Created: 12-6-20

Updated: 12-6-20

Wow, so I did it. After a long time of dreaming for this day, looking at what other had done I never thought I’d be here too, that feeling when you completed a pinnacle of Microsoft Server Administration, and that boys and girls is the MCSE.

I’ve spent countless hours, days, and weeks honing my skills over the past 8 months from year of old with previous versions of Windows Server, this time using more Powershell than I ever did before. In the end I’ve been making Powershell scripts all the time now and no longer fear Powershell.

I’ve been employed IPSEC more often, setup ESAE, started using JEA, JIT is something I’m dabbling into more and more, Secure Boot & Bitlocker was once thought to slow down a PC but I’m finding the pros out weigh the cons, auditing the use of SMBv1 and then making SMBv3.1.1 mainstream, disablement of NTLM, making use of ATA, and utilizing audit logs to greater effect.

I’ve enjoyed getting more personal with server hardening and this is a must as this is a critical skill in todays IT landscape even as things migrate into Azure. In the end right now Azure is the next step for Microsoft solutions but most of the VM’s in Azure as still Windows Server-based and still need to follow the same law of security we have used for on-premises workloads.  Even though this is MCSE: Core Infrastructure, I think MCSE: Security is more fitting. 

This journey of the MCSA & MCSE has been rewarding to me, as I’ve learned so much while at the same time not learning much new. 

As I move forward into Azure, allot of these skills will follow me. I’ve got one more to go and that is MCSE: Productivity as I simply want a Exchange under my belt after years of administering, but not building out Exchange.

After that, undecided if I want to go VMware VCP/VCAP route 1st or go the Azure Certified Architect Expert or O365 Enterprise Administrator track. What I do know, if those 4 are my goals for 2021, just in what order I go. 

Whelp opening the 70-345 book this morning while have a cup of joe and onward I go towards the next one, but this has inspired me that with focus, determination, and sacrifices I can accomplish my dreams!