You originally joined Sicra through Bluetree. What has your experience at Sicra been like so far, and how has the transition worked for you?

My experience has been very good so far. There have been a few small changes, such as getting used to a new system for logging hours and handling some of the practical aspects, but overall, the transition has been very smooth. I have felt well taken care of, and it has not really felt like a major change in my day-to-day work.

What technologies do you use in your work?

I mainly use SecureCRT for CLI-based (Command Line Interface) work, as well as various tools through graphical user interfaces (GUIs). A lot of my day-to-day work involves troubleshooting, configuration, and network monitoring, so the tools I use depend on what I am working on.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

I usually start by going through my email and the support system to see if any new cases have come in that need attention. Then I work on those, along with existing cases. After that, the day really depends on what comes in. There is no single task that takes up most of my day, and that is one of the things I like about the job.

You work in the NOC (Network Operations Center) team. Can you tell us a little about what the team does and what your own role involves?

My role is mainly focused on network operations, where I work on everything from monitoring and troubleshooting to configuration and handling cases for our customers.

You also have a background in data centers and critical infrastructure. How does that experience influence the way you approach operations and monitoring in the NOC?

My experience with data centers and critical infrastructure has given me a good understanding of monitoring systems and network setups. It has made me more aware of how important stability and reliability are when working with network operations.

What are the most common issues you detect in the NOC before customers notice them themselves?

We often detect things such as devices going down, certificates approaching their expiration date, and software that needs to be updated. The goal is to identify these things early and handle them before they become a problem for the customer.

How do the NOC and SOC teams work together when you detect incidents or suspicious activity?

We work closely together and contact each other directly when something comes up. If we detect something that may be security-related, we involve the SOC (Security Operations Center) so that we can investigate it together and make sure it is handled appropriately.

What motivates you in your day-to-day work, and which parts of the job do you find most rewarding?

I enjoy all parts of the job, and what motivates me is getting things done and solving problems. Whether it is fixing a configuration, following an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure), or completing updates, I am satisfied when I can see that something is working the way it should again.

What makes you feel that you have succeeded at something at work?

For me, it is quite simply about getting the job done and solving the problem, whether it was difficult or straightforward. I also feel that I have succeeded when I manage to solve something I have not worked with before while learning something new in the process.

What are you most looking forward to in the future?

I am looking forward to taking on new challenges and continuing to develop in my role. I would also like to earn some certifications to strengthen and validate the knowledge I have gained through experience.

Which app or tool do you use the most in your daily work, and why has it become a favorite?

Probably SecureCRT. I use it a lot in my day-to-day work, and I like that it is simple and straightforward. It has become one of the tools I naturally turn to when I am working with the network.

Do you have a favorite quote?

One of my favorite quotes is from Dan Pallotta’s TED Talk, “The Dream We Haven’t Dared to Dream”:

– I think what we fear most is that we will be denied the opportunity to fulfil our true potential, that we are born to dream and we might die without ever having the chance.

– Imagine living in a world where we simply recognize that deep, existential fear in one another and love one another boldly because we know that to be human is to live with that fear.

I like it because it reminds me that we all have fears and ambitions, and that we should recognize and support one another in them.

What do you like to do in your free time?

When I am not working, I like spending time with my family and staying active. At the moment, I do strength training, and I am planning to start playing tennis. I also really enjoy cooking and experimenting with different dishes. I tend to go through phases where I become completely absorbed in one thing. For a while, for example, I was making pasta from scratch all the time. That phase has calmed down a bit now, but I still enjoy trying new things in the kitchen.