Career Roadmap

Second-line support → cloud & security architecture

The plan I'm working against: progress from second-line IT support into senior cloud, modern workplace, security and architecture roles by 2030–2031.

Work History

Where I've been

Professional experience to date.

2019–21

1st Line Support Technician

Provided IT support within an MSP environment, supporting small businesses and NHS GP surgeries while building a strong foundation in troubleshooting, customer service, and Microsoft technologies.

2021–24

Service Desk Technician

Transitioned into enterprise IT, supporting hybrid Azure AD environments and expanding knowledge of Microsoft 365, identity management, and corporate service desk operations.

2024–26

Second Line Engineer

Developed deeper technical expertise, focusing on Microsoft Intune, endpoint management, device deployment, and advanced troubleshooting across enterprise environments.

Role Ladder

Where this is heading

2026

Second Line Support Engineer

Current Stage — endpoint management, Intune, Windows Autopilot, Entra ID fundamentals, and operational depth.

2027

Senior Endpoint / Microsoft 365 Engineer

Cloud depth — Azure administration, identity, access, governance and production responsibility.

2028

Senior Cloud / Modern Workplace Engineer

Specialisation — cloud security, Microsoft 365 breadth and higher-value regulated-sector work.

2029

Lead Engineer / Principal Engineer

Architecture groundwork — cross-team influence and technical leadership.

2030–31

Architect or Engineering Manager

Architecture decisions, cross-team influence and business outcomes.

Certifications

Certification sequence

Each stage is paired with certifications that support the target responsibilities.

2026 · FoundationMD-102: Endpoint Administrator Associate

2026 · FoundationAZ-900: Azure Fundamentals

2027 · Cloud depthAZ-104: Azure Administrator

2027 · Cloud depthSC-300: Identity & Access Administrator

2028 · SpecialisationAZ-500: Azure Security Engineer

2028 · SpecialisationMS-102: Microsoft 365 Administrator

2029–31 · ArchitectureAZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

2029–31 · ArchitectureCISSP (or equivalent security qualification)

Evidence

Projects that build the case

The certification path is stronger paired with demonstrable work.

Near-term

What's next

Finish MD-102 preparation.
Turn practical endpoint notes into short troubleshooting case studies.
Start AZ-900 after the MD-102 milestone.
Record measurable outcomes from real projects: time saved, incidents prevented, users supported, risks reduced.
Build a portfolio narrative around endpoint → identity → cloud → security.