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Welcome back to Meet the Team, where every month we introduce you to someone here at Telcion. This month we're talking to another one of our newest team members, Zach Shamal.

Zach Shamal

Jr. Support Engineer

Years at Telcion: <1

What is your job title and main responsibilities at Telcion?

I am a junior support engineer. I focus mainly on route/switch and security issues, and I’m also responsible for dispatching ticket to the maintenance support team.

What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on?

I’m currently trying to grow my knowledge in everything networking and cybersecurity, so my goal is to pass the CCNA exam in a couple of months.

What energizes you at work?

The opportunity to learn something new that relates to what I’m doing and honestly just being around people who have the same mindset and are always growing.

What led you to this career?

While I was in college I wrote a few research papers on the tech industry and that actually led me to develop a strong interest in cybersecurity. I talked to someone who I knew was in IT/security, and they told me how to take some entry-level certifications to break into the industry. So that’s basically how I ended up here, doing what I do.

If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?

I would love to be a great basketball player. It was my dream to play in the NBA as a kid, so that would be really cool.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I have family all across the world, I think like 4 different continents. So I travel pretty much every year to a different place in the world.

What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?

My dad always told me, “Whatever you choose to do, do your best to excel and continue to get better.” So I feel like that’s really helped me shape the growth mindset that I have now. And, you know, I always want to be growing and pursuing things. Once I reach a certain point I don’t want to just stay at that point, I’d like to pursue something else to get better at what I’m doing. So that advice has helped me a lot in life.

What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?

I kind of have a little routine on the weekends—I’ll usually go to the gym, go back home, take a swim, and then have a little barbecue where I’ll grill some burgers or a steak or something, maybe invite a couple of friends over.

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Don’t doubt yourself, and try doing something that you have never done before.

What’s one item you want to own that you don’t?

AirPods. I never got around to buying them and I’m still stuck with those headphones that get tangled.

What’s your favorite sport to watch and which team do you root for?

Basketball is my favorite sport. I’ve been a Warriors fan since I was young, so I love watching the Warriors, even now though they’re not as good as they were.

What’s one hobby you’d love to get into?

I would really love to get into snowboarding. I’ve done it a couple of times and it was really fun once I actually learned how to use a snowboard and do it. So I’d love to get out there and start doing it consistently.

Thanks so much, Zach!

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn.