Meet Gabriel Dragan, a Storage Engineer at Cegeka with over seven years of experience. As an SME in IBM storage systems and automation, Gabriel combines technical expertise with a passion for teamwork and innovation. In this interview, he shares insights into his role, team dynamics, and what makes Cegeka’s Storage Team a great place to grow.
As Storage Engineers, we manage the backbone of Cegeka's Private Cloud, the largest in the BeNeLux region. While we don’t interact directly with external clients, we provide crucial support to internal teams such as Virtualization, Wintel, and Computing. Our role is pivotal in ensuring these teams have a stable, optimized, and reliable storage infrastructure to meet their operational needs.
Gabriel Dragan, Storage Engineer
Describe your role as a Storage Engineer.
"I’m Gabriel Dragan, and I’ve been part of Cegeka for over seven years as a Senior Storage Engineer, focusing primarily on Block Storage and SAN switches. Additionally, I serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for IBM storage systems and Automation, ensuring we stay at the forefront of innovation in these areas."
What’s the team atmosphere like, and what contributes to it?
"A team is not a group of people who work together. A team is a group of people who trust each other.” This quote perfectly describes Cegeka's Storage team. Working here feels like being in a space where you're supported to grow without falling into complacency. The high energy and collective determination to solve complex challenges reflect the trust and confidence we share. This positive environment is fueled by open communication, collaboration, and a strong sense of mutual support, making every day both fulfilling and motivating."
What do you enjoy most about your role?
"The diversity and complexity of the environments we manage ensure there's always something new to tackle—never a dull moment. What truly makes this role special is the supportive team culture, where everyone is ready to assist, collaborate, and share knowledge. This combination of technical challenges and a strong team dynamic makes coming to work genuinely rewarding."
What skills are essential for a successful Storage Engineer?
"A problem-solving mindset: Believing that 'Impossible is just an opinion' fosters perseverance and creativity in tackling challenges.
What technologies do you work with, and what do you enjoy about them?
"In my career, I’ve intentionally shifted focus every 3-4 years to keep my enthusiasm high and avoid monotony. At Cegeka, the variety of technologies allows me to do just that. My current focus on automation has been especially rewarding. Automating internal processes not only boosts efficiency but also sparks creativity, allowing us to innovate and enhance our workflows continually."
How does the team maintain a good work-life balance?
"Cegeka offers excellent flexibility to support work-life balance. Employees can choose their start times, beginning as early as 7:30 AM or as late as 10:00 AM. Hybrid working is also standard, with a minimum of one day per week in the office. Beyond work, Cegeka organizes extracurricular activities like Hangout Parties, board games, and tennis, creating opportunities to unwind and connect with colleagues outside of the workplace."
Why should someone join the Cegeka storage team?
"Joining the Cegeka Storage team means becoming part of a group of highly skilled and supportive professionals. The complexity and variety of the infrastructure we manage provide unparalleled opportunities for learning and career growth. For anyone seeking a challenging, dynamic, and rewarding role, this team is the perfect place to thrive."