Hi Yousuf! Tell us a bit about yourself. 

Hi! I am Yousuf, Currently working as a Cloud Engineer at BlakYaks. I began my journey here as a graduate cloud engineer and have since experienced significant professional development within the company.

My academic background is in Computer Science, a field I've always found intriguing. When I'm not immersed in technology, I enjoy practicing jiu-jitsu, a hobby that helps me stay active and balanced.

What is your role at BlakYaks?

As a member of the SpecOps team at BlakYaks, my primary responsibilities encompass ongoing maintenance and optimisation of our clients' cloud infrastructure.

The SpecOps team is a diverse group, comprising individuals at various career stages, from graduates to senior cloud engineers. Together, we handle a wide spectrum of client projects that span small businesses to large corporations, all while acquiring a wealth of industry certifications in the process. Some of the technologies I work with include Terraform, PowerShell, and Kubernetes.

What does a typical day look like for you and what are you currently working on?

My typical day at BlakYaks involves a blend of addressing incoming client service requests and the design of solutions through Infrastructure as Code. Currently, I am in the process of developing a PowerShell script to automate the renewal of Azure key vault keys, which will improve efficiency for one of our valued clients.

What drew you to join BlakYaks originally?

What I love the most about BlakYaks is its commitment to employee growth.

The culture of continuous learning, the exposure to a wide range of technologies, and the encouragement to acquire industry certifications all contribute to an environment that fosters personal and professional growth.

How did you find the onboarding process when you joined BlakYaks?

The onboarding process at BlakYaks was an incredible experience. From my initial interaction with the friendly team to the comprehensive interview process, everything was well planned. I found the onboarding program informative and effective, setting a solid foundation for my career at BlakYaks.

How has the company/team changed since you joined?

The company has evolved immensely since I joined. The team has grown in size and capabilities, and the array of technologies we work with has broadened. It has been amazing to be a part of this growth and see the company evolve first-hand.

How do you find BlakYaks flexible working model?

BlakYaks' flexible working model has been instrumental in maintaining my work-life balance. It allows me to manage my work commitments alongside my personal responsibilities effectively. The trust the company places in its employees to manage their time effectively speaks volumes about its positive work culture.

What do you find the most challenging at BlakYaks?

The rapid pace of technological advancements is one of the biggest challenges at BlakYaks. Staying abreast of all the new tools and trends requires constant learning. However, it's a challenge that also makes my work exciting and dynamic.

What advice would you give to recent new joiners?

To all new joiners at BlakYaks, my advice would be to embrace the culture of continuous learning. Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek help - we are all here to learn and grow together.

Thanks Yousuf!