About Me
I am an IT support professional in training with a practical, people-first approach to troubleshooting. I enjoy taking a technical issue that is frustrating or unclear for a user, identifying the cause step by step, and explaining the solution in plain language.
My transition into IT builds on several years of operational leadership in a fast-paced restaurant environment. That experience taught me to prioritize urgent requests, remain calm under pressure, train colleagues, document repeatable procedures, coordinate with vendors, and follow issues through to resolution. These are the same habits I bring to technical support.
Today, I combine that service mindset with hands-on experience in remote user support, Google Workspace, Windows and Linux environments, Active Directory fundamentals, networking, and virtualization. I am currently completing Cisco CCNA and CompTIA Linux+ preparation at Dawson College, alongside independent projects in system administration, technical documentation, and troubleshooting.
I am fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, with professional French. I am seeking a team where I can contribute reliable user support, keep learning from experienced colleagues, and grow in networking, systems administration, and cloud support.
What I Bring
Technical Foundations
Hands-on support fundamentals in Windows, Linux, networking, and Active Directory.
Lab Experience
Practical work with VirtualBox, Linux services, command-line tools, and troubleshooting workflows.
Documentation Skills
Experience creating SOPs and training materials with a focus on clarity and consistency.
Customer Service
Strong communication and issue-resolution skills developed in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
Certifications & Training
AEC: Cisco CCNA & CompTIA Linux+ Preparation
Dawson College | March 2026 – Present
Hands-on training in network design, troubleshooting, Linux administration, and technical client support.
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Coursera | Completed October 2025
Training in IT support fundamentals, networking, operating systems, system administration, and IT security.
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Microsoft | Completed January 2025
Building knowledge of cloud concepts, Azure services, governance, pricing, and security fundamentals.
Projects
Debian Server Deployment & Services SOP
Created and continue to maintain a step-by-step technical SOP for a Dawson College evaluation documenting the deployment and configuration of a Debian server in VMware. This living document covers virtual machine setup, static IP configuration, connectivity testing, and installation of core services including DNS, email, web, database, and file sharing.
What I worked on
- Built and configured a Debian virtual machine in VMware Workstation.
- Assigned a static IPv4 address and verified connectivity using command-line tools.
- Installed and configured Webmin, BIND9, Postfix, Dovecot, Apache, MariaDB, PHP, and Samba.
- Documented the complete process with screenshots and structured SOP instructions.
What this demonstrates
This project shows hands-on Linux administration, service deployment, troubleshooting, and technical documentation skills. It also demonstrates my ability to create clear procedural guides that other users or team members can follow.
Live working document hosted in OneDrive/SharePoint and updated as the project evolves.
Virtualization & Active Directory Home Lab
Built a Windows Server environment in VirtualBox to simulate a small business network and practice core administration tasks.
- Configured an Active Directory domain controller.
- Managed user accounts, groups, and password policies.
- Tested connectivity and troubleshooting scenarios using ping, tracert, and nslookup.
Linux Server Administration Lab
Installed multiple Linux distributions in virtual machines and practiced service configuration, command-line administration, and troubleshooting.
- Installed several Linux versions using VMs.
- Configured Samba, Apache, and Dovecot services.
- Wrote basic shell scripts for administration and troubleshooting tasks.
Remote Technology Volunteer Support
Provide remote technical support for a nonprofit team by helping maintain smooth virtual operations and assisting users with onboarding and platform issues.
- Support onboarding for new members, including account access and platform setup.
- Troubleshoot basic user issues and help team members navigate online systems.
- Assist with Google Workspace and GoDaddy-related tasks to support communication and operations.
Networking Practice & Troubleshooting
Practice networking concepts through lab exercises focused on connectivity, addressing, and troubleshooting.
- Worked with TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, IPv4/IPv6, and Wi-Fi basics.
- Practiced basic router and switch configuration.
- Used troubleshooting methods to identify and resolve simulated network issues.
Experience
Technology Volunteer
Take Trips MES | Remote | June 2026 – Present
Support day-to-day technical operations for a nonprofit team by helping troubleshoot user issues, assisting with onboarding, and supporting communication across digital platforms.
Kitchen Manager / Sous-Chef
Zante Restaurant | Montreal, QC | April 2022 – Present
Created training documentation, coordinated with vendors and support contacts, and resolved operational issues in a fast-paced environment. This experience strengthened my communication, documentation, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
Tools & Technologies
Let’s Connect
I’m currently seeking entry-level opportunities in help desk, technical support, and junior IT roles where I can contribute, keep learning, and grow into networking, systems, and cloud support.
Email: renatokmontreal@gmail.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/renatokitamura
Location: Montréal, Québec