Stefania Grows Her Pre-Sales Engineering Career at Palo Alto Networks

Skip to main content

Stefania Avasiloei

Solutions Consultant

EMEA | Blog | Career Development

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

From New Grad Associate Systems Engineer to Solutions Consultant at Palo Alto Networks

When I joined Palo Alto Networks three years ago, I was fresh out of university, stepping into my first ever role as an Associate Systems Engineer through the graduate program. I had no professional background, just the theory I had learned in my cybersecurity degree and the ambition to put it into practice.

What I found here was the perfect environment to grow. In just three years, I’ve gone from the graduate program to supporting the commercial sector to becoming a Solutions Consultant for major financial institutions in the UK. This rapid journey wasn’t just about career progression; it was about learning how to navigate real-world challenges, finding my voice, and discovering who I could become.

From theory to reality

My first big challenge came quickly: moving from theory into practice. Suddenly I was in front of customers, faced with complex architectures and problems that didn’t have textbook answers. It was daunting at first, but also exhilarating. That’s when I realised: this job isn’t about memorising solutions; it’s about listening, learning, and working together to create something that fits.

What drives me every day

As a Solutions Consultant, the part of my role I love most is the intersection between technology and business strategy. I get to sit with customers, understand their challenges, and translate cybersecurity into outcomes that matter to executives. Seeing how our platform can help them reach their goals is rewarding, but the best moments are when a project goes live, and the customer is genuinely happy with the result. That’s when all the hard work pays off.

Recognition, growth, and mentors

Along the way, I’ve been honored to receive awards and recognition. For me, these moments proved that you don’t need decades of experience to achieve great things. Curiosity, resilience, and the right support system can take you further than you think.

That support system has been everything. From the very beginning, I was curious enough to reach out across the business and ask, “What do you actually do here? How does it all work?” Those conversations built me an incredible network and introduced me to mentors who guided me when I needed it most. I’m grateful that Palo Alto Networks is a place where you can admit you don’t know everything and instead of being judged, you’re supported.

Growing up at Palo Alto Networks

When I joined at 22, I was anxious, hard on myself, and not very confident. Over time, through my work and the people around me, I’ve grown into someone who isn’t afraid to speak up, to ask for help, and to share openly how I feel, even when it doesn’t feel “appropriate.” In fact, I often get told, “You have so much courage to talk about things people usually hide.” But that honesty has been my biggest strength. Here, failing, learning, and then succeeding is part of the journey. And we go through it together, as one team.

My advice to anyone considering Palo Alto Networks

- Don’t be afraid to fail. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn.

- Be yourself. This company has given me the space to show up as who I am, even as a Gen Z woman in an industry often dominated by the opposite.

- Never hesitate to ask. Whether it’s for guidance, feedback, or support, you’ll find people here willing to help you grow.

- Think long-term. Palo Alto Networks isn’t a place you join for a quick stop. It’s a journey full of opportunities, challenges, and growth, both personal and professional.

For me, Palo Alto Networks isn’t just where I work. It’s where I grew up. It’s where I built confidence, learned to lead with curiosity, and discovered how fulfilling it is to help others protect what matters most.

Join Palo Alto Networks.

View All Jobs

Related Posts

View All of Our Available Opportunities

No Recently Viewed Jobs

No Recently Viewed Jobs

Stay connected to our opportunities with the latest news and event invites.

Unlock career insights and get exclusive information tailored just to you.

Join Our Talent Community