Let’s go for CCIE EI again with a fresh mindset!

I was planning to join the U.S. military after taking the ASVAB, but I got an internship at an American company, so I’m currently working there.

If I don’t become a full-time employee within four months, I plan to enlist in the military immediately.

Many people ask me, “Why would you join the military when you already have a CCIE certification?”

I've thought about this question countless times, and here’s why:

0. My Dream

The internet and network technologies I want to work with were created by the U.S. Department of Defense. My dream is to work where it all began.

1. U.S. Citizenship

To get a cybersecurity job, you must be a U.S. citizen. Citizenship is also essential for the second reason below.

2. Top Secret Clearance

The highest U.S. security clearance, Top Secret, is not something that ordinary people can obtain. It is usually given to military personnel. Having this clearance is like holding a lifetime trump card—it guarantees access to critical information that most people can never reach.

3. English

I don’t know how to improve my English. Will time solve this? 😞

4. Financial Responsibilities

Living in California is extremely expensive, which worries me. I also want to continue studying and eventually get a master's degree, but tuition costs are high.

There are many reasons, but ultimately, joining the military is the best path for me.

I keep wondering… Should I have chosen a cybersecurity job from the start? But since I only have a green card, I can't access network security positions that require citizenship.

The Journey Continues

My enlistment in the Air Force has been delayed by about four months. Maybe this is all part of the journey.

Since I have some extra time, I plan to challenge myself with another certification.

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My First Three Weeks in an American Company

It’s already been almost three weeks since I started working at an American company.

Every day, I see and experience so many new things.

Today, I left work early because I was sick. I don’t know if it’s COVID or just a cold, but I have a terrible cough, and it’s hard to talk. No fever, though.

Despite the challenges, I really enjoy working here.

Being in an English-speaking environment all day forces me to read and reread documents endlessly, analyzing every word.

However, I feel like an outsider at work. I haven’t made any friends yet because of the language barrier. Honestly, I can barely understand what people are saying.

It’s terrifying. I feel scared all the time.

I focus on surviving one hour at a time, pushing through the day.

Everyone is incredibly kind, and I genuinely want to work with them for a long time. The senior engineers freely share their knowledge, which amazes me.

But I haven’t built close relationships yet. There are days when I only say, "Good morning" and "See you tomorrow," and that’s it.

Most of the time, I’m just listening. Everyone seems to be on the phone all day, but I can’t even understand the conversations.

The English Struggle

I’ve studied English my entire life in Korea, yet I still can’t speak properly.

It’s exhausting.

But little by little, I’m starting to catch a few words.

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The Biggest Realization

Having worked in a Korean company for three years, I now feel like I was abused in Korea.

Thinking back, I was forced to attend company dinners, chugging two bottles of soju in 30 minutes even though I couldn’t drink. I even passed out on the streets sometimes.

After drinking so much, I still had to be the first to arrive at work the next morning.

That was my reality.

Compared to that, this feels like heaven.

Nobody tells me what to do or rushes me. Here, accuracy is more important than speed.

They teach me to work at my own pace and focus on being thorough.

Even though I’m only a Level 1 engineer, I feel like I am respected as a person.

People are always laughing at work. Everyone looks happy.

Of course, they are busy, but they silently do their jobs while supporting each other. Watching them makes me want to do my best for the team.

If only I could improve my English…

I love the work environment here so much that I want to stay forever.

The concept of leaving on time is also impressive.

Senior engineers are always on call, but my position doesn’t require that. It’s nice.

Of course, troubleshooting requires answering a lot of phone calls…

I still have many obstacles to overcome.

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Certifications & Future Goals

I believe the only way to overcome my language barrier is through technical skills.

Even though I have a CCIE Data Center (DC) certification, it doesn’t really matter here.

But I know that having the CCIE DC is what got me this job in the first place.

Without it, I wouldn’t have even had the chance to interview.

Certifications won’t make me better, but they open doors.

So, I will keep moving forward.

I am also studying VMware and Windows Server, and I plan to keep learning load balancing, Meraki, and other technologies.

My next goal is CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure (EI).

Even though I already have a CCIE, I believe pushing myself further will open even more doors.

I have my own huge desk at work—big enough for six people. I plan to display all my certifications there.

I already earned a VMware certification.

On July 28, I have a free $200 voucher from my company to take the Fortinet NSE 4 exam. I will definitely pass it.

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The End Goal

I don’t know where this path will take me, but I will keep going.

My CCIE DC opened the first door for me in the U.S.

I believe the CCIE EI will open another door to new opportunities.

If not, I’ll pursue CCIE Security next.

People say engineers are stubborn.

They say engineers recognize other engineers.

One day, I want to work at a company that excites me just by hearing its name.

Cisco, VMware, Nvidia, Meta, Amazon, Palo Alto, Juniper, Blizzard…

Or maybe even FBI, CIA, or the Department of Defense.

I want to be one of the best in my field.

I will keep pushing forward.

What will happen to me?

I don’t know.

But I’m excited to find out.