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Meet our Third Guest: Arijan Jashari
Arijan is a truly dedicated networking engineer, with over 20 years of experience. His passion for math and coming in contact with telecommunications in the early days became the catalyst for the upcoming long and prosperous journey in networking. Cisco CCIE has had a tremendous impact in his career and opened up many doors for him in the tech industry. Arijan has worked for global companies like Juniper, Nike, LibertyGlobal and most recently UBS, where he has a Network Reliability Engineer, Director role.
Knowing first hand how the war in Kosovo has impacted so many Albanians, it is truly remarkable that Arijan has been able to keep focus on networking, by starting the certification journey only 2 years after the war. I had a chat with Arijan about his career journey.
1. Career Inspiration:
What sparked your interest in networking and technology? Who or what has been your biggest inspiration in your career?
Like many of us in high school, I was unsure about my career path. However, one thing was clear, that I loved math. It came naturally to me, and I enjoyed solving problems. In 1996, I decided to study applied mathematics but soon realized that my true passion lay not in pure math but in its applications within computer science, particularly in number theory, equations. This realization led me toward technology, but my journey wasn’t straightforward, after the war in 1999 I worked as an interpreter for the U.S. military, during that time, I noticed that telecommunications played a crucial role in everything they did, this sparked my fascination with networking and computer systems. By 2001 I was certain that this was the field I wanted to dedicate my career to. Because I enjoyed the preparation process, I pursued multiple CCIE and JNCIE tracks.
2. CCIE Certification Experience:
Can you describe your experience while preparing for the CCIE exam? How did you balance study with other commitments?
Preparing for the CCIE exam while managing other responsibilities was incredibly challenging. When I began my preparation in 2006, I was working full-time and raising two young children. My wife took on most of the family responsibilities, allowing me to focus on work and studying. I dedicated every spare moment to preparation.
On my first attempt, I felt confident about my lab work, but unfortunately, I didn’t pass. It was a tough moment, but instead of discouraging me, it strengthened my determination to succeed.
3. Professional Achievements:
What are some key achievements or milestones in your career since obtaining your CCIE certification?
Earning my CCIE certification was one of the biggest milestones in my career. The preparation itself was a transformative experience, I spent long hours in the lab fully immersed in learning, and truly enjoying the process. The knowledge and expertise I gained opened countless doors. I was invited to multiple job interviews and received numerous offers. Achieving my CCIE certification marked a turning point in my career, giving me the recognition and credibility to take on more advanced roles in networking.
4. Challenges and Overcoming Them:
What have been some significant challenges in your career, and how did you overcome them?
One of the most significant challenges I faced was deciding the direction of my career. In 2001, I was torn between pursuing mathematics, computer systems, programming, or networking. It was a difficult decision, but I ultimately realized that my passion lay in networking and systems.
Committing to this path was the best decision I made, shaping my entire professional journey. I started with CCNA, then progressed to CCNP and MCSE. Soon after, in 2003, I began teaching a CCNA class at Cisco Academy in Gjilan, which further solidified my expertise in networking.
5. Impact of CCIE on Career:
How has being a CCIE-certified professional impacted your career trajectory or opportunities?
The CCIE certification solidified my focus on networking and positioned me as an expert in the field. Achieving such a prestigious certification brings immense recognition and unlocks incredible opportunities. It’s a challenging journey but once you accomplish it opportunities start knocking at your door.
6. Life Lessons from the CCIE Journey:
What are some important life lessons you’ve learned during your journey to and after achieving CCIE certification?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of following what you truly enjoy. However, I also realized that long hours of studying, especially sitting for extended periods, can take a toll on your health. Maintaining a balance is crucial.
The CCIE certification offers multiple career paths, and even if you don’t end up taking the exam, the learning journey itself is invaluable. It taught me the significance of perseverance, discipline, and the joy of continuous learning.
7. Personal Growth and Development:
How do you continue to grow and develop professionally? Are there specific areas or technologies you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I’m focusing on automation and development, particularly leveraging AI to build innovative solutions. At the same time, I’m prioritizing a better balance between professional growth and family life, something I struggled with in the past but now deeply value.
Conclusions:
Arijan is one of the stars of the CCIE HoF for Albania and Kosovo, truly dedicated to networking. He decided to focus 100% on the networking field and used Cisco certifications combined with Juniper to support the journey. Having a clear plan and persistence in over 20 years in networking has clearly shaped his own career. Continuous learning is a crucial part of his career, and even today he is improving his skills with all the new AI developments in the field. The networking field can be quite demanding, but Arijan has found the key to have a balance between the career and family life.
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