Mark Pinchen Profile Photo

Mark Pinchen

Technical Mentor working with IT apprenticeships in the UK

20+ Years Speaks English
Career Transitions & Coaching Wellbeing & Stress Management

About

With a career spanning 35+ years across IT engineering, network management, cybersecurity, and leadership roles, I bring decades of hands-on, real-world experience. I’ve worked across diverse industries, specialising in network design, cybersecurity, and IT operations, and I’m passionate about helping others build confidence and capability in technology. I’ve led IT teams, designed and implemented resilient infrastructure, and supported organisations through complex technical and security challenges. This experience shapes my teaching style, practical, approachable, and results-focused, aimed not just at passing exams, but at understanding concepts deeply and applying them confidently in real-world environments. Alongside delivering online courses, I’ve mentored aspiring and experienced cyber professionals and supported small businesses in strengthening their cybersecurity posture. I work with individuals who want personalised guidance applying these skills to their own role, career path, or organisation. Whether you’re starting out or looking to level up, this course is designed to give you a strong foundation and a clear path forward. For those who want additional, personalised support beyond the course, I offer limited 1-to-1 guidance, with further details shared on LinkedIn.

Available Services

Coding Interview Practice DSA, algorithms, and problem-solving under timed conditions. Get feedback on approach, code quality, communication, and edge-case handling - calibrated to the bar at your target company.

Resume Building & Review Get your resume built or reviewed by professionals who've screened hundreds of candidates at top companies. Optimize for ATS, highlight impact, and walk away with a resume that gets callbacks.

LinkedIn Profile Optimization Optimize your LinkedIn headline, summary, experience, and skills to rank in recruiter searches. Build a profile that attracts inbound opportunities from top companies.

Job Search Strategy Build a structured plan for your job search - which companies to target, when to apply, how to handle timelines across multiple interview pipelines, and how to maximize your chances.

Referral & Networking Strategy Learn how to build genuine connections, request referrals without being awkward, and leverage your network to get interviews at companies that rarely post on job boards.

Offer Evaluation & Comparison Compare multiple offers across base, equity, bonuses, benefits, and career trajectory. Understand how RSU vesting, refreshers, and leveling differ across top companies to make the best decision.

Career Roadmap Planning Map out your 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year career plan. Identify skill gaps, align your growth direction, and make intentional choices about specialization vs. generalization.

Skills Gap Analysis Identify exactly what skills, experiences, and knowledge you're missing for your target role or level. Get a prioritized learning plan with concrete resources and milestones.

Career Break Re-entry Returning after a career break for parenting, health, personal reasons, or sabbatical? Get a step-by-step plan to re-enter the workforce, rebuild confidence, and target the right opportunities.

Toxic Workplace Navigation Dealing with a difficult manager, office politics, or a toxic culture? Get practical strategies to protect yourself, document issues, and decide when and how to move on.

Workplace Conflict Resolution Navigate disagreements with colleagues, cross-team friction, or difficult stakeholder relationships. Learn frameworks to resolve conflicts professionally without damaging your reputation.

Burnout & Stress Management Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or disconnected from your work? Talk to experienced professionals who have navigated burnout and come out stronger - get actionable strategies, not just sympathy.

Work-Life Balance Struggling to set boundaries between work and life? Get advice on managing energy, setting realistic expectations, and building sustainable habits from people who have figured it out at demanding companies.

Layoff Recovery & Next Steps Recently laid off? Get immediate clarity on severance negotiation, unemployment benefits, and how to pivot fast - from professionals who have both managed and survived layoffs at top companies.

Idea Validation & Market Fit Test your startup idea with experienced founders and operators. Get honest feedback on market opportunity, competitive landscape, and whether the problem is worth solving before you commit.

Experience

Technical Mentor

LearnTech

Jan 2025 — Present Current

Field Operations Engineer

Barron McCann Limited

Nov 2024 — Mar 2025

Information Technology Remote & Field Engineer

Steer Automotive Group

Jun 2022 — Nov 2024

Network Field Technician

Glide UK

Apr 2022 — Jul 2022

Information Technology Field Engineer

Dataquest Group

Jan 2021 — Jul 2022

Information Technology Field Engineer

Daisy Group

Apr 2016 — Jan 2021

IT Field Engineer

Allvotec

Apr 2016 — Jan 2021

Field Engineer

TECHXPRESS LIMITED

Jan 2016 — Mar 2016

Desktop Support Specialist

European Central Bank

Sep 2015 — Jan 2016

Field Engineer

TECHXPRESS LIMITED

Apr 2006 — Aug 2015

Information Technology Manager

Microtyne Ltd

Jan 1998 — Jun 2005