“In this interview, you will learn how I turned my childhood curiosity for technology into a career as a Senior Cyber Security Engineer at Axians. I’ll share how Axians’ unique culture, cutting-edge technology, and people-first approach have helped me grow both personally and professionally over the past 18 months.”
Hello Rigels, thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Before we begin, could you please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your current position at Axians?
My name is Rigels Zyferi, and I’m originally from Albania. I’m also a proud father of two—a 9-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter. For the past 18 months, I’ve been with Axians Albania, working as a Senior Cyber Security Engineer.
Can you tell us about your career?
I graduated with a degree in Computer Science in Italy and later pursued a master’s in Networks and Systems Security, which is now known as Cyber Security. I started my career as a university lecturer, where I taught various Computer Science courses for nearly two years.
After that, I spent seven years working for Vodafone, both in Italy and Albania, where I held various roles in Corporate and Cyber Security.
What originally motivated you to work in this field?
My motivation started with a deep curiosity in my childhood. I was always fascinated by anything that seemed like a “black box,” and I wanted to understand the magic behind how things worked. I began with simple electronic devices, then moved on to personal computers, and eventually expanded my interests into the vast world of modern technology.
As I quickly grasped the principles behind these systems, I began experimenting with their functions and was captivated by the results. Some of my early experiments had unintended negative consequences, which shifted my focus towards security. This is what led to my initial dive into the endless world of Cyber Security.
How did you join our company? What motivated you to start here?
I’ve always been a hands-on technical person with a strong desire to work with new technologies. This passion drove me to look for a company that would challenge and satisfy that curiosity. At that time Axians Albania was hiring for a Cyber Security Engineer position, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to align with my interests. After going through the interview process, I was selected as a candidate—and here I am today.
How would you describe the culture here? What makes Axians special?
At Axians, we have a truly unique culture that sets us apart from other ICT companies in Albania. We combine cutting-edge technology with a personal, human touch. Our experts work closely with clients to navigate complex digital challenges, and we place great value on personal connections and mutual understanding. Our motto, “The Best of ICT with a human touch,” perfectly reflects this approach.
What makes Axians special are our core values: trust, autonomy, responsibility, entrepreneurship, and solidarity. These values are deeply ingrained in our company culture and are lived by every team member. Additionally, we are committed to continuously investing in the development of our employees—both in terms of their skills and personal growth. This is what truly makes Axians stand out.
Can you describe what a typical day at the company looks like? How does the team usually interact and collaborate?
Collaboration between teams is essential at Axians, and we facilitate this through quick onsite meetings at the beginning and end of each week. During these meetings, we discuss new projects, address any issues, and set our objectives.
A typical day begins with tasks scheduled from the afternoon before. These tasks can vary widely; for instance, I might deploy new security systems or applications for clients or in our local lab for testing purposes. I also work on resolving issues that our customers encounter with their current solutions. Whenever I have some free time, I dedicate it to studying for certification exams that I’m aiming to complete.
Can you share one or more success stories from your time with us?
One notable success story from last year involves a ransomware attack on a company that resulted in the complete encryption of all critical backups for its core components, halting its services entirely. This incident highlighted the importance of robust security measures and prompted the customer to contact us shortly after the attack.
Through the hard work and collaboration of all our teams, we were able to normalize the situation. With the customer’s consent and willingness, we moved forward with implementing a secure environment. As a result of our efforts, the customer now has a robust array of security solutions in place that align with best practices, and the situation has dramatically improved.
What are your career goals for the future?
My primary goal is to contribute to both my personal growth and the progress of the company through continuous professional development. This means that alongside my daily responsibilities, I am focused on studying for, passing, and renewing various Cyber Security certification exams that are essential for our field.
How does the company support you in achieving these goals?
At Axians, collaboration with experts from other countries is highly valued, which significantly enhances our professional development. The company organizes numerous events, both online and in-person, where we have the opportunity to engage with these experts. These interactions allow us to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and learn from their diverse experiences, which greatly contributes to our own growth. Being part of this collaborative environment not only enriches our understanding of the field but also propels our personal and professional development forward.
What advice would you give to new employees who are just starting with us?
My advice when joining Axians would be to seize the opportunity to work in an innovative environment that encourages collaboration with experts from around the world. Take advantage of the extensive training programs and resources available to enhance your skills and professional growth. Finally, actively engage with your colleagues to build relationships and contribute to our people-centric culture that values trust and support.
Is there anything else you would like to add that we haven’t discussed?
One important aspect that should be emphasized is Axians’ commitment to reconciling work and personal life. The company is aware of the importance of a healthy balance between work and personal life and offers flexible working arrangements and comprehensive support for the well-being of its employees.
