Welcome to My Cloud Security Engineering Journey

*Published: July 27, 2025 By Jean Pougoue*

👋 Hello and Welcome!

My name is Jean Pougoue, and I’m a Network & System Engineer based in the UK, currently working at KCP Network where I manage infrastructure across 70 hotel sites supporting thousands of users daily. But that’s just the beginning of my story.

This blog chronicles my journey from network engineering to Cloud Cyber Security Engineering – a deliberate, systematic transformation that I’m documenting in real-time to help others follow a similar path.

🎯 What This Blog Is About

Cloud Security Career Transformation – I’m sharing every step of my transition from traditional network engineering into cloud security, including:

  • Certification Journey – Real study plans, practice scores, and honest assessments
  • Technical Skills Development – From PowerShell scripts to Python automation
  • Hands-on Labs – Home lab configurations and cloud experiments
  • Career Strategy – Job applications, interviews, and professional development
  • Automation Projects – Building a portfolio of practical cloud security tools

Real Data, Real Progress – You won’t find generic advice here. I’m sharing actual practice test scores, study schedules that work (and don’t work), budget tracking, and genuine challenges encountered along the way.

🏗️ My Current Foundation

Technical Experience:

  • 5+ years in network infrastructure and cloud migration
  • Daily management of Microsoft 365/Entra ID environments
  • Experience with Cisco Meraki, Azure, and enterprise networking
  • Led migration of 200+ AccorInvest properties to cloud-managed infrastructure

Current Certifications:

  • ✅ Microsoft AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) – Exam scheduled July 31, 2025
  • ✅ Microsoft MS-900 (Microsoft 365 Fundamentals)
  • ✅ NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Cyber Security
  • 🔄 Cisco CCNA (Renewing November 2025)

🎯 The Goal: Cloud Cyber Security Engineer

Target Role: Cloud Cyber Security Engineer specializing in:

  • Authentication and Authorization systems
  • Cloud Security architecture
  • Network Design and automation
  • Microsoft Azure platform (primary focus)

Timeline: Foundation phase completion by February 2026

📋 The Roadmap: Phase 1 Foundation (July 2025 - February 2026)

Certification Track:

  • Microsoft AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) – July 2025 ✅
  • Cisco CCNA (Renewal) – November 2025
  • CompTIA Security+ – December 2025
  • Python PCEP + PowerShell Skills – February 2026

Portfolio Projects:

  • Azure VM deployment automation
  • Entra ID user lifecycle management
  • Network compliance checking tools
  • Security incident response automation

💡 Why I’m Sharing This Journey

Transparency Builds Trust – The cybersecurity field needs more diverse voices and real experiences. By documenting my journey openly, I hope to inspire others from non-traditional backgrounds to enter this critical field.

Community Learning – I learn better when I teach. Explaining concepts, sharing mistakes, and engaging with readers helps solidify my own understanding while potentially helping others.

📊 What You Can Expect

Weekly Updates featuring:

  • Progress dashboards with actual metrics and scores
  • Study session breakdowns – what works and what doesn’t
  • Technical deep-dives into challenging concepts
  • Automation project updates with code examples

🤝 Let’s Connect

Find me at:

🚀 What’s Next

My AZ-900 exam is scheduled for July 31st – just 4 days away! I’ll be sharing the complete exam experience, including final preparation strategy, real exam experience, and immediate next steps.

The journey officially begins now. Let’s build something remarkable together.

Next Post Preview: “AZ-900 Final Week: Practice Test Scores, Last-Minute Strategy, and Exam Day Preparation”