WHAT DID YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE BEFORE GÉANT?
Before joining GÉANT I studied computer science, specifically telematics and computer networking, at the University of Twente in Enschede, The Netherlands. As part of my graduation I completed an internship at GÉANT, where I wrote my master thesis on Quantum Key Distribution. Following my graduation, GÉANT invited me to return as a full-time Network Engineer.
HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT GÉANT?
During my time at university I attended a course in advanced networking taught by an employee of SIDN (the organisation responsible for managing the .nl domain), and Bram Peeters, Chief Network Operations Officer at GÉANT, held a guest lecture on GÉANT and the network itself. I found the talk really interesting and intriguing, so I reached out to Bram afterwards inquiring about the possibility of a internship at GÉANT - the rest is history!
WHAT COULD A DAY AT GÉANT LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
As an intern my days consisted of performing research as part of the Network Evolution team, which I am a part of now. Currently, my working day can range from meeting with stakeholders from different teams, to buckling down on some programming for one of the projects I’m involved in.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE A VALUED MEMBER OF GÉANT?
From my very first day at GÉANT I was taken seriously by my co-workers. I am involved in important discussions and decision making, and I am constantly reassured that there are no right or wrong answers. People are willing to share their experience and listen to new ideas.
“Everyone is very driven towards a shared goal of improving research and education in Europe one way or another...”
WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT WORKING AT GÉANT?
Honestly, the people. That and the projects you get to work on. Everyone is very driven towards a shared goal of improving research and education in Europe one way or another, which makes it both a very rewarding and an infectiously enthusing work environment.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE EVENT/ PROJECT OF THE YEAR?
During my internship I was given the opportunity to attend TNC22 in Italy, which was a total blast! It was a fantastic experience meeting so many new people in the community, along with broadening my horizons in the field of research and education networks.
TNC
The largest and most prestigious research and education networking conference, TNC attracts a diverse audience of over 800 participants from more than 70 countries, representing national and regional research and education networks, schools, universities, technology providers and exciting scientific projects.
FUTURE TALENT PROGRAMME
The Future Talent Programme’s Lightning Talk Challenge offers students and young professionals the opportunity to present their project or idea to TNC’s international audience. Nominated by GÉANT project partners, participants receive training to help them master presentation skills and prepare to deliver an impactful talk.
Karel participated in the Future Talent Programme at TNC22 in Trieste, Italy, where he presented a Lightning Talk on Roman Emperors and Facial Recognition.
Karel presented a Lightning Talk on Quantum Key Distribution in the GÉANT Network, is it possible? at TNC23 in Tirana, Albania.
ABOUT KAREL
Karel is a computer science graduate from Twente University, The Netherlands. In his spare time Karel likes to go bouldering, both in climbing gyms and outside. He also enjoys tinkering with any electronics he can get his hands on!
Life @ GÉANT
