Murat Cat, Class 03
Currently living in: Toronto, Canada
Currently working as: Block Inc, Introducing Block
Where are you currently working and what is the biggest issue that you are facing at work or what is currently keeping you busy there?
I am working at Block (Square is the name probably more people will recognize). I am working as Technical Lead in the Hardware Payments Team. My responsibility is to follow the payments industry and trends, helping my organization making strategical decisions by providing data and analysis.
I am also representing Block in EMVCo, which is an important governing body composed of card brands and other payment industry players.
Has there been a professional challenge since you were a student for which your studies or experiences at the NIT have prepared you for perfectly?
I believe life at the NIT not only equipped me with knowledge but also with very valuable experiences that someone can only get while living in such environment and interacting with students from different countries and disciplines. The soft skills, especially conflict resolution skills, that I learned during these years helped me a lot in my professional career.
What has happened in your private life in the meantime?
After graduating from the NIT, I lived in Germany for 7 years and then moved to Toronto. I got married and have 3 children.
If you are in Canada, especially in the Toronto area, Murat is happy if you reach out for having a coffee.
Below, you find a picture of him at his graduation – Murat is the one on the left. On the right is Barly Bachsin, now located in Jakarta. (If you are one of the other persons in this photograph, I'll be happy to meet you.)