Humans of HTB #3: Manolis’ journey into software engineering

Step into the vibrant world of the Humans of HTB (HoH), your behind-the-scenes glimpse into the growth of our talented team and dynamic culture!  

In this HoH series, we talk to Manolis Dermitzakis, who embarked on his journey at HTB as a Backend Engineer and is now thriving in his role as Capture The Flag (CTF) Senior Software Engineer! 

Who are you? 

Hello, I'm Manolis. Originally from Crete, I’ve spent most of my life in the city center of Athens. I’ve been working as a back-end software engineer for the past four years. I’m a father of three (1 human and 2 fluffy dogs) and love spending time in the mountains or playing basketball when I’m not in front of my laptop’s screen.

What was your career path before HTB?

Before joining HTB, my career path led me through a series of exciting experiences. I started as an IT engineer at a Greek-based travel agency, delving into computer networks and systems security. 

My passion for cybersecurity ignited during this time, and I learned about HTB. I was fortunate to work alongside an exceptional back-end engineer who mentored me on my journey with Laravel (Thanks, Theo ❤️). 

I undertook small freelance projects to apply and strengthen my knowledge, transitioning to a junior back-end engineer role at a VOIP telephony provider in Athens. This journey ultimately led me to HTB, where I'm thrilled to be today.

How did you end up in your current role?

During my early career, I closely followed HTB for several years as they grew. I was always impressed with what the company was doing and intrigued by the awesome culture they appeared to have built. 

When a talent acquisition employee (Thanks, Igor 😄) approached me for an open position as a back-end engineer in the CTF team, I couldn't apply fast enough. I was thrilled when I finally got the job; honestly, I've been just as happy every day since then!

Can you share some highlights of your work at HTB?

At HTB, I participated in a significant refactoring effort to improve our CTF platform's performance and user experience. Working within the amazing CTF engineering team, I played a pivotal role in creating the CTF Marketplace, where teamwork and innovation flourished. 

Embracing creativity in our projects felt like a genuine privilege, contributing to the authentic and dynamic culture that defines HTB.

Tell us about the most enjoyable part of your job!

The most enjoyable part of my job at HTB is the collaborative environment. 

Working alongside talented individuals passionate about cybersecurity and problem-solving has made every new feature we implement a rewarding experience. The sense of camaraderie and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge solutions for a company like HTB is truly fulfilling.

What are the key challenges of your work now?

Given HTB's exponential growth, a significant challenge lies in managing the delicate balance between maintaining the platform's stability and implementing new features. Navigating this balance demands meticulous planning and coordination, presenting an ongoing challenge that, in turn, offers continuous learning opportunities.

What are your key learnings from your experience so far at HTB?

My time at HTB has underscored the crucial role of adaptability in the fast-paced realm of cybersecurity. Embracing technical or collaborative challenges has been pivotal in my professional growth. 

Moreover, I've gained a profound appreciation for the impact of creative problem-solving on user experience. This experience marks the first instance in my career where I've worked to ensure the satisfaction of such a significant user base, adding a unique layer to my professional journey. 

Last but not least, by working with excellent devs, I am improving my technical skills daily.

What career advice would you give to someone interested in joining HTB’s Software Engineering team?

For those aspiring to join HTB's Software Engineering team, I advise preparing to be a dedicated team member who values collaboration. 

Embrace the joy of continuous learning and growth, aligning your passion with HTB's mission to make the web safer. Picture your skills as the bricks in a cybersecurity fortress, reinforcing a security-oriented mindset. 

And now, for the grand finale tip: APPLY AND YOU WILL NOT LOSE! 😄 

Your adventure at HTB awaits.🚀

You’ve been at HTB for 2 years now. What makes it a unique place to work?

What makes HTB unique is its dynamic and collaborative culture. The emphasis on innovation and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects create an environment where every team member can thrive. 

The commitment to knowledge-sharing and skill development sets HTB apart as a place where professionals can continually grow. Additionally, the genuine care for each individual at HTB is a rare find.

What advice would you give to someone interviewing at HTB?

For those interviewing at HTB, my advice is to showcase not only your technical skills but also your ability to adapt, collaborate, and be a true team member. 

Highlight your passion for cybersecurity and problem-solving, and be prepared to discuss past experiences that demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning. Showing genuine interest in HTB's mission and values will undoubtedly resonate with the team.

Author bio: Manolis Dermintzakis (m4n0u), Sr Software Engineer, Hack The Box Manolis, aka m4n0u, is a Senior Software Engineer at HackTheBox. By day, he tackles code challenges. Outside work, he’s into basketball, both playing and watching. Whether hiking with his dog group or camping solo in quiet spots, he loves the outdoors. His life is a mix of tech and the simple joys of nature. Want to hear more from Manolis? Connect with him on LinkedIn.