In our latest Q&A, we catch up with Ionut Burghiu, one of CCC’s Senior Windows System Administrators based in Cluj, Romania.

DD: Hi, Ionut! Please tell us a little bit about your professional background. You’ve worked in IT Security and systems configuration. What were those experiences like?

IB: Hello, David! It’s a pleasure to speak with you. My career started with a job as a Security Systems Engineer. I had completed my studies at The Polytechnic University of Bucharest and obtained my bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. I was in charge of configuring and setting up different security systems for various clients: EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) Systems to prevent shoplifting, CCTV (surveillance cameras), access control, fire detection systems. It was a rewarding job because I was travelling a lot and I got the chance to visit a lot of beautiful places.

After two years I wanted to search for something that did not involve so much traveling and I decided to start working in the IT industry. I worked for a small company in Bucharest where I was in charge of support for a number of clients. During my two years there I learned a lot and I managed to improve my skills.

After nine years spent in Bucharest, in May 2018 I traveled to Cluj-Napoca, Romania’s second most populous city, and I was mesmerized by the city. After only two days spent here, I decided I wanted to move and started looking for a job.  Two months later, I was at in my new role at Copyright Clearance Center.

What does your role as Windows System Administrator entail? What are the most interesting (or challenging) parts of that role?

IB: My role as a Windows System Administrator is basically installing, monitoring, managing and upgrading Windows-based systems.  The most interesting part of the role is the contact with all the new technologies, which evolve at a fast rate. This is sometimes challenging but I find it to be good practice for improving my skills. Another interesting part is that there is always something new to learn.

In the current (2021) environment, what has your experience of working from home been? Good? Challenging? Both?

IB: The experience of working from home was something new for me. At my previous jobs, working from home was not an option – I always had to be at a location.

In the first few weeks of working from home it was challenging but I managed to create my own little office space.

After the first few months I got used to working from home all the time. However, I have been missing the office and being able to talk with colleagues face to face. But, given the circumstances, I really appreciate the company’s policy to let us work from home.

I have a (limited) background in European history, but I have never yet been to eastern Europe. If I get there at some point, what do you think is a must-see?

IB: If you manage to visit Romania, there are a lot of great things to see. We have mountains with great landscapes and there are many castles. We also have a lot of monasteries and churches with amazing architecture and paintings. There are a lot of must-see things in Eastern Europe but most of my recommendations are for the ones in Romania with which I am more familiar.

If you had one thing to share with a prospective employee, to encourage them to come work at CCC in Cluj — or anywhere — what would that be?

IB: The people are awesome and the working environment is great. The company treats  employees with respect.

Author: Dave Davis

Dave Davis joined CCC in 1994 and currently serves as a research consultant. He previously held directorships in both public and corporate libraries and earned joint master’s degrees in Library and Information Sciences and Medieval European History from Catholic University of America. He is the owner/operator of Pyegar Press, LLC.
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