You went to Law School, but then you started working in IT. Can you share the reason behind this shift?
I have always been drawn to the logic and creativity that come with working in IT. My math and informatics foundation gave me a taste for technical problem-solving, and I always enjoyed the process of creating and configuring systems from scratch. Over time, it became clear that my passion was for technology and engineering. Despite my formal education in Law, I decided to pivot toward a field where I felt I could make a tangible impact – networking and security. Since then, I've dedicated myself to sharpening these skills, and I've found immense fulfillment in my work at Cegeka.
During my studies, I worked as a service desk agent, which provided valuable troubleshooting and customer support experience while I was preparing for my CCNA certification. When I applied at Cegeka, I was eager to transition into a technical role, and I was fortunate to start as a junior Network Engineer. My intention was to leverage my analytical skills and passion for technology to build a career in networking, and I’m thrilled that I’ve been able to pursue this path.
What are you working on now?
I work across various client infrastructures, managing a range of network designs tailored to specific customer needs. My focus is on core networking technologies, ensuring smooth operation across switching, routing, firewalling, VPNs, load balancing, and wireless configurations. In my day-to-day work, I troubleshoot issues, optimize network performance, configure new setups, and ensure security protocols are strictly adhered to – especially with Fortinet, which serves as a foundational component in nearly all our customer networks. My Fortinet specialization enables me to establish secure, reliable, and scalable network environments, which is particularly beneficial, given Fortinet’s flexibility and robust security features.
From the start, I felt the company valued expertise and encouraged professional development.
Marius Bălan, System Engineer
Walk us through the most demanding and enjoyable aspects of your work.
Balancing the diverse needs of multiple clients, each with unique infrastructure requirements and security policies, is the most challenging part. This complexity demands attention to detail and adaptability, especially when implementing changes or troubleshooting across varied systems.
The most interesting part is the diversity in network designs and requirements. Each environment has different challenges, allowing me to continually apply and expand my expertise. I truly enjoy working with Fortinet technology, as its flexibility and integration capabilities enable me to tailor solutions to each client’s needs, enhancing both security and performance.
Problem-solving is what I enjoy the most – diagnosing and resolving complex network issues, implementing solutions that enhance performance and security. Seeing the positive impact my work has on clients' operations and the trust it builds in our partnerships is highly rewarding.
Do you have any advice for students interested in network and security? Walk us through the most demanding and enjoyable aspects of your work.
Build a solid foundation in core networking concepts – especially switching, routing, and firewalling – as these are essential in any network role. Familiarize yourself with key vendors like Fortinet, Cisco, or Juniper, and understand how to troubleshoot complex issues, as this will be a daily part of the job. Cultivate problem-solving skills, patience, and adaptability; networks are dynamic, and you’ll often need to find solutions under pressure. Take time to learn security best practices, as network security is integral to modern IT.
Looking back, I wish I had fully understood the importance of effective communication with clients and teams. Technical skills are crucial, but the ability to clearly explain complex issues and collaborate across departments is just as valuable. This combination of technical and interpersonal skills is what ultimately defines a successful network engineer.
Tell us about your achievements in Cegeka.
Managing diverse infrastructures, I have streamlined configurations, improved performance, and resolved complex issues that directly support our clients’ operational success. I’m proud to be part of a team that secures and consolidates Fortinet-based solutions across multiple client networks, significantly enhancing their security posture while optimizing performance. Contributing to long-term, reliable infrastructures is incredibly rewarding and reinforces the trust our clients place in us.
You’ve joined Cegeka over 6 years ago. What brought you here and what made you stay?
I was drawn by Cegeka’s reputation for innovation and its supportive, growth-oriented environment. From the start, I felt the company valued expertise and encouraged professional development, exactly what I was looking for. My first impression was of a collaborative culture with a clear commitment to quality in client service, and that’s been consistently true throughout my time here. The team’s dedication to both technology and customer satisfaction has made Cegeka a place where I’ve been able to grow, contribute meaningfully, and take on new challenges.
What does your future hold?
I envision a future at Cegeka where I continue to expand my technical expertise and serve as a knowledgeable resource for my colleagues. The steps in my career path have become increasingly clear as I’ve progressed, thanks to my managers’ and mentors’ support, who helped outline development opportunities and skills to focus on. I received proper guidance, especially in navigating complex projects and identifying areas for growth. This supportive environment has empowered me to pursue certifications and take on new challenges, aligning my career goals with the company’s direction. I’m excited about the potential for further growth, contributing to Cegeka’s ongoing success.
