Steven McCauley's Portfolio
A collection of projects that shows how I can add value to your team.
About Me
About Me
I'm Steven McCauley, an IT professional with 4+ years of experience in technical support, networking, and cybersecurity. I hold CCNA, Network+, Security+, and AWS Cloud Practitioner certifications.
I am pursuing a B.S. in Accounting at SNHU and maintain a 4.0 GPA, with an expected graduation date of December 2026.
My interests include networking, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and IT operations.
Github Link
Resume Link
I have the following projects listed on my GitHub please feel free to take a look at them
Project #1
User Provisioning Parser Macro
Overview
User provisioning involves creating, modifying, and disabling user accounts across multiple business systems. During large onboarding periods, our clients would often hire dozens of employees at once, requiring account creation in Active Directory, Microsoft 365, ServiceNow, Avatar NX, and other internal platforms. Processing a single user provisioning request could take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour due to the amount of information that needed to be manually entered into each system.
Technologies Used
To streamline this process, I designed and developed an automation tool using HTML, JavaScript, and Excel. The tool parses user onboarding requests and automatically converts ticket information into standardized, copy-ready account data formatted specifically for each required system. This significantly reduced manual data entry, improved consistency, and minimized the risk of human error during account creation.
Team Impact
This project was my first experience developing a workplace automation solution. After sharing the tool with my team, we were able to save hours of administrative work during large onboarding events. By automating data formatting and preparation, the process became faster, more accurate, and more consistent, allowing technicians to focus on higher-value support tasks rather than repetitive manual entry.
Project #2
Book Bot - Gather statistics from book text files
Overview
BookBot is a command-line Python application that analyzes text files and generates useful statistics about their contents. The project was designed to process large books and automatically calculate metrics such as total word count, character frequency, and letter distribution.
Technologies Used
This project was written in Python 3.14. I used Git to publish my project to Github and to save multiple versions of my project in case I needed to revert back to a previous version. I committed the final working version of this project to my GitHub which can be found on this page. This CLI tool requires one CLI argument which is the relative path to the text file of the book.
Impact & Results
The goal of the project was to gain hands-on experience working with Python fundamentals, file handling, functions, dictionaries, lists, command-line arguments, and data processing. The application reads a text file provided by the user and generates a formatted report summarizing key information about the book.
Project #3
Asteroids
Overview
This project is a Python implementation of the classic Asteroids arcade game built using Pygame. The objective was to gain hands-on experience with game development concepts such as object-oriented programming, collision detection, vector-based movement, and real-time game loops. Throughout development, I designed reusable game objects, implemented asteroid splitting mechanics, and created a modular architecture to keep the code organized and maintainable.
Technologies Used
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Python – Core programming language used to build the game.
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Pygame – Framework used for rendering graphics, handling input, and managing the game loop.
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Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) – Used to create reusable classes for asteroids, players, projectiles, and shared game objects.
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Vector Mathematics – Implemented for movement, rotation, velocity calculations, and asteroid splitting behavior.
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Modular Software Design – Organized code into multiple modules to improve maintainability and scalability.
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Git & GitHub – Used for version control and project management.
Key Impact
This project strengthened my understanding of software development fundamentals, including inheritance, game loops, frame-rate independent movement, and event-driven programming. By implementing features such as asteroid splitting, collision handling, and dynamic object management, I gained practical experience designing interactive applications and writing modular, maintainable Python code. The project also provided a foundation for future work in graphics programming, simulation development, and larger software projects.
Problem-Solving Story 1
The Problem
One of our largest clients reported that multiple government websites had suddenly become inaccessible to users across their organization. Employees attempting to access these websites received browser errors indicating that the pages could not be reached. Because the issue affected critical government resources used in daily operations, it required immediate investigation.
Initial testing suggested the problem was not related to the websites themselves, as they were accessible from personal devices and external networks. This indicated that the issue was isolated to the client's corporate environment. The challenge was determining which component within the network infrastructure was preventing access while minimizing disruption to end users.
My Approach
I approached the issue using a structured troubleshooting methodology based on the OSI model. First, I verified basic network connectivity by testing DNS resolution and confirming that the affected domains could be reached through standard network diagnostics. I then reviewed local workstation settings, cleared DNS caches, and verified that no user-specific configurations were causing the issue.
After eliminating workstation, DNS, VPN, and local firewall causes, I expanded the investigation to include network-wide security controls. I documented each troubleshooting step and collaborated with the client's security team to review recent infrastructure changes. By comparing current configurations against previous settings, we were able to identify a recent firewall policy modification that had unintentionally blocked access to multiple government domains.
Result
The root cause was traced to an incorrectly configured firewall rule that had inadvertently restricted access to several government websites. After the security team corrected the policy, access was immediately restored for all affected users.
This incident reinforced the importance of methodical troubleshooting, documentation, and cross-team collaboration. By systematically ruling out potential causes and escalating the investigation to the appropriate stakeholders, I helped identify the underlying issue and contributed to a rapid resolution. The experience strengthened my ability to diagnose complex network problems, communicate effectively with technical teams, and apply OSI-model troubleshooting principles in a real-world enterprise environment.
Problem-Solving Story 2
The Problem
During my four years in Help Desk, I frequently supported users during outages involving network drives and print servers. Shared drives were hosted across multiple file servers (FS1, FS2, and FS3), while Kyocera and Xerox printers were managed through dedicated print servers. When these resources became unavailable, users would lose access to critical files or printing services, impacting productivity across multiple departments. Determining whether the issue originated from the user's workstation, the network, or the server infrastructure required a structured troubleshooting process.
My Approach
I began by verifying local connectivity, ensuring the user's device was connected to the corporate network and testing both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections when necessary. I then refreshed Group Policy settings using gpupdate /force to confirm that network drive and printer mappings were properly applied from the domain controller.
Next, I tested connectivity to the affected file or print server using network tools such as ping, while also checking DNS and DHCP functionality by renewing IP addresses and flushing DNS caches. If workstation-level troubleshooting did not resolve the issue, I investigated the server and network infrastructure using tools such as Cisco Meraki and BeyondTrust to identify routing issues, dropped traffic, gateway failures, or server health concerns.
After isolating the issue and gathering diagnostic information, I escalated findings to the Systems Engineering and Infrastructure teams when server-side intervention was required.
Result
By following a structured troubleshooting methodology, I was able to quickly determine whether outages were caused by user devices, network connectivity, Active Directory policies, or server infrastructure. In several cases, my investigation identified issues related to overnight AWS migrations and server configuration changes. The detailed information I provided enabled engineering teams to rapidly pinpoint the root cause, reduce downtime, and restore access to critical file shares and printing services for users across the organization.
Skills & Tools
Languages & Frameworks
Tools & Platforms
Core Compentencies
- Python
- HTML
- C
- Excel Macros
- Powershell
- Active Directory
- Office365
- CrowdStrike Containment
- AWS
- ServiceNow
- Git & GitHub
- Network Troubleshooting
- User provisioning
- Active Directory Management
- Technical Documentation
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Incident Response
My Ambitions
My long-term goal is to continue growing beyond Help Desk and transition into a role focused on Networking, Security, and IT Operations. Over the past four years, I have gained extensive experience supporting users, troubleshooting complex technical issues, and contributing to projects that improve business operations. These experiences have strengthened both my technical and problem-solving skills and prepared me for greater responsibilities.
I am currently completing my Bachelor of Science in Accounting, which has given me valuable insight into how technology supports business objectives. Combining my IT experience with a strong understanding of business processes allows me to approach challenges from both a technical and organizational perspective.
As I advance in my career, I am seeking opportunities in Networking, Security, or Infrastructure Operations while continuing to develop leadership and management skills. My goal is to contribute not only to the technical success of an organization but also to the strategic and business decisions that drive long-term growth.
Technical Skills
- Network Troubleshooting
- Active Directory Management
- OSI Model Application
- Linux/Windows Administration
NOC Readiness
Prepared for technical challenges and systems monitoring with a focus on network stability and proactive incident response.
NOC Mindset
- Proactive Monitoring
- Critical Alert Prioritization
- Service Level Agreement Adherence
- Thorough documentation
Progress & Certs
- CCNA (Certified)
- Network+ & Security+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- B.S. Accounting (In Progress)
Shift Availability
Committed to 24/7 reliability across all timezone requirements. I am flexible and ready to support critical operations whenever needed.
Days
Available 8am - 4pm (M-F)
Nights
Available 4pm - 12am (M-F)
Weekends
Available Sat/Sun (All Shifts)
Top 10 NOC Interview Questions
Question 1: What happens when you type a website into a browser?
When a user enters a website URL, the computer first queries DNS to translate the hostname into an IP address. Once the IP is obtained, the device establishes a TCP connection using the three-way handshake. The browser then sends an HTTP/HTTPS request, the server responds with the webpage content, and the browser renders the page for the user.
Question 2: What is the difference between UDP and TCP?
TCP is connection-oriented and guarantees delivery, ordering, and error checking. It is commonly used for web browsing, email, and file transfers. UDP is connectionless and prioritizes speed over reliability, making it useful for streaming, VoIP, and online gaming.
Question 3: How would you troubleshoot a device that cannot reach the internet?
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Check physical connectivity.
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Verify IP address using ipconfig.
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Confirm gateway assignment.
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Ping localhost.
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Ping the default gateway.
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Ping a public IP such as 8.8.8.8.
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Test DNS resolution using nslookup.
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Review firewall or network policies.
Question 4: What is DNS and why is it important?
DNS (Domain Name System) translates hostnames into IP addresses. Without DNS, users would need to remember IP addresses instead of names such as google.com. DNS is one of the most critical services in enterprise environments because many applications depend on name resolution.
Question 5: What is a VLAN?
A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) logically separates network traffic on the same physical switch infrastructure. VLANs improve security, reduce broadcast traffic, and allow organizations to segment departments such as Finance, HR, and IT into separate networks.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a default gateway?
The default gateway is the router that allows devices to communicate outside their local network. If a device needs to reach a destination on another subnet or the internet, traffic is forwarded to the default gateway for routing.
Question 7: What is DHCP?
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS servers to devices joining the network. This eliminates the need for manual network configuration.
Question 8: What is the OSI Model?
The OSI Model is a seven-layer framework used to understand network communications:
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Physical
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Data Link
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Network
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Transport
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Session
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Presentation
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Application
It helps network engineers systematically troubleshoot connectivity issues by identifying which layer is failing.
Question 9: What is the difference between a switch and a router?
A switch operates primarily at Layer 2 and forwards traffic based on MAC addresses within a network. A router operates at Layer 3 and routes traffic between different networks using IP addresses.
Question 10: How would you troubleshoot high network latency?
I would:
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Identify affected users and systems.
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Use ping and traceroute to locate delays.
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Check interface utilization on switches and routers.
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Review packet loss and error rates.
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Examine bandwidth consumption.
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Verify ISP and WAN health.
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Investigate recent network changes.
The goal is to determine whether latency originates from the local network, WAN, ISP, or destination server.
Top 10 Routing Protocols
Protocol 1 BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
BGP is the routing protocol that powers the Internet. It is used to exchange routing information between different organizations, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and autonomous systems, ensuring traffic can reach networks across the globe.
Protocol 2 EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol)
EIGRP is a Cisco-developed routing protocol designed for fast convergence and efficient route calculation. It dynamically selects the best path based on factors such as bandwidth and delay, making it useful in enterprise environments.
Protocol 3 RIP (Routing Information Protocol)
RIP is one of the earliest dynamic routing protocols. It determines routes based on hop count and is often used as a learning tool to understand routing fundamentals and the evolution of modern routing technologies.
Protocol 4 Static Routing
Static routing involves manually configuring routes on network devices. It provides administrators with precise control over traffic flow and is commonly used for small networks, default routes, and backup routing scenarios.
Protocol 5 HSRP (Hot Standby Router Protocol)
HSRP provides gateway redundancy by allowing multiple routers to share a virtual IP address. If the primary router fails, a standby router automatically takes over, helping maintain network availability.
Protocol 6 VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol)
VRRP is an industry-standard protocol that provides high availability for default gateways. It ensures continuous network access by allowing backup routers to assume gateway responsibilities during failures.
Protocol 7 MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)
MPLS is a technology used by service providers and enterprises to efficiently direct network traffic. By forwarding packets using labels instead of traditional routing lookups, MPLS can improve performance, scalability, and traffic engineering.
Protocol 8 IS-IS (Intermediate System to Intermediate System)
IS-IS is a link-state routing protocol widely used in large enterprise and service provider networks. It is known for its scalability, stability, and ability to support complex routing environments.
Protocol 9 ECMP (Equal-Cost Multi-Path Routing)
ECMP allows traffic to be distributed across multiple paths with the same routing cost. This improves load balancing, redundancy, and overall network utilization.
Protocol 10 OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)
OSPF is a dynamic routing protocol commonly used within enterprise networks. It automatically discovers the most efficient path between routers and quickly adapts to network changes, helping maintain reliable communication across large environments.