Victor’s Blog

I’m Victor, and I’m originally from Moldova, a small, post-Soviet country nestled in Eastern Europe. For those of you who didn’t grow up in the USSR, let me paint a picture. Life back then was a far cry from what you’d imagine in the West. The streets weren’t filled with colourful banners, cafés, or fancy cars; instead, they were lined with grey concrete buildings that all looked the same. The economy was centralized, all businesses were state-owned, which meant choices were very limited, whether it was the type of bread, the destination for your holiday or your career path. All families had the exact same brand of washing machine, the same set of furniture and the same carpets on the floor and on the walls (yes, on the walls – fancy times). Social life was structured and planned by the government and, let’s be honest, kind of dull. Fast forward to today, and you’ll find a place still grappling with its past but slowly moving towards a brighter future.

But as much as I love my home country, the socio-economic situation in Moldova isn’t exactly ideal for building a stable future. Moldova, despite its challenges, is a country of stunning natural beauty. The old oak forests stretch for miles, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Moldova is also renowned for its rich tradition of winemaking, with vineyards dotting the landscape as far as the eye can see. Many families, including my own, take pride in making their own wine – a craft passed down through generations. The tough life in Moldova has fostered a strong sense of community; people genuinely care for each other, and they’re some of the friendliest, hardest-working folks you’ll ever meet.

So, I made the tough decision to move to the UK in search of better opportunities. In 2017 I landed a job as a residential childcare worker in Leicester, where I still work part-time on weekends. This role has been both challenging and fulfilling for me. There’s something incredibly rewarding about taking care of vulnerable and abused children, knowing that you’re making a difference in their lives when they need it the most.

But as much as I love helping others, I’ve always had a passion for technology. I was that go-to guy among family and friends, the one who could fix your PC, install new apps, or at least try to fix things before breaking them even more (hey, it’s all part of the learning process, right?). My interest in IT led me to apply for an apprenticeship program with QA, a company that helps people switch careers through hands-on learning. Over two years, I worked as an IT helpdesk specialist for local schools and colleges in Leicester. It was during this time that I stumbled upon the fascinating world of cybersecurity.

I still remember the day we witnessed a ransomware attack on one of the schools we were supporting. The special police forces were involved, and I got to see firsthand how cyber forensics were conducted. It was like watching a detective movie unfold in real life! That experience lit a fire in me, I knew then that cybersecurity was what I wanted to do. So, I dove deeper, completing additional training in cybersecurity and eventually applying for a Level 4 Cybersecurity program through QA.

When the time came to choose a workplace for my next apprenticeship, I was given three options: Edinburgh, Liverpool, and London – tough choice because no matter which I picked, it meant leaving Leicester behind and starting fresh in a completely new place. But after my first interview with Andy Scott and Alex Leadbeater at GSMA, I knew this was where I was meant to be. Their passion and vision were contagious, and I was thrilled when they offered me the position.

My journey at GSMA has been nothing short of intense, in the best way possible. I’ve had to learn how cybersecurity operates within a global organization, collaborate with different departments, and contribute to various projects, all while juggling my apprenticeship studies. The learning curve is steep, with university-level material, live sessions, assessments, and exams, but I’m loving every minute of it.

What makes it all manageable is the incredible support I receive from my team at GSMA. The culture here is truly inclusive, and I’ve never felt more at home. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what colour your skin is, or what your beliefs are, everyone is welcomed and valued. It’s like I’ve finally found the place where I belong, where I’m doing what I was meant to do. The sense of fulfilment I feel at the end of each workday is a clear sign that I’m on the right path. The support from my team and the wider organization has been phenomenal, and the leadership team is not just approachable but genuinely invested in my success and progression. The company’s new values – Insightful Leaders, Stronger Together, Passionately Driven – aren’t just words on a wall; they’re the backbone of the culture here, guiding everything we do. My apprenticeship program at GSMA will wrap up next year, and then it’ll be time to sit down with my managers and discuss the plans for the future. Fingers crossed!

Earlier this year, at the end of February, I had an incredible opportunity that I’ll never forget – I was among the few lucky ones to visit the MWC Barcelona 2024. It just so happened that my trip to the biggest mobile telecom event in the world organized by GSMA, coincided with my birthday. Getting to experience this massive event firsthand was not only a fantastic birthday gift but also an eye-opening experience. Seeing the scale and impact of what we do as a team at GSMA gave me a huge boost in confidence, both in our collective mission and in my role within it. It was a powerful reminder of how important our work is and how far-reaching its effects can be.

Right now, I’m particularly excited about the GSMA’s Great Race event. I’m part of Team Oonagh, and we’re aiming to be the first to reach Las Vegas! I’m doing my part by contributing with swim strokes, because swimming is one of my lifelong passions. I’ve been swimming regularly since my days as a lifeguard in Texas, USA. Besides swimming, I love traveling. My partner and I have explored multiple countries across Europe, the Caribbean, South America, and South Asia. But we also have a soft spot for the UK, where we’ve hiked Ben Nevis and Snowdon, explored the forests of Surrey and Kent, and taken in the beauty of places like Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Bath.

I want to take a moment to thank everyone at GSMA for their help, kindness, and support. Please, never hesitate to reach out to the Cybersecurity team if you have any concerns or need advice. And remember, always stay on the bright side – if that link looks suspicious, don’t click it!

Here’s to the journey ahead, wherever it may lead. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that with passion, persistence, teamwork, and a little bit of luck, you can achieve your dreams.