I worked on printer maintenance and driver installations, created bootable USB drives, and set up two laptops with a lightweight Linux distribution that I had previously tested.

Toward the end of the week, I shifted back to a more infrastructure-focused workflow. I researched NAS, SAN, and iSCSI technologies, installed monitor mounts, and prepared several workstations for new users. I also conducted compatibility checks for Windows 11 across various hardware configurations and attended a technical webinar hosted by Huawei that covered enterprise collaboration and modern business conferencing systems.

To wrap up the week, I worked remotely via AnyDesk, creating new user accounts, assigning permissions, swapping domain PCs, and setting up a new workstation for another intern. I also integrated the Navision database into a Windows Server 2016 environment, which included locating and installing missing drivers and performing several configuration adjustments to ensure system stability.

Looking back at these first few weeks, I can already see how much this experience has expanded my understanding of real-world IT operations. From setting up domain controllers and managing infrastructure to troubleshooting, documentation, and client support, every day brings something new to learn. It’s a steep learning curve, but one that perfectly bridges the gap between classroom knowledge and professional practice. I’m beginning to connect the dots between theory and execution, and that’s exactly what I’ve been waiting for since the start of this journey.

Now that I’ve settled into my internship, I’m also back on track with my cybersecurity learning. My motivation hasn’t slowed down, quite the opposite. I’ve returned to TryHackMe and continue working through new challenges every week. The combination of practical system integration work during the day and hands-on cybersecurity labs in my free time keeps me moving forward. I’m still just as curious and hungry to learn as I was in the beginning, and this balance between both worlds feels like the perfect way to grow.