Darwin Chapuswike
L2 Support Engineer | Lusaka Province, Zambia
L2 Support Engineer | Lusaka Province, Zambia
January 10, 2025
Starting a career in IT can be daunting, but with the right mindset and skills, you can thrive. In this post, I share my journey from an intern at Algebra Global to an L2 Support Engineer, along with practical tips for troubleshooting, networking, and career growth. The IT field is vast, but it rewards persistence and curiosity.
My first tip: master the basics. During my internship, I spent hours learning TCP/IP, DNS, and basic scripting—skills that still form the backbone of my work at NetOne Zambia. Don’t rush to the flashy stuff like AI or cloud computing without understanding how networks function. Second, get hands-on. Volunteer for projects, build a home lab, or fix a friend’s Wi-Fi—real-world experience trumps theory every time.
Networking (the human kind) is just as crucial. Attend local tech meetups, join online forums, or connect with professionals on LinkedIn. I landed my first big break at Zambia Airports Corporation because a mentor recommended me. Finally, embrace failure. Early on, I botched a server update—hours of downtime taught me more about backups than any textbook could. Keep learning, stay humble, and you’ll go far.
