From Learning to Leading: Robert Shopov’s Graduate Journey
Interview
My journey with Macquarie Cloud Services kicked off with an engaging interview process that gave me a clear glimpse into the company’s vibrant culture. I met with the Hosting Management Centre (HMC) Manager, the Head of Operations, and even the Group Executive—which was both inspiring and humbling. The technical discussions tested my knowledge from my Bachelor of Computing Science (Honours) at the University of Technology Sydney, particularly around cybersecurity frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK. The process felt like a two-way conversation, with a genuine focus on my growth and passion for cybersecurity. It was clear that Macquarie was the ideal place to launch my career, and I left the interviews energized and eager to contribute.
Onboarding
Stepping into Macquarie’s data centres on my first day was a thrilling experience. Touring one of Australia’s most certified data centres, I was captivated by the scale and complexity of the infrastructure powering the cloud. My onboarding was a whirlwind of introductions to skilled engineers and a tight-knit team of graduates who quickly became friends. Settling into my desk in the HMC, I began exploring tools like Microsoft Sentinel, FortiManager/FortiAnalyzer, Zerto Disaster Recovery, Azure, and more. A highlight was when the company booked out the entire IMAX Cinema at Darling Harbour for the Cloud Departments to enjoy the release of Dune 2—a memorable bonding experience.
My First Month
My first month at Macquarie Cloud Services was an intense but rewarding immersion into cybersecurity operations. I jumped into triaging security alerts using Microsoft Sentinel, analysing vulnerabilities, and drafting incident reports. The fast-paced environment was initially daunting, but my teammates’ mentorship helped me find my footing. I applied frameworks like ACSC Essential Eight and NIST to real-world scenarios, such as recommending improvements to customer security postures. By the end of the month, I was confidently using tools like VirusTotal and Any.Run—bridging my academic knowledge with practical skills and gaining a deeper appreciation for the critical role of a SOC engineer.
Credentials and Learning
Learning is a cornerstone of my role at Macquarie. I’ve earned certifications like Microsoft SC-200, Cisco CCNA, Fortinet Certified Professional, Blue Team Level 1, and Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), all of which have strengthened my expertise in cloud security, networking, and system administration. The graduate program supports certifications every six months, and I’m currently pursuing my next milestone while studying for a Master of Cyber Security at UTS. Daily work with tools like Sentinel and Entra ID, along with exposure to frameworks like Zero Trust, keeps my skills sharp. Macquarie’s emphasis on professional development ensures I’m constantly growing—whether mastering KQL queries or refining incident response techniques.
Growth and Movement into the SOC Analyst Role
Transitioning from a Cloud Engineer Tier 1 to a Junior SOC Engineer marked a significant step in my career. As a Cloud Engineer, I refined my skills in maintaining cloud infrastructure using technologies such as VMware and FortiOS. Moving into the SOC Analyst role allowed me to specialise in cybersecurity—applying my certifications and experience to handle live incidents, produce detailed reports, and develop playbooks for efficient alert triage. Macquarie’s Security Centre of Excellence provides a dynamic environment for growth, and I’m excited to advance toward a senior SOC role, potentially leading initiatives to enhance our 24×7 SOC capabilities and protect customers from evolving threats.
Joining Macquarie Cloud Services has been a transformative experience.
The supportive culture, cutting-edge technology, and endless opportunities to learn fuel my ambition to become a cybersecurity leader—safeguarding organisations in a rapidly changing digital world.
