David Lara
David Lara

Professional Experience

I’ve worked across multiple IT environments—from classrooms and corporate systems to lab setups and home servers. Every role, project, and course I’ve taught has helped sharpen my skills in networking, system administration, support, and teaching. Below is a detailed look into the experiences that define my IT journey.

Career Journey

Information Technology Instructor

Code Black Tech

2025 - Present

Designed and delivered a 14-week CompTIA Network+ course with hands-on labs, mock interviews, resume building, and a capstone networking project.

Key Achievements:

  • Developed instructor-ready curriculum for classroom and substitute-led instruction
  • Led students through network deployment projects including VLANs, DNS, DHCP, and firewall configuration
  • Conducted certification prep sessions and peer-reviewed project presentations
Curriculum Development Network Administration Teaching & Training Firewall Configuration VLANs

Information Technology Intern

Interpublic Group

2024 - Present

Assisted in the support and documentation of internal SAP systems and employee access workflows across business units.

Key Achievements:

  • Created end-user documentation for internal SAP processes and role-based access
  • Identified inefficiencies and recommended usability improvements for SAP tools
  • Provided technical support and streamlined onboarding of new system users
SAP Documentation Process Improvement Support Knowledge Sharing

Junior Lab Technician

Metropolitan Community College

2024 - Present

Provided support for IT classrooms by setting up hardware, configuring networks, and resolving student tech issues.

Key Achievements:

  • Maintained labs and configured networks for classroom readiness
  • Troubleshot and repaired student and faculty computer issues
  • Assisted in hands-on lab environments and setup for IT courses
PC Repair Networking Troubleshooting Lab Management Windows/Linux Systems

IT Brand Ambassador

Metropolitan Community College

2023 - Present

Led student engagement through orientations, job fairs, and IT career development programs.

Key Achievements:

  • Co-developed the IT Career Readiness Course
  • Managed IT career fair logistics and employer engagement
  • Represented IT program at student orientations and employer events
Public Speaking Event Coordination Student Engagement Career Coaching

Host

Blue Sushi

2023 - 2024

Handled front-of-house operations with a focus on customer service and team coordination.

Key Achievements:

  • Trained new hosts and provided support during high-volume shifts
  • Managed guest seating and phone inquiries with professionalism
Customer Service Team Coordination Training Communication

Host

Spezia

2022 - 2023

Provided welcoming customer service while supporting front desk operations.

Key Achievements:

  • Managed table rotations and reservations efficiently
  • Assisted in onboarding and training new front desk staff
Customer Interaction Training Multitasking

Technical Skills

Systems & Platforms

Windows Server/Desktop 90%
Linux (Ubuntu, RHEL) 85%
macOS 60%
OpenWRT / AdGuard / Pi-hole 90%
Microsoft 365 / Viva 80%
SAP / cSAP / SupplierWise 70%

Networking & Security

VLANs / DNS / DHCP / NAT / Routing 90%
Firewall Configuration 85%
VPN Setup / Subnetting 75%
Wireshark / Network Monitoring 70%
Network+ Core Topics 95%

Programming & Web

Python (Scripting, Automation) 80%
HTML5 / CSS / JavaScript 70%
C+ (Academic Exposure) 50%
Bash / Nano / Vim 70%

Hardware & Troubleshooting

PC Repair / Imaging / Setup 90%
Lab & Classroom IT Support 90%
Equipment Maintenance 85%

Databases & Tools

Basic SQL / MySQL 60%
Documentation Tools 95%
CertMaster, LMS Platforms 90%

Soft Skills

Communication & Training 95%
Customer Service & Support 90%
Time Management / Multitasking 90%
Project Management 80%
Curriculum Development 95%

Notable Projects

Proxmox Home Server

Virtualized Infrastructure & Smart Home Stack

2023 - Present

Architect, Admin, and Operator

Proxmox Virtualization Docker VLANs Home Assistant

Designed and deployed a full-featured home lab using Proxmox Virtual Environment, enabling virtualization of IT services, home automation, and network management. This self-hosted infrastructure simulates enterprise environments while managing real-world tasks.

Core Services & Features

  • Proxmox VE: Base hypervisor for KVM-based VMs and LXC containers
  • Home Assistant VM: Controls smart home devices with MQTT integration
  • Pi-hole DNS VM: Network-wide ad-blocker and DNS filter
  • Nextcloud LXC: Secure self-hosted file sync
  • TrueNAS VM: File server for backups and media

Networking Setup

  • Configured VLANs for guest devices, IoT devices, and management access
  • Integrated OpenWRT router with custom firewall rules
  • Enabled DNS over HTTPS for encrypted DNS resolution

MCC IT Career Fair

Planning & Execution

Spring 2024

Lead Coordinator & IT Brand Ambassador

Event Planning Communication Employer Engagement Student Outreach

Led the planning, promotion, and successful execution of MCC's dedicated IT Career Fair, engaging employers, students, and faculty from across the region. This initiative provided networking and hiring opportunities for students across IT disciplines.

Key Contributions

  • Recruited IT employers from Omaha and surrounding areas
  • Coordinated with faculty to align fair timing with class schedules
  • Managed registration, event logistics, and check-in systems
  • Promoted the event via Handshake, flyers, and direct outreach

Impact & Results

  • Connected 75+ students with 15+ local IT employers
  • Received positive feedback from faculty, employers, and students
  • Strengthened the college's relationship with regional tech companies
  • Empowered many students to land interviews and internships

Interested in Working Together?

I'm always open to discussing new projects, challenges, and opportunities in the cybersecurity and IT space.

Contact Me Connect on LinkedIn