Ever wondered what it’s like to be a real-life Captain Uptime? Meet Pascal Haddad, our brilliant System Admin Working Student at natif.ai. From her jaw-dropping first steps into a massive data center (spoiler: it’s nothing like a typical office) to mastering the art of balancing studies with tech work, Pascal shares her journey. Whether she’s keeping systems up or experimenting in the kitchen, Pascal’s got a knack for making everything run smoothly—with a dash of humor and a whole lot of teamwork. From the team’s perspective? She’s not just the go-to person when things need fixing—she’s also an all-around wonderful human being who brings positive energy wherever she goes!
What’s the coolest or most surprising thing you’ve learned while working at natif.ai as a System Administration Working Student?
Walking into a data center for the first time was a real “wow” moment! Seeing the sheer scale of it and understanding the level of precision needed to keep everything running smoothly was fascinating. I got to learn about the intricacies of maintaining self-hosted services, from managing uptime to the strategies used to prevent data loss. It’s eye-opening to realize how much thought and effort go into ensuring everything is seamless for users, especially the teamwork behind it all. It definitely gave me a new appreciation for what goes on behind the scenes in tech!
If your role was a superhero, what would your ‘System Admin superpower’ be, and how does it help the team?
If I had a System Admin superpower, I’d be Captain Uptime! My superpower? A built-in alert system that pings me about potential downtimes an hour before they even happen. Imagine being able to swoop in before issues arise—I’d be able to keep things running smoothly and save everyone a lot of stress. With Captain Uptime on the team, our systems would always be one step ahead, keeping everything stable and the team confident that we’re in control. No unexpected downtime would stand a chance!
How does natif.ai’s culture help you balance being a student and a working professional? Any tips for managing both?
Natif.ai’s culture is genuinely supportive, which makes a big difference when juggling studies and work. The team really respects that students have responsibilities outside of the office, and it’s heartwarming to receive encouraging messages, especially before exams. Those small gestures make you feel like your growth matters to everyone here. As for balancing both, my top tip is to carve out dedicated blocks of time for work and studying. It helps keep you focused and ensures you stay on top of everything. Plus, setting boundaries with your time lets you stay present in whatever you’re doing, whether it’s work or school.
When you’re not wrangling systems, how do you unwind and recharge? Any hobbies or fun activities?
Lately, I’m all about experimenting in the kitchen—trying out new recipes with friends has become a favorite way to unwind. There’s something about cooking and sharing a good meal that just brings everyone together. And when I need a change of pace, I head to the gym to blow off some steam. Balancing these activities helps me recharge, whether it’s through a good workout or just enjoying great food with good company.
