Meet the Budapest Team: István Bordás, Information Security Technology Specialist Lead

Tell us a little bit about your career history so far!

As an avid sci-fi reader, I was fascinated by technology from a very young age, and as I got older, this fascination shifted to information technology. I always liked to know how and why machines work, so besides gaming, I started to develop a more serious interest in the bits and pieces that make the computer tick, so it made sense to pursue a career in IT.

I started my first corporate IT job in 2007 as an IT Operator at a manufacturing plant. This was an entry-level job, but the responsibilities quickly grew. Besides working with IT systems supporting automation and manufacturing, I also had the opportunity to develop my skills with networks from practically zero to getting certified as a skilled practitioner.

In 2011, I became an IT Support Engineer at another company, where my focus started to shift to Information Security. In 2015, I joined Citi as an Information Security Technology Specialist. In this role, I performed information security reviews on new technologies being introduced at the company.

A promotion later, I became the program manager of Citi’s Graduate Analyst Program here in Hungary. This was an awesome role, as I could support young people fresh out of school in kickstarting their careers at Citi, help them in their first corporate jobs and in becoming better professionals. This was my first people management role, a start of a new journey in InfoSec.

At the end of 2020, my manager presented me with an opportunity to become a junior manager in my own team. This is where I am now, I grew into my managerial role and I’m working hard to give all the support to my team so that they can perform their jobs to the best of their abilities.

Why did you decide to join Citi?

Citi recruitment contacted me with an opportunity and since my professional interests were already focused on security, it felt just right to take this chance to join the security organisation of one of the biggest banks in the world. I really wanted to be part of an organisation where security is taken seriously and done right, and where I can grow and develop myself to be a better professional.

What is your role at Citi?

As an Information Security Technology Specialist Lead, I am responsible for supporting and managing the operations of an InfoSec team performing security reviews on new technologies being introduced in Citi. Besides that, I am also the direct manager of a subset of this greater team.

My work is mostly about providing assistance and guidance for our reviewers in their day-to-day activities, making sure that they have everything available to perform their jobs while seeking out and developing opportunities to further enhance the team’s skillset and tech stack.

What do you enjoy most about your time with Citi?

Working at one of the biggest banks in the world where one of the biggest technology infrastructures is being operated is great. I can work with and learn from top tech and InfoSec professionals from all around the world, and my job gives me access to cutting-edge technology. It is awesome and humbling at the same time.

I am grateful that I am getting all the support from the company and my manager so that I can grow and develop continuously.

What advice would you give someone considering a career at Citi?

Go for it. Citi is a huge company, and there are opportunities for everyone here. You can be part of a vibrant and diverse organisation, learn, develop, and have an impact on people’s lives.