John Shkëmbi is an example for young people who study abroad and want to contribute to their homeland. After completing his studies in the US, he decided to return to Albania to become part of the Cyber Operations Center at the Cyber and Liaison Command.
The path to a career in Cybernetics
“Since my last year of high school, while I was preparing for the matriculation exams, I started applying to various universities, both in America and Europe. But my greatest desire was to apply to West Point, a renowned academy in the US. In 2020 I started my studies and graduated in 2024. I liked the technology part and took computer engineering as my major,” John confesses.
“It was a completely different culture from the Albanian one. The school included people from every state in America and you had to learn with each accent. For about four years I was alone; I had no family there, only when I graduated they came. In October 2024 I started my job as a cybersecurity engineer in Albania,” he says.
What do you do as a cybersecurity engineer?
“We focus on protecting critical systems of the Armed Forces. We try to prevent and monitor risks as early as we can and manage them as safely as possible. There are numerous activities; some are easier, some more difficult, but each attack is studied and dealt with. Equipment from America, such as Fly-Away Kits, allows us to be deployable and take equipment wherever the incident occurs. We are active 24/7 and security is at a high level.”
Cooperation with NATO and allies
“We cooperate a lot with international allies and domestically. Our main partner is the United States of America, which has contributed to the creation of these offices and structures.”
A typical day for John
“It’s a difficult balance, as we are on call all the time. Work starts at 8 am and ends at the end of the day, but I try to be active and give my best. After work, I read something, even when I am on call.”
Message to Albanian youth
“I am 23 years old. I hope that my journey will serve as motivation for young Albanians. Dedication and the desire to learn are key to achieving dreams and being happy. Service to the homeland is paramount.”
Will he return to America again?
“I knew that one day I would come here and contribute to my homeland. My goal now is to give my best here.”/Euronews Albania
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