Computer Networks and ICT with a Principal Cloud Architect (PhD): TCP/IP, subnetting, routing and switching, Cisco Packet Tracer, network security, cloud networking, CCNA and Network+ syllabi

Find out more about Gokhan

• 1) Can you tell us about your first experience using a computer?

  My first experience using a computer was when I was about 10 years old. My dad brought home our first family computer, an old Windows 95 machine. I remember being so excited to try it out. The first thing I did was play some games that came installed like Solitaire and Minesweeper. I wasn't very good at using the computer at first - I had to ask my dad for help with things like turning it on and off, using the mouse, opening programs, etc. But I caught on pretty quickly. I spent hours exploring all the games, drawing in the Paint program, and typing up little stories I made up. It was amazing to me that I could write anything I wanted and make colorful pictures on this machine. That early experience sparked a lifelong interest in technology for me. Getting to use that home computer as a child exposed me to the possibilities that computers could offer. It set me on a path to studying computer science and eventually pursuing a career in technology. I'll always look back fondly on those early days of discovering how fun and empowering computers can be.

• 2) What is the technological evolution that has marked you most and what will be, in your eyes, a turning point in this field?

  The technological advancement that has impacted me the most is the rise of smartphones and mobile devices. I remember when I first got an iPhone - it completely changed how I accessed information, communicated, worked, and lived my daily life. Smartphones have become such integral parts of our lives today. And I believe the proliferation of smartphones is leading to a turning point in technology right now, which is the development of mobile apps.
  
  The app ecosystem has completely transformed software, business models, and how we interact with technology. We're no longer confined to accessing programs and tools on a desktop computer - we can leverage powerful apps on our phones or tablets whenever we need them. I think apps will only continue revolutionizing things like commerce, banking, entertainment, and more. We're also seeing the rise of AI, AR/VR, and other emerging technologies that are primarily app-based. The app-focused mobile economy has opened up infinite possibilities for software.
  
  Going forward, I think the next major wave of innovation will come from enhancements to mobile apps powered by AI. Having intelligent apps that can learn our behaviors and predict our needs will take usefulness and personalization to the next level. So in summary, the mobile app revolution has been the most significant advancement I've experienced, and intelligent apps are what I see as being the next frontier. The convenience and usefulness of what you can accomplish on a smartphone today would have been considered magic just a decade ago. I'm excited to see where app-based innovations take us in the future.

• 3) Explain your expertise, your interest in it and, more broadly, its importance in the computer world.

  My area of expertise is in cloud computing and distributed systems. I've always been fascinated by large-scale systems and how we can build highly scalable and resilient applications through the cloud.
  
  In particular, I'm skilled in using public cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP to architect cloud-native applications. The ability to leverage the flexibility and virtually endless resources of the cloud to deploy systems is incredibly powerful. My interest in cloud computing developed during my studies where I worked on projects utilizing IaaS, PaaS, serverless architectures, containers, and orchestration tools.
  
  Beyond hands-on skills, I stay up to date on the latest cloud developments through certifications, conferences, and communities. I'm deeply passionate about continuing to learn in this fast-evolving space.
  
  On a broader level, cloud computing has become integral to delivering robust digital products and experiences in today's world. Migrating to the cloud allows companies to innovate faster, reduce costs, and reach global audiences. Architectures like microservices empower teams to rapidly build and scale applications. And the availability of cloud services gives startups access to enterprise-level infrastructure.
  
  My expertise enables me to help companies modernize their systems, workflows, and applications to harness the power of the cloud. This can provide great business value through improved agility, resilience, and efficiency. I'm driven to apply my skills and knowledge to solve complex cloud-related challenges and build next-generation platforms. Cloud computing is undoubtedly one of the most important and fast-growing segments of information technology - and I'm committed to driving its continued adoption and evolution through my work.

• 4) Do so-called 'visionaries', such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg inspire you or do you have other role models?

  I definitely have great respect for the renowned visionaries like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg. Their drive to innovate, taking risks to follow ambitious ideas, and leadership in building hugely impactful companies are all admirable. They show how a technology pioneer can really change the world.
  
  However, my biggest inspirations come from leaders I've worked with directly throughout my career so far. For example, my previous manager was an incredible mentor for me. She always encouraged our team to push boundaries, learn new skills, and elevate our work. Her management style brought out the best in me.
  
  I'm also inspired by many of my former colleagues who I consider role models. Several senior engineers I worked with early on took me under their wing and taught me so much through their expertise and guidance. I aspire to demonstrate the same collaborative spirit and technical leadership as I progress in my career.
  
  Additionally, I look up to various thinkers, inventors, and entrepreneurs who broke new ground with their contributions to computer science and technology. People like Alan Turing, Linus Torvalds, Tim Berners-Lee, and Ada Lovelace opened my eyes to the transformational ways computers could impact society.
  
  While major CEOs like Gates and Jobs are impressive, I find motivation in leaders and innovators I can more directly learn from and relate to. Their diverse examples continue to inspire me to push boundaries and guide others in solving meaningful problems through technology. Having my own network of mentors and role models has been invaluable to my growth.

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  One formative experience I have from my school days was participating in a national collegiate coding competition. Our computer science department sent a team of 4 students, including myself, to compete against other top programs across the country.
  
  When we arrived, I was immediately intimidated. Some schools had brought as many as 3 teams of their best coders. We were just one tiny team. But we decided we were there to learn and do our absolute best with the skills we had.
  
  The actual competition was intense - a 36 hour hackathon with difficult coding challenges and problems that tested our abilities to the max. My teammates and I struggled through it, leaning on each other's strengths to make progress. I particularly remember spending 7 straight hours debugging one complex algorithm.
  
  In the end, we didn't win. But the feeling of collaboration, growth, and pushing ourselves to the limit during that event stuck with me. Though we were a small team, we had proven we could persevere and solve hard problems through teamwork.
  
  I learned that tackling challenges head-on and believing in each other goes a lot further than just talent alone. This experience taught me invaluable lessons that have stayed with me in my professional career - lessons of teamwork, persistence, and continuous learning. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to be part of such a challenging yet rewarding coding competition.

• 6) What would you say to an uncomfortable person in front of a screen who says that "IT is too complicated"?

  I totally understand feeling intimidated by technology - there's so much to learn and it's always evolving! But I like to think about how far we've come in making technology accessible and user-friendly for everyone.
  
  The key is starting with the basics and building up your skills slowly over time. For example, learning how to perform simple tasks on your computer like writing documents or browsing the internet can pave the way for picking up more advanced skills down the road. And there are so many great resources now for learning IT skills at your own pace, like online courses, tutorials, and community forums.
  
  It also helps to focus on developing specific skills that you're interested in or that are relevant to your own goals. You don't need to become an expert in everything tech-related. Find an area like software, hardware, networking, cybersecurity, etc. that gets you excited and dig into that.
  
  Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it! Colleagues, friends, IT professionals - there are many people willing to guide you in building your IT skills. With the right mindset of starting slowly, following your interests, and getting support, IT knowledge is attainable for anyone. The tech world needs people from all backgrounds and skill levels - your perspective is valuable! So be patient with yourself, and know that you can build mastery in IT over time.

• 7) What are your other passions, related or non-related to computers?

  While technology is my main professional passion, I have several other interests that provide balance in my life. Photography is a big hobby of mine outside of work. I love exploring my creativity through taking artistic photos, especially landscape and nature photography. There's something so rewarding about capturing a stunning scene. And the technical aspects of selecting the right camera, lens, and settings to achieve a certain shot do overlap with my interests in IT.
  
  Fitness is another pursuit of mine. I make sure to spend time at the gym each week lifting weights and taking workout classes. Staying physically active energizes me, keeps me healthy, and is a nice change of pace from sitting at a computer all day!
  
  I also enjoy activities that get me outdoors and enjoying nature like hiking, kayaking, and camping trips. Unplugging from technology to spend time in the wilderness resets my mind and allows me to refocus.
  
  Besides those personal hobbies, I care about volunteering and giving back to my community when I can. I sometimes volunteer at organizations that provide tech education to underprivileged youth or seniors. Being able to share my knowledge while making a positive impact is extremely fulfilling.
  
  So while I'm absolutely dedicated to growing in my IT career, I make sure to nurture these other passions too. Having balance and variety in life gives me perspective and creates a well-rounded identity, rather than just focusing on computers and work.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof in IT?

  I believe my relentless curiosity and drive to continuously learn new technologies makes me a "Superprof" in IT. This field evolves so rapidly, and I'm passionate about keeping my skills sharp and expertise up-to-date through certification courses, reading emerging research, and practicing with new tools. For example, I recently taught myself the fundamentals of Kubernetes to stay ahead of container orchestration advancements.
  
  Additionally, my troubleshooting skills set me apart. I have a knack for diving deep into technical problems, untangling complex issues, and solving them creatively. Debugging comes naturally to me - I won't rest until I get to the bottom of a system glitch or programming bug. These problem-solving abilities allow me to overcome challenges others may find insurmountable.
  
  I also consider my communication abilities to be a key strength as an IT expert. I can translate highly technical details into simple, easy-to-understand language for non-technical audiences. Making IT concepts accessible and clear is crucial when training new employees or explaining solutions to executives.
  
  Finally, I stay humble and eager to help others. I don't pretend to know everything, and I'm always willing to collaborate and share knowledge with coworkers. Lifting up individuals with less experience and being a patient mentor is important to me.
  
  My insatiable appetite for learning what's new in tech, knack for problem-solving, communication skills, and collaborative spirit are what make me a superprof. I'm dedicated to remaining a top-notch IT professional that delivers superb value to my employer.