I recently built and documented an Active Directory home lab using Windows Server 2019 and Windows 10 in VirtualBox. The lab covers AD DS, DNS, DHCP, NAT, user and group management, PowerShell automation, and a domain-joined Windows client. It was a great way to gain hands-on experience and see how these services work together in a functioning domain environment. Full walkthrough and screenshots on GitHub: https://lnkd.in/geN6Tywk
Max Leighton
Digital IT Portfolio
I'm in my mid-twenties, making a career switch into tech to pursue something I'm genuinely passionate about. I'm working towards landing my first dedicated technical IT role through hands-on labs, personal projects and ongoing study, documenting my progress along the way on GitHub, LinkedIn and this portfolio.
More recently, I've been getting into web development, learning JavaScript, React and Next.js. This portfolio is one of my ongoing projects as I continue building my skills and exploring different areas of IT.

Projects
Experience
Parts Interpreter
Subaru - Rex Gorell
Handle high-volume phone and email enquiries from workshop technicians, trade and retail customers, turning technical requirements into clear answers.
Use dealership systems and electronic parts catalogues to process orders, check stock and resolve record discrepancies.
2024 – Present
IT Work Placement
South Barwon Computers
Diagnosed desktop and laptop hardware and software faults, replacing and upgrading components.
Installed Windows, drivers and applications, and performed malware removal and system clean-ups.
2017
Skills
Operating Systems & Administration
Windows 10/11, Windows Server 2019, Linux (Arch, Ubuntu, Kali), macOS, Active Directory (AD DS), PowerShell, Command Line, Basic Networking & Troubleshooting
Virtualisation & Hardware
Oracle VirtualBox, VMware, Virtual Machine Configuration, PC Building & Upgrades, Hardware Diagnostics, OS Installation & Configuration
Software Development
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Basic Python, React / Next.js (Learning), Git, GitHub, VS Code, Cursor, Modern AI Development Workflows
IT Support & Tools
Desktop Support, Software Installation, System Configuration, Remote Desktop, SSH, Wireshark
Qualifications
Diploma of Information Technology
Upskilled · ICT50220 · 2026 – 2027
In progress
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Google · 2026
Completed
Certificate IV in Information Technology Networking
The Gordon · ICT40415 · 2019
Completed
Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology
The Gordon · ICT30115 · 2017 – 2018
Completed
