Jason Gintert, Founder of Bits In Flight and Co-Founder & President of the US Networking User Association, brings nearly three decades of experience in networking to this conversation, offering a rare perspective that spans from the early ISP boom to today’s AI-driven infrastructure. At his core, Jason identifies as a “people connector,” someone who thrives on bringing individuals together to share knowledge, solve problems, and grow professionally. Through his work, he’s helping build communities where real conversations and meaningful learning happen, especially in an increasingly digital world.
The discussion dives deep into the evolution of networking, from hands-on, hardware-focused beginnings to today’s software-defined, AI-enhanced environments. Jason shares practical advice for those entering the field, emphasizing the importance of fundamentals, continuous learning, and community engagement. He also explores the transformative role of AI in network operations, the shifting skill sets required of engineers, and why non-linear career paths can often lead to the most rewarding and unexpected opportunities.
Takeaways:
- Lead with connection, not just expertise: Building relationships and connecting others can be just as valuable as technical skill. In many cases, the opportunities you unlock for others will come back to benefit your own career in unexpected ways.
- Leverage community to accelerate learning: Join Slack groups, Discords, and user associations to ask questions and stay current. These communities often provide faster, more practical insights than traditional learning paths.
- Focus on fundamentals early in your career: Certifications are valuable—but only if you truly learn the material behind them. A strong foundation will make it significantly easier to adapt as technologies evolve.
- Avoid shortcuts in technical learning: “Brain dumps” may get you certified, but they won’t make you effective in real-world scenarios. Skipping the learning process can lead to costly mistakes and gaps in your knowledge later on.
- Use AI as a force multiplier, not a crutch: AI can dramatically improve efficiency, but understanding systems is still critical. The most effective professionals will be those who combine strong fundamentals with smart AI usage.
- Stay adaptable as the tech stack evolves: Network engineers are increasingly expected to understand applications, automation, and APIs. Expanding your skill set beyond traditional networking will keep you relevant and competitive.
- Your career path doesn’t have to be linear: Be open to pivots—unexpected opportunities often lead to the most growth. Some of the most successful careers are built by saying yes to opportunities that weren’t originally part of the plan.
Quote of the Show:
- “My superpower is being a people connector—I love bringing folks together who can help each other.”
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongintert/
- US Networking User Association Website: https://www.usnua.com/
- Bits in Flight Company Website: https://www.bitsinflight.com/
