Get to know... Marek Geist, Key Account Manager

He’s been part of Awaretrain for four years and recently completed the first part his graduation project with us, we’re talking about none other than Marek Geist. In this edition of ‘Meet the Team’, Marek shares what it’s like to work at Awaretrain and his role as a Key Account Manager.

Who are you and where are you from?

I’m Marek Geist, 27 years old, originally from Heijen in Limburg. These days, I live in Nijmegen and have done so for several years now.

What’s your role at Awaretrain?

I joined Awaretrain back in 2021 as a Security Awareness Consultant in the sales team. Since then, I’ve progressed into the role of Key Account Manager. I work 32 hours a week, which I’ve combined over the past few years with a part-time degree in Commercial Economics.

As a Key Account Manager, I advise organisations on embedding security awareness in a structured and effective way. That includes overseeing implementation projects, providing tailored advice, and analysing client data to help drive long-term behavioural change.

How did you end up at Awaretrain?

In 2021, I was looking for a new challenge alongside my studies. After a number of job applications, I chose Awaretrain. I immediately felt a great connection with Dennie, the founder of Awaretrain, and my (then future) colleagues. The industry and the company were, and still are, developing rapidly, and it’s been a fantastic opportunity to contribute to that growth. I recently completed my graduation research here.

What do you enjoy about your role and the industry?

Cybersecurity is often seen as a technical field, but Awaretrain focuses on awareness and behavioural change. That human element is what really energises me and it’s where Awaretrain shines. Every day we share knowledge and experience to help organisations foster safer work cultures.

What do you enjoy about working at Awaretrain?

I really value the collaboration within the team and across departments. It’s important to me that work isn’t just about tasks and deadlines, that there’s also space for connection outside of work. I’m an active member of Awaretrain’s staff association, and we regularly organise drinks and team activities to build stronger bonds in a relaxed setting.

I also appreciate that everyone at Awaretrain is encouraged to contribute ideas and grow in their roles. Last year, I took a step forward in my career here and we celebrated it properly.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I’ve been an active member (and even served a year on the board) of NSWV Mercurius, the Nijmegen student cycling and mountain biking association. Sport still plays a big part in my life: I cycle regularly and also enjoy fitness and running.

For over two and a half years now, I’ve also been active in the world of wine. What started as a hobby has grown into ‘Geist op Wijn’ and ‘Wijnstreek’. I also co-host a podcast called Wijn en Wijsheid (‘Wine and Wisdom’), where we talk about wine in a relaxed and approachable way.