At ACEN, I’ve found a place where my passion for technology and cybersecurity can shine. My journey wasn’t exactly typical.
Let me take you behind the scenes of my journey – from studying history to managing critical cyber incidents and becoming a service level manager.
From client to colleague
It might surprise you, but I didn’t start my career in IT. In fact, I studied history in Brussels and was interested in the stories of the past. Eventually, an opportunity came my way. I was very fluent in German, French, English and a bit in Dutch. This led me to a marketing position at Cisco.
That’s where I got my first taste of the IT world and let me tell you, I was hooked!
Fast forward to today, I’ve been with ACEN for three years now. The story of how I got here is actually quite interesting. I was working for the government, where I was involved in Identity and Access Management.
At the time, we were a client of IS4U. It occurred to me that I could have a greater impact on the other side, working with IS4U instead. So, I made the switch and I haven’t looked back since
“I’ve always had a special interest in technology. The last course I signed up for was the history of Microsoft, so I think it was meant to be!”
– Alexander Arens, Service level manager at IS4U and incident manager at Nynox –
Multiple hats, one mission
I wear multiple hats, and that’s exactly how I like it. My official title is Service Level Manager, but my day-to-day responsibilities are anything but routine. One of my primary roles is managing service delivery for IS4U operations.
This involves overseeing contracts, ensuring our clients are satisfied, and handling the operational side of things. But that’s just one side of my job.
I also serve as Incident Manager at Nynox, where I’m on the front lines during cyberattacks. It’s a role that demands quick thinking and staying calm under pressure. That’s something that’s crucial when dealing with incidents that can happen at any time, day or night. The adrenaline rush that comes with responding to these incidents is unlike anything else, and it’s balanced perfectly by the structured, planned nature of my service delivery work.
Pride in problem solving
The moments that stand out the most for me are the moments when I’ve been able to make a real difference during critical incidents. There have been times when I’ve worked through the night and over weekends to help clients navigate through crises. Knowing that my actions have directly contributed to resolving these issues, and seeing the relief on the clients’ faces, gives me a deep sense of pride. Three years into my journey with ACEN, I can confidently say that this is where I belong. The combination of challenging work and a supportive, no-nonsense environment keeps me here.
The path forward: building and growing
While I’m happy with my current role, I’m always thinking about what’s next. One of my goals is to help build a comprehensive operational center at ACEN, where we can not only tackle project-based work but also manage a large-scale service desk for ongoing client support. I’m also eager to see Nynox become a leading partner in handling cyberattack-related insurance claims across Belgium. These are ambitious goals, but I believe they’re within reach, especially with the growing need for robust cybersecurity solutions.
If you’re passionate about IAM and cybersecurity, ACEN might just be the place for you too. Whether you’re new to the field or an experienced professional, ACEN offers a collaborative environment where you can thrive. So, if you’re curious about what we do and how you can be part of it, take a closer look at the opportunities we offer. Who knows, you might be the next person sharing your story here!
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