Andrei Arimia – MSc Network Systems and Engineering graduate

Andrei Arimia recognises how important the University and the numerous facilities available on campus were to his overall development.

Current employer: Cisco

Current job title: Systems Engineer

Current location: Reading

“Studying at Plymouth was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have improved and developed both my technical and my interpersonal skills, and that has opened up a whole new world to me. I gained a lot of confidence and was able to step into the corporate world with the right attitude.”

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

After graduation I’ve joined a graduate scheme, working as a junior pre-sales consultant at an independent service provider based in central London. After just one year I got the opportunity to join a large IT company, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, where I’ve spent two years working as a networking pre-sales consultant. Currently, I am working as a pre-sales systems engineer for CISCO, a leading global technology company that designs, manufactures, and sells networking equipment.

Has your career path changed since graduation?

Yes. From, “I want to be a network engineer” as a student, it has changed to network architecture and design.

What is the most difficult thing which you have faced in your career?

Going straight from university into work was very difficult because the daily situations you encounter are far more complex than anything you’ll read in a book. Luckily, what I learnt at Plymouth University helped me to overcome these challenges.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get in to the same line of work?

Have an open mind and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone (as often as you can), because amazing things usually happen when you least expect them to; technology is a fast changing area and you need to be prepared to reinvent yourself quite often.

How did studying at Plymouth help you?

Studying at Plymouth was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have improved and developed both my technical and my interpersonal skills, and that has opened up a whole new world to me. I gained a lot of confidence and was able to step into the corporate world with the right attitude.

Would you recommend undertaking a course with Plymouth University, and why?

I would highly recommend Plymouth University to anyone looking for a place to learn new and exciting things, with great support from lecturers who were always open for collaboration. Also, I would recommend the University for the Career and Employability Hub and the excellent library facilities; and, on top of everything, you get a nice city with amazing sea front.

Find out more about postgraduate study at the University of Plymouth here