Part 4 of 4:

4 Key Lessons in IT – Work Ethic:

The four most impactful “certifications” I brought to the table weren’t listed on my resume: Initiative, Work Ethic, Documentation, and Going Above and Beyond.

From Short-Term Contract to Long-Term Impact

M

y initial contract at BMW was supposed to be short-term, so I was surprised when it lasted much longer than expected. Just two days after the contract ended, I received a call from my manager asking if I had experience with Cisco routers and switches.

I explained that I held a CCNA certification from a previous role, though it had since expired. He told me they needed immediate support for a network refresh as their lease was expiring, and every three years, they replaced their switches and routers.

When he asked how soon I could start, I said, “Tonight—I’ll drive down right now.”

I arrived at the massive BMW campus in Spartanburg, SC, and was immediately introduced to the Senior Network Engineer and the Network Operations team. We toured the site, assessing hundreds of Cisco switches, primarily 6509s and 6513s. Coming from experience with the 2500 series routers, this was a thrilling learning opportunity for me.

The Day I Worked Myself into the Spotlight

One day, I became so engrossed in my task that I unintentionally became “missing.” I had skipped lunch, stayed focused, and ended up in the back of a scorching 90+ degree truck, double-checking inventory and verifying that every line card was properly seated.

The heat was intense—the truck’s metal frame was making that unmistakable “Tink Tink Tink” noise as it expanded. By this time, much of the networking equipment had been migrated, and I wanted to ensure everything was accounted for before we moved forward.

Word spread up the chain of command that I was nowhere to be found. Even Alonzo Seaborne (may he rest in peace) joined the search. When they finally found me in that sweltering truck, I explained, “I just want to make sure everything is ready so we can get this truck moving.”

They were impressed—not just by my dedication, but by my willingness to push through discomfort to get the job done. They told me to take a break, but the respect I earned that day would follow me far beyond that moment.

An Unexpected Opportunity

After the project wrapped up successfully, I returned home. The next day, my manager asked me to come into the office. He mentioned a Senior Network Engineer position and asked if I had experience at that level. He remembered my CCNA certification and asked if I’d be comfortable in such a role.

At the time, I was a self-taught Network Associate with limited real-world experience. He showed me the resume of another candidate—a highly experienced Senior Network Engineer—and asked if I thought my skills were comparable.

I answered honestly: “This guy’s resume is incredible. Based on technical knowledge alone, I’d hire him over me any day.”

His experience and credentials impressed me, and I fully expected him to be chosen for the role.

To my surprise, the upper management team from South Carolina reached out to my manager. They told him, “We don’t care how impressive the other candidate is—we want Bernard on the team.”

The Four Rare Certifications That Changed Everything

In that moment, I realized something important: technical skills are valuable, but character traits can set you apart in ways no certification ever could.

The four most impactful “certifications” I brought to the table weren’t listed on my resume:

Initiative: Showing up when it matters most.

Work Ethic: Pushing through challenges and going the extra mile.

Documentation: Ensuring every detail is accounted for.

Going Above and Beyond: Always exceeding expectations.

These intangible qualities made all the difference. They not only earned me a position as a Network Engineer at BMW Headquarters, but also shaped the trajectory of my career in ways I never thought possible.

It was truly a dream come true—and a powerful reminder that who you are matters just as much as what you know.

Written by Bernard Hardy – 2019 (Edited with assistance from ChatGPT to enhance clarity, structure and flow in 2025)