A Day in the Life: On the Ground with Gentium Engineer Mohammed Ibrahim Samad 🇫🇷
Network support, collaboration, and cable labelling - all in a day’s work.
At Gentium Tech International, our engineers are the heart of everything we do. Whether they’re working on-site with a global client, resolving a ticket remotely, or collaborating across countries, they bring energy, precision, and problem-solving to every task.
This week, we caught up with Mohammed Ibrahim Samad, one of our talented field engineers based in France, to get a glimpse into a “typical” day (spoiler: there’s no such thing), and what makes life at Gentium Tech unique.
What’s a typical day like for you at Gentium Tech International?
“No two days are exactly alike. I usually begin by checking for open tickets and prioritising tasks, whether it’s troubleshooting a connectivity issue, configuring a new switch, or installing hardware on-site. Some days I’m pulling cable or updating firmware. It’s fast-paced, but that’s what makes it rewarding. Being proactive and detail-oriented really pays off.”
First things first, how do you start your workday?
“I check our network monitoring tools for any alerts, outages, or unusual activity. From there, I’ll run basic diagnostics: ping tests, switch port checks, or verifying connections and document anything important. If the issue needs escalating, I loop in the team right away. It’s all about staying ahead of problems before they impact users.”
Any favourite clients or projects?
“I’ve really enjoyed working on recent site deployments for an esteemed car manufacturer in Bordeaux and a major global bank in Paris. Both gave me the opportunity to learn new technologies and handle challenges that helped me grow professionally. I’ve learned a lot from those projects and built up some valuable experience, both technical and professional.”
How do you collaborate with your team?
“We stay connected throughout the day via Microsoft Teams. Whether it’s sharing updates, asking a quick question, or flagging a potential issue, there’s always a flow of communication. It keeps everything running smoothly.”
And how do you catch up with colleagues outside of work chat?
“A quick chat or coffee break now and then as it makes a big difference. Everyone’s busy, but there’s still time for human connection.”
Describe Gentium’s company culture in three words.
“Supportive. Fast-paced. Collaborative.”
What’s something unique about working at Gentium?
“The support from senior engineers is brilliant. You’re encouraged to learn, try new things, and take initiative. That kind of environment helps you develop quickly and build confidence.”
Any tools or work hacks that make your life easier?
“Plenty. I keep command-line shortcuts handy (ping, tracert, ipconfig) they save loads of time. I use Notepad for quick notes and commonly used commands. And one small but vital tip: label everything. Labelled cables and ports make troubleshooting 10x easier.”
What’s your go-to tech tool on the job?
“My cable tester and network toner. Simple but essential. They help me quickly verify physical connections and avoid guesswork when I’m on-site.”
What skill are you focusing on this year?
“I’m keen to upgrade my certifications and expand my hands-on experience. Staying current is key in this industry.”
Any advice for someone starting out in IT?
“Master the basics. Don’t just memorise commands and understand how and why networks function the way they do. Start with certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA, and create your own lab at home using tools like GNS3 or Packet Tracer. Getting hands-on is the best way to learn.”
What Mohammed’s story shows…
From device rollouts in Paris to proactive fault resolution in Bordeaux, engineers like Mohammed embody what makes Gentium different; a global mindset, local expertise, and a strong team culture.
Whether it’s structured cabling, wireless site surveys, network security support or end-user deployments, we’re proud of the people powering the work behind the scenes.