Aviatrix Blog 
Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.
Our next hero spotlight is on Brennan Hunting, Quality Assurance Engineer. See our previous hero spotlights here.
Background: Building Knowledge with Constantly-Expanding Technology
Brennan started his networking career recently. “I got started with computer networking in 2023 through the US Air Force and have been working with Cisco networking devices, fiber, and copper cabling infrastructure part-time since,” Brennan explained. He currently works full time for TopNotchQA as a Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer testing software. He works closely with Developers and DevOps to help deliver high-quality software products.
“I have been studying AWS and working on a greater understanding of networking within enterprises, data centers, and the cloud,” he said.
Brennan described one of the challenges of his role: adapting to rapidly changing technology. “One of the greatest obstacles I have faced in my career so far is learning relevant knowledge and skills,” he said. “While information technology is constantly expanding, my time in the day is not.”
Brennan has responded by making learning a top priority. “Being early in my career means that I I have a lot to learn,” he explained. “I spend time studying every day to earn new certifications, build my knowledge, and play the long game of “enjoying the journey” and learning about cloud networking.” He’s currently certified as an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, NVDA Certified Expert, and more.
The Evolution of Networking: Hybrid and Public Cloud, AI, and Security
While Brennan started only a few years ago, he’s already seeing the networking industry change. “In my networking career, I have seen a continual push to hybrid and public cloud networking,” he said. “I see networking evolving to take advantage of AI to automate network configurations across large and complex networks, both on-premises and in the cloud.”
One area of focus is cloud security. “There is always a security conversation to be had, be it on premises or in the cloud,” he explained. “Information is power and protecting it is not just the responsibility of cloud providers and security engineers. Vigilance is a key best practice and network hardening is just as important in the cloud as on-premises.”
The Network is the Cloud: Bringing Ideas and Products to Life
To Brennan, “the network is the cloud” encapsulates innovation and transformation. He defines it as “the ability to leverage the mass amount of network infrastructure that cloud providers offer – and network engineers maintain – to bring valuable ideas and products to life, – without spending a fortune on local hardware cost and management.”
Outside of Work
In his down time, Brennan loves practicing martial arts.
Curious about other cloud networking heroes like Brennan?
- We’ll keep highlighting networking professionals on this blog.
- Learn more about the Cloud Networking Heroes program and apply on The Cloud Network Community.