What I studied
This week I continued working through the OverTheWire Bandit Linux challenges and studying for Functional Skills Level 2 English.
I also attended a college open day to learn more about an Access to HE Level 3 Computing course and evaluate whether it was the most effective use of my time as I work towards a career in Cloud and DevOps.
Key concepts
- Qualifications and learning are not always the same thing
- Time is a limited resource and should be allocated carefully
- Self-study allows you to focus on the skills most relevant to your goals
- Linux develops problem-solving skills, not just technical knowledge
- Career progression requires prioritisation as much as effort
What I didn’t understand at first
I went into the open day assuming that the Access to HE course would be the obvious next step.
However, after reviewing the curriculum, speaking with admissions, and comparing it against my long-term goals, I realised that much of the material most relevant to my future career could be learned independently.
I also realised that some parts of the qualification, while valuable for many students, would not move me significantly closer to my specific goal of entering Cloud and DevOps.
What clicked
The biggest lesson this week was that progress is not simply about doing more.
It’s about identifying the activities that provide the highest return on your time and energy.
I realised that I can spend the next year studying Linux, cloud computing, networking, Python, certifications, and practical projects directly while preparing for university entry in October 2027.
Rather than following a path simply because it appears traditional, I’m learning to evaluate whether each step genuinely contributes to the destination.
Sometimes the most productive decision is deciding what not to do.
What I’ll do next
- Continue progressing through OverTheWire Bandit
- Keep preparing for Functional Skills Level 2 English
- Build a structured self-study roadmap for Linux, cloud, networking, and Python
- Continue researching pathways into entry-level technology roles
- Prepare for part-time university study while working towards breaking into the industry beforehand
