Welcome to a new Spotlight on Essenters!

Today we will have a chat with Ali Habib, a Senior Cloud Architect at Essent.

HI ALI, COULD YOU TELL THE READERS A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

I'm Ali Habib. I'm originally from Egypt and I work as Senior Cloud Architect at Essent.

In my free time I like to be in nature and travel. I’m an adventurer, to say the least! 

CAN YOU TELL US WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THE IT AREA?

I started my study in medical engineering in Egypt because I was fascinated by what IT could mean to people and the impact it has in their lives. I wanted to be a part of that. First I began with medical software and later I started working with cloud systems to make development workflows easier.

I am an enthusiast of cloud computing, utilizing advanced code and algorithms to develop software applications, systems, and platforms!

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIFIC INFLUENCES OR PEOPLE WHO HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTED YOUR CAREER PATH?

Nikola Tesla is a person whose vision I get inspired by.

Also Dr. Ahmed Rafea, a family friend of mine, is a great engineer and professor. He was a great influence and role model in my career.

HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT ESSENT?

I wanted a more cloud-focused job, so when I saw a LinkedIn post about a job offer at Essent for a Senior Cloud Architect, I took it with both hands. The application process was fast and smooth.

WHAT EXCITED YOU THE MOST ABOUT JOINING THE COMPANY?

The fact that Essent is a great IT company and behind the scenes is building a modern, future proof landscape. We have a lot of opportunities here and the fact that it is such an open space for everyone to contribute to makes me enthusiastic!

COULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES?

As a Senior Cloud Architect, I create and execute cloud computing strategies by designing, developing and managing cloud infrastructure. Those strategies align with business requirements.

I work closely with DevOps teams, ensuring seamless integration between development and operations and monitoring cloud activity, addressing bugs and enhancing IT security.

CAN YOU HIGHLIGHT A SPECIFIC ACCOMPLISHMENT AT ESSENT THAT YOU FEEL PROUD OF?

Since I joined Essent, my focus has been on building helpful blocks, not only for my team but other teams as well. One of the blocks was focused on the infrastructure needed for Essent Cloud reports, using AWS QuickSight. We use it now for security and financial reports, with more to come!

HOW DO YOU PERCEIVE THE CULTURE OF YOUR TEAM?

It is a bit of a playground; we laugh a lot, and our minds can go anywhere. That is important, if I don’t wake up energized to do my work with my colleagues, then it’s a problem for me.

It's nice to work with colleagues who have different qualities but with whom I can have a lot of fun with.

WHAT SKILLS OR ATTRIBUTES DO YOU THINK ARE CRUCIAL FOR ANYONE IN YOUR ROLE OR TEAM?

It’s important to keep learning and be curious. Our work field is constantly changing, we can't coast and stop developing ourselves. It is very important to constantly learn and keep up with the change. If you want to be a good architect, you need to be hands-on yourself too.In the end you will always learn more that way. It's also important to jump outside of your comfort zone.

ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE ASPIRING TO WORK IN YOUR FIELD OR IN A ROLE LIKE YOURS?

Some people start by trying to learn all the skills at once, which is a waste of energy. I would say: try to focus on basics first, cloud-native, one Infrastructure as Code (IaC) technology, and later start adding more skills to your liking. Master them one at a time, focus on building your career one step at a time.

Also, it is never about the number of diplomas and certifications you have. Don’t distract yourself from what you like to do. It isn't a competition.

We would like to thank Ali for the time he took to speak with us, and the insights he shares.

If you have any lingering questions for him, don’t hesitate to drop a comment down below.
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