Hey everyone,
I hope you're doing well. I want to say sorry for not being here last month. I should've told you I couldn't make it.
Today, I want to talk about what it's like to work in IT, specifically as a NOC (Network Operation Center) engineer. It's a job where I help make sure the internet works smoothly.
When I started in March, I had a lot to learn. I got new equipment like Apple devices and learned how things worked at the company.
As a NOC engineer, my main job is to watch over the internet. If there's a problem, I try to fix it or get help from others. It's like being a guard for the internet, making sure everything's okay.
A typical day for me starts with saying hello to my coworkers and drinking coffee. Then, I check different computer programs to see if the internet is working well. Most of my day is spent answering questions and solving problems. Sometimes it's easy stuff like ordering cables, and sometimes it's harder like figuring out why the internet is slow.
Working with other people in different departments, like network engineering, is important too. Sometimes we need their help to fix big problems.
Overall, being a NOC engineer means I need to know a lot about computers and be able to talk to people. It's a busy job, but it feels good to know I'm helping keep the internet running smoothly.
Random Questions that I would be asked from myself:
What inspired you to make the switch from being a chef to working in IT?
I had 10 years of experience and a secured position as a senior sous chef. I felt settled. However, when COVID hit, I lost my job and had no income. I met my wife during the pandemic, and she encouraged me to pursue a degree. Computing had always been a hobby, so I knew which course to pursue.
Did you find any similarities between the kitchen environment and the NOC environment?
Teamwork is awesome. I used to work with great guys in the kitchen – hard workers, fun times. That environment is very similar to my new workplace.
How did your experiences as a chef prepare you for your role as a NOC engineer?
As a chef, I came across very complex tasks. Sometimes, I needed to please people who I knew came to cause trouble, which is not easy. My role as a chef helped me understand and learn how to manage my time efficiently and work under pressure, which is handy in my new role.
Were there any specific skills or lessons from your time in the kitchen that you find particularly useful in your new job?
Common sense is a blessing, and I believe it's definitely useful in my new job.
Did you face any challenges adapting to the different work environment and tasks in the IT field compared to the kitchen?
Oh yeah, I am still adapting. In fact, I am outside of my comfort zone. I am in my thirties, and usually, people in their thirties are at the top of their careers. I am working with a young team, and they are really smart and good people. Sometimes, I feel a bit odd because I should know more at this age, but hey, I was a career changer, so no shame on that. Besides, my new colleagues seem to respect me for taking the risk to change careers, and they help me a lot. But sometimes, I feel like an old man among them.
Do you miss anything about working as a chef now that you're in the IT industry?
I love cooking. However, I have a family now. If I still worked as a chef, I would have no time to spend with my son or my wife. As you may not know, if you're a chef, there's no Christmas, no weekend, no Valentine's Day, no bank holiday as you need to work on those days most likely, and it's hard – 16 hours on your feet. But nowadays, more and more places offer flexible working. But you can't beat working from home – sorry :D / we're not allowed to work from home, but some bank holidays, yes /
Have you found any unexpected connections between cooking and working with technology in your new role?
Yes. As a chef, you need to know recipes or read them to use the correct amount of ingredients from the stock. Otherwise, it might cause some problems when you do stock take. If you put more saffron in the dish or give 500g of steak instead of 200g, it's similar with technologies. We have procedures, commands that must be the same; otherwise, it will become a mess. You need to follow the book, just like in the kitchen.
How do you think your background as a chef sets you apart or benefits you in your current position?
I feel both, to be honest with you. I should have changed earlier because as we age, it gets harder to learn. Being a chef definitely benefited me as I saw other colleagues go to fast-food restaurants for lunch, and I can cook for myself :D
Are there any aspects of the culinary world that you still draw upon or incorporate into your work as a NOC engineer?
I like to learn concepts rather than tasks. When I was a chef, I used to learn the concept of what I do and why. Things can be complicated. Therefore, I suggest everyone zoom out and try to learn the "what, how, why" concept because at the end of the day, that's all that matters. Not to note every task second by second because it will cause worry and fear.
What advice would you give to other chefs considering a career change into the tech industry based on your own experience?
I encourage everyone who feels that way. You can be whatever you want. Obviously, you need to put the time and work into it, and it usually takes 3 years to get a degree, but it's possible. For those who might say, "How can I pay my rent in London if I stop working?" I did university 2 days a week from 9 till 18:00. Other days, I worked in a restaurant. Later, due to COVID, I lost my job. I only could work as a night train cleaner. So, if you can imagine working overnight, then attending university without sleep, it takes some courage. But now, you can see that everything is possible.