Fiber optic connector for hardware interiors and method of using same

A fiber optic connector for connecting one or more optical fibers to a fiber optic component includes: a ferrule configured to receive the one or more optical fibers; a ferrule holder configured to be coupled to the ferrule, wherein the ferrule and ferrule holder forms a ferrule support assembly when coupled together; and a shroud configured to be positioned about the ferrule support assembly and connectable to the fiber optic component. The ferrule support assembly and the shroud are configured so that the ferrule support assembly is movable relative to the shroud to positions outside the shroud when the shroud is disconnected from the fiber optic component, and the ferrule support assembly is confined within the shroud when the shroud is connected to the fiber optic component. A method of forming a fiber optic assembly using such a fiber optic connector is also disclosed.