Hitchhiker’s guide to CCIE jobs in Poland by Mariusz Trojanowski

If you read other magazines then CCIE Flyer and WIRED, than you have probably read about the current worldwide economic crisis. May be you've also heard, that Poland, a middle sized European country has coped well with the global crisis (at least so far). Or you've met a beautiful polish girl on the web, with face that launched thousand ships (http://bestuff.com/stuff/polish-women). Anyway, you just want to try your luck working as a CCIE in Poland. In this article I would like to tell you, what you should expect.

In general, moving, living and finding a CCIE job in Poland could be difficult for a foreigner. But there are also advantages. Let’s start from the beginning.

According to last Cisco data, CCIE population in Poland at the end of October 2009 is 160 people and growing fast with 1-2 new CCIEs monthly. Of this number, about 100 work for Cisco and its Gold and Silver Partners, so this is the solid base. Another 20-40 work for smaller partners, service providers, telecom companies and large companies. And the rest probably has moved outside Poland, mostly to UK and Ireland. So there is really not much place for foreigners, unless, of course, you’re really crème de la crème.

Another problem, of course, would be a language barrier. No, we don’t have polish IOS, and most of networking staff speak reasonable English. But when it comes to pre-sales presentation for clients, preparing projects answering RFPs, definitely Polish is a must. And it’s a difficult language (http://hubpages.com/hub/Most_Difficult_Languages_-_Polish) so it would take you at least a full year intensive language course before you’ll be able to communicate and 2-3 years to speak/write on intermediate level.

Of course, you way get hired for an international company or an European agency with English as a primary office language. But still, you may feel isolated from your Polish coworkers, who may not be in mood for speaking English every time you’re around. Expect communication difficulties buying your bus ticket, post stamps or food (but ok, we have supermarkets in Poland and they accept most credit cards). Reasonable percent of younger people speak some English and other languages, but, regrettably, you will not find them on a train station box office nor a post office.

But, as stated above, you may always find a beautiful girl who will help you to tackle all those daily troubles. And, talking about chicks, have you ever tried Polish food (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_food)? Try, and you’ll never come back to your home country, until K*C wings and M*Donald burgers spoiled your taste buds. Eat Polish bread with butter and ham or sausage and you’ll never try the tasteless surrogates you have been used to.

Start your dinner with “zurek” (sour rye meal mash), then order polish “pierogi” (large raviolis?) filled with meat or white cheese and potatoes. Or “bigos” (sauerkraut hunter’s stew) . If you prefer vegetables, eat polish tomatoes with sour cream and you’ll never buy again the substitutes you may buy at western supermarkets under this proud name. Finish the meal with iced glass of Polish vodka with original pickle and you’ll feel the taste of paradise. Or with apple, if you not in mood for alcoholic beverage.

But ok, you’ve decided to start seeking job in Poland. Where you should try? Of course, most CCIE jobs are located in Warsaw, the capital city of Poland. However, as most Poles agree, it is not the most beautiful and comfortable place to live (with no offence to my friend in Warsaw intended). Highest apartment rent rates, instant rush, terrible traffic jams, non-existing public communication. Ok, they have subway: but just one 23 km line crossing the city, compare it to 183 km of metro in Vienna, which is a similar size city). Warsaw although famous of it’s Old City (mostly rebuild after WW2) also lacks well defined city square. If you prefer better lifestyle to a higher salary, then select Cracow, Poznan, Tricity or Wroclaw (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wroclaw - this is where I do live). You’ll find friendly atmosphere, lots of cultural events and all the interesting places, pubs and bars located in one area, which allows you a pleasant evening Friday walking tour around all your favorite places instead of taking taxi.

Talking about money - what salary level should a CCIE expect in Poland? Well, it’s difficult to say. Polish vacancy ads rarely include this important data. Probably it’s wise to state your expectations in the motivational letter to avoid misunderstandings. But in general, salary level is low comparing to other western European countries. Polish currency is named “zloty” (literally: “golden”), with Euro expected to be introduced in 4-8 years. Current exchange rate is 4,2 zl/Euro (or 2,8 zl/usd). An average CCIE may expect 9 - 20 kilo zlotys per month gross income, depending mostly on location. After paying all taxes and compulsory social and health insurance it falls down to about 6 – 13 kzl, or maybe 10-20% more if you’re on contract. Do your math homework and you’ll be amused, how anyone may live on this money. But it’s still 3-6 times more than an average Polish salary, so you’ll afford your bread and butter. However, apart from food, Polish prices for accommodation, fuel, electronics and other goods are on higher European level.

If you’re still uncertain, please note, that we have beautiful nature in Poland. Wild mountains, sea, lakes, swamps with birds that couldn’t be seen anywhere else. Forests with woodpeckers and a national parks of European Bisons. Bat reserve in a cave. And of course, half of the European population of white storks, which can be seen on chimneys along roads, as we believe that they bring harmony to a family on whose house they nest. Anyway, feel free to visit Poland or even find your luck here. If you have questions, or want to read more, unicast Eman or me. However, please remember that I am just a poor CCIE guy, so don’t expect me to find you a job in Poland, until you want to swap yours to mine.

Mariusz Trojanowski has over 10 years of experience in networking, specializing in advanced routing and switching and security, After passing a standard certificate set of MCSE, CNE, CCNA, CCDA and CCNP he finally reached the CCIE R/S level and is still happy to see that Cisco continuously raises the bar with the new Design and Architect certificates. Other interests include amateur astronomy and good s-f books.

He currently works as a Networking Group Leader for a Silver Cisco Partner in Wroclaw. Detailed professional profile to be found on http://www.ccie.com.pl/.

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