Meet Asier, software engineer in Identity and Access Management Systems.

Hi Asier, Tell us a little about yourself and what brought you to CERN?

Hi! I’m Asier and I come from Donostia / San Sebastián, a beautiful city from the Basque Country, in Spain. Five years ago, when I was just finishing my Master’s Degree, I found out about an opportunity to join CERN in collaboration with the University of Oviedo. I though that there would be a lot of competition and it didn’t seem easy to get selected, but at least I wanted to try. When I finally knew that I was coming to CERN, I couldn’t believe it!

What do you do at CERN today?

I work as a Software Engineer in Identity and Access Management Systems. I develop software that handles the identity data life-cycle of people that joins CERN and works with us, and I design and administer authentication and authorisation systems for users who access digital services at CERN. I work together with a team of skilled and wonderful people, which makes my everyday job much better as we keep learning from each other.

What is working at CERN like for you?

CERN is a really good workplace in every aspect. I have been working in two different places at CERN since my journey here began, and I always felt that my work was valuable and part of something bigger. I was able to learn and develop many technical skills, and I even learnt some French. After these five years I will stay here as a staff member of the Organization, so I feel that CERN was also the place where my career has been progressing with new stimulating activities every time.

What have been the main hurdles or challenges you encountered along the way?

Coming to CERN can be a challenge in the beginning: moving to a different country all alone, speaking another language… This seems hard at first, but a good thing is that we all arrived in the same situation. Each of us is from a different place, and this makes a unique international atmosphere that made me feel always welcome.

What advice would you give potential applicants?

You don’t have to be a physicist to join CERN! In fact, many engineers and computer scientists work here as well. Even if you are still a student or you are looking for your first entry-level job, CERN can be the place for you. Coming here is a life-changing experience, so you should at least try!