Mihai-Valentin Curelea

Mentor • Technical lead / Architect / Principal Engineer • Ex-Meta • Contractor

Mentoring

Your next career steps

1 hour with me can save you weeks, months if not years of struggle

Getting promoted at work

Just doing the work is not enough to get promoted. Learn the unspoken rules of promotions and get promoted faster

Improve your interviewing skills

You can be the best engineer, but if you can't make the interviewer understand this, you'll not get the role. Let's do a mock interview and give you the feedback you need to improve

Build a strong tech foundation

Don't learn language over language in the hopes you'll use them someday. Build a strong foundation instead and learn on-demand what's needed for the job

Standing out and building your brand

Do you want to be seen as an expert on LinkedIn? Do you want to stand out in searches? Do you want companies to apply to you instead of the other way around? Build your personal brand.

Getting into a Big Tech company

Did you ever wanted to get into Big Tech but are afraid of the interviews or not sure if its worth the effort? I've been in many big tech companies and can help. Not only with getting into, but also thriving there

Your first 30 days as a <your role>

You just joined as a software engineer/senior engineer/architect. I'll teach you what you should and shouldn't do in the first 30/60/90 days to be set up for success


CV and LinkedIn profile review

It only takes 6 seconds for a recruiter to review your CV and decide if they'll contact you or not.If your CV and LinkedIn profile aren't crystal clear, they'll move on—even if you're the ideal candidate for the job.I can help by providing actionable feedback for your CV and LinkedIn profile as part of a 20 minutes video that covers all the aspects of your profile and also the reason behind the feedback.


Contracting

Principal Engineer / Architect / Tech lead

15+ years of experience in companies like Meta, Datadog, Adobe. I solve the hard problems in your tech organisation. I also train your staff to do it after I'm done.Here are my skills:

Infrastructure

  • Distributed systems

  • AWS (Amazon Web Services)

  • Migrations at scale

  • CI/CD

  • Monitoring

  • Microservices

  • SRE

  • Docker

  • Developer Experience

  • Kubernetes

  • Terraform

Backend

  • Node

  • JavaScript / TypeScript

  • SQL/NoSQL

  • Rest APIs

  • Python

  • GraphQL

  • Go

  • GRPC

Frontend

  • JavaScript / TypeScript

  • React

  • Redux

  • Cordova

  • Performance optimization

Data

  • Data Analytics

  • Machine Learning

  • Datadog

  • Snowflake

Newsletter

Sign-up to my newsletter

Get in touch

Contact me

You can reach me via LinkedIn (I have open profile so anyone can message me) or via email at mihai.curelea.dev@gmail.com

Stand Out in the Job Market
Expert CV & LinkedIn Insights

20 minutes walk-through video of your CV and LinkedIn profile with actionable feedback for helping you stand out in the sea of boring CVs and profiles

from Mihai, an ex-Meta tech lead with 15+ years of experience, who interviewed hundreds of engineers

Recruiters take ~6 seconds to decide if they'll contact you or not

If your CV and LinkedIn profile aren't crystal clear, they'll move on—even if you're the ideal candidate for the job.

But there's good news: I'm here to ensure that doesn't happen.

Based on my 15+ years of experience interviewing hundreds of software engineers, you will receive a 20-minute video including:

👉 A detailed review of your CV and LinkedIn profile, offering actionable feedback to enhance every section: education, impact, skills, personal branding, contact details, experience, and more.

👉 Insights into the rationale behind each suggestion, empowering you to confidently update and adapt your profiles in the future.

👉 Plus, as a special bonus, personalised guidance on your next career steps, tailored to your unique strengths and aspirations.

Let's make sure your first impression lasts longer than 6 seconds.

I helped a large number of engineers achieve their goals

and you can be the next one

Frequently asked questions

Who is this for?

If you are a Mid level (at least 3+ years of experience) / Senior Software engineer, Software / Cloud architect, Tech lead, Data engineer, then this service can help you.However, due to the highly competitive nature of entry-level positions and the unique challenges faced by those with less than three years of professional experience, I made the decision to focus my services on those with three or more years in their respective fields.This decision allows me to ensure that I can provide the most effective and impactful assistance.

Why should I listen to your feedback?

I interviewed hundreds of engineers during my career of 15+ years of experience in companies like Meta (Facebook), Datadog, Adobe. I worked with hiring managers and recruiters to fill positions across all the seniority levels.I helped a wide range of engineers from all backgrounds and cultures improve their profiles and land the jobs they deserved.I'm also a mentor and want you to succeed. It's a pity to be highly skilled technically but not be selected for the roles you deserve!

What will I receive?

You will receive a walk through video with actionable advice for your CV and LinkedIn profile. See the video at the top of the page for a sample CV review.On top of this, I will explain the context behind the feedback, so it will help you build your profile for the rest of your career.And as a bonus I will give you a few suggestions for the next steps you can take in your career.

What do I need to prepare or send you?

After making the payment, you will be redirected to a confirmation page where you will be asked to send an email with with your LinkedIn profile url and CV (as pdf/doc).Also, it will be helpful to send the types of roles and companies you are looking to work on, so I can provide feedback towards those roles.

Is my information kept confidential?

Absolutely. Your CV, LinkedIn profile, and any other personal information you provide are kept strictly confidential and are used solely for the purpose of providing feedback.However, we may occasionally send you emails regarding new services or updates. Rest assured, your information will never be shared with third parties without your consent.

How long will it take to receive my feedback video after submission?

Typically, you'll receive your feedback video within 4 working days, but this can vary depending on demand.

Can you offer a discount?

While I don't offer discounts for this service, I can help you with either your CV or your LinkedIn profile for 40 EUR, and do a 10 minutes video walkthrough. Reach out to me via LinkedIn for a payment link for this.

Can you mentor me?

Yes, I also do mentor software engineers starting from mid level all the way to startup CTOs. Here are more details: https://mihaivalentin.com/#mentoring

Can I see a sample video?

Of course, it's at the top of the page. Keep in mind that the video you will receive will include more customized feedback and advice towards your profile and LinkedIn

About Mihai-Valentin Curelea

I am a Principal AWS Solutions Architect / Contractor / Freelancer / Technical leader / Trainer / Mentor with 15+ years of experience in companies like Meta (Facebook), Datadog and Adobe.

You can reach me via LinkedIn (I have open profile so anyone can message me) or via email at mihai.curelea.dev@gmail.com

LinkedIn® is a registered trademark of LinkedIn Corporation and its affiliates. This website and the course offered are not endorsed, sponsored, or affiliated with LinkedIn Corporation. The use of the LinkedIn logo on this website is for illustrative purposes and does not indicate any relationship, endorsement, or affiliation with LinkedIn Corporation.

Thanks for your purchase!

Looking forward to review your CV and LinkedIn profile and provide the feedback you need to stand out and get recruiters to contact you!

Please send me an email at mihai.curelea.dev@gmail.com from the email address you used for the purchase, including the following:

  • Your CV (in PDF/DOC)

  • Your LinkedIn profile link

  • A short text about the roles you are looking to apply to

I usually complete most of the reviews in 4 working days, but sometimes even faster.

Best,
Mihai-Valentin

Terms of service, Privacy Policy and Refund Policy

1. Introduction
This document outlines the terms of service ("Terms") applicable to the products and services provided by MVC Big Tech Services S.R.L., hereby referred to as "the Provider". The term "the Provider" encompasses MVC Big Tech Services S.R.L. and, where applicable, its owner(s) (Mr. Mihai-Valentin Curelea), without extending liability or control over any third-party entities or personnel not directly affiliated with or controlled by MVC Big Tech Services S.R.L..
By engaging with the services and products offered by the Provider, you ("the Client") agree to these Terms.2. Payment
2.1. The payment must be made before the product or service is offered to the Client. If the Client fails to make the required payment, the Provider will not deliver the given service or product.
3. Content Sharing and Reproduction
3.1 Intellectual Property Rights and Use of Materials: The Client acknowledges and agrees that all materials provided during the training sessions, including but not limited to documents, presentations, videos, and any other content, are the exclusive property of the Provider and are protected under applicable copyright and intellectual property laws. The Client is granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use these materials solely for personal or internal business purposes related to the training session.
3.2 The Client agrees not to reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, resell, distribute, transmit, or otherwise make available to others, or create derivative works from, any part of the training materials or content provided by the Provider, either in whole or in part, without obtaining the prior written consent from the Provider.4. Scheduling & Technical Difficulties4.1 For the purposes of this Agreement, the term "Cohort" shall refer to any and all training sessions provided by the Provider, encompassing both one-on-one (1:1) training sessions and one-to-many (1:many) group training sessions. The use of the term "Cohort" herein is intended to apply universally, such that references to a "Cohort" shall include an individual client in a 1:1 training session as well as multiple participants in a 1:many training session, unless explicitly stated otherwise. This terminology is adopted to streamline communication and ensure clarity in the provisions of this Agreement regarding scheduling, changes, and access to recordings, among others, as applicable to both types of training sessions.4.2 Scheduling: The course schedule, including days and hours, is determined by the Provider and will be communicated in advance. We aim to accommodate the majority but cannot adjust for individual preferences.4.3 Changes: Schedule changes will only be considered if requested by the majority of the cohort. Individual requests for changes cannot be accommodated.4.4 Recordings: To ensure all participants have access to the course material, recordings of each session will be provided. These are available for all the Clients.4.5 Provider's Obligations: If the Provider faces technical difficulties or other issues that prevent conducting a course session or a portion thereof, the Provider will reschedule the affected session. This ensures all participants have access to the intended curriculum without compromise.4.6 Client's Accessibility to Sessions: In instances where the Client is unable to participate in a live course session, whether due to technical difficulties or other reasons such as scheduling conflicts or emergencies, the Client will be granted access to session recordings. This accommodation guarantees that participants can engage with and benefit from the course material at their convenience, ensuring no one is disadvantaged by unforeseen circumstances.4.7 In the event that the Provider is unable to conduct the course for any reason, including but not limited to health issues, technical problems, or unforeseen circumstances, the Provider agrees to offer a full refund of the cost paid by the Client for the course within a 60 days period. This refund will be processed using the original method of payment unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties.5. Use and Confidentiality of Course Content and Recordings
5.1 Content and Recording Consent: By participating in this cohort-based course, participants ("Participants") acknowledge and consent to the recording of course sessions conducted via Zoom or any other virtual meeting platform and the sharing of related educational materials (collectively referred to as "Content") by the Provider.
5.2 Purpose of Sharing: The Provider may share Content, including but not limited to session recordings, documents, presentations, and other educational resources, solely within the cohort, past cohorts or future cohorts for educational and review purposes. This is intended to enhance Participants' learning experience by providing access to materials for revisiting and reinforcing session topics.5.3 Limitation of Control over Content: Participants understand and agree that once Content is shared within the cohort, the Provider has limited control over its subsequent distribution or use. Therefore, the Provider cannot guarantee the privacy or security of the Content beyond its initial sharing within the cohort.5.4 No Guarantee of Content Privacy: The Provider explicitly disclaims any guarantee of privacy or confidentiality concerning the Content shared within the cohort. Participants acknowledge the risk of potential external distribution by other cohort members and accept this condition as part of their participation in the course.5.5 Participant's Responsibility: Participants are advised against sharing, distributing, or reproducing any Content outside the cohort. Unauthorized dissemination could harm fellow Participants, the Provider, and the integrity of the course, and may be subject to legal action.5.6 Discretionary Legal Action: In the event of unauthorized external sharing or distribution of Content, the Provider reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to initiate legal action or pursue other remedies against the individual(s) responsible for the breach. The decision to undertake legal actions is entirely at the discretion of the Provider and may be influenced by the breach's severity and potential impact.5.7 Indemnification: Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Provider, its employees, officers, directors, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including attorneys' fees) arising from or related to the Participant's unauthorized distribution or misuse of the Content or any third party accessing the Content through the Participant.6. Refund policy6.1 Eligibility for Refunds: Participants who are dissatisfied with the course and wish to request a refund must do so within three (3) weeks from the date of purchase. To be eligible for a refund, Participants must provide a written statement outlining the aspects of the course that did not meet their expectations. This feedback is crucial for us to understand our Participants' concerns and to improve our offerings.6.2 Refund Request Process: To initiate a refund request, the Participant must contact the Provider with the following information:
* Full name and contact details
* Course name and date of purchase
* A brief statement detailing the reasons for the refund request, specifying what aspects of the course did not meet the Participant's expectations
6.3 Review and Processing of Refund Requests: Upon receipt of a refund request, the Provider will review the submitted information. The review process will take no longer than 10 business days. If the refund request is approved, the Provider will process the refund within an additional 15 business days. The refund will be issued through the Provider's payments processor or directly by the Provider.6.4 Conditions: Refunds are only available for Participants who have completed less than 50% of the course at the time of the refund request. Participants who have accessed or utilized more than half of the course materials are not eligible for a refund under this policy.6.5 Finality of Refunds: All refunds issued under this policy are final. Participants who receive a refund will no longer have access to the course and must cease using any related materials or content provided as part of the course.7. Commitment to Respectful Engagement:7.1 The Provider is committed to fostering a positive and respectful learning environment for all participants in our cohort-based courses. All participants are expected to conduct themselves with respect towards the instructors, staff, and fellow cohort members at all times.7.2 Grounds for Removal: The Provider reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to remove any participant from the course without a refund who is found to be engaging in disrespectful or disruptive behavior towards the Provider, any member of the Provider's staff, or other participants. Disrespectful or disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to, harassment, bullying, discrimination, use of offensive language, or any other conduct deemed inappropriate by the Provider.7.3 Notification of Removal: Participants subject to removal under this policy will be notified via email, with details provided regarding the specific reasons for their removal and the effective date of their course access termination.8. Limitation of Liability8.1 Content Purpose: The Provider's courses offer general educational content across various topics, including tax and legal matters, for informational purposes only, not as professional advice. The Provider is not a legal, financial, tax or any licensed advisor.8.2 Professional Consultation: Participants are advised to seek tailored advice from professional advisors for their specific situations. Any reliance on course information is at the participant's own risk.8.3 Liability Waiver: The Provider disclaims liability for reliance on course content and will not be liable for any decisions or actions taken based on such information. This includes direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from service or product use, data loss, unauthorized data access, or interactions with third parties related to our services.8.4 Client's Acknowledgment of Responsibility: The Client expressly acknowledges and agrees that all use of the information and services provided by the Provider is at the Client's sole discretion and risk. The Client is solely responsible for any and all actions, decisions, and outcomes resulting from the application and interpretation of such information. The services and information are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis for general informational and advisory purposes only, without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Provider expressly disclaims all liability for the Client's reliance on the services or information provided, and the Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Provider from any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees) arising from such reliance or any actions or decisions taken by the Client based thereon. This limitation of liability shall apply to the fullest extent permitted by law and shall survive any termination or expiration of this agreement or the use of the Provider's services or products by the Client.8.5 Limitation of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Provider shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, special, or consequential damages, including but not limited to damages for loss of profits, goodwill, use, data, or other intangible losses, resulting from (a) the use or the inability to use our services or products; (b) the cost of procurement of substitute goods and services resulting from any goods, data, information, or services purchased or obtained or messages received or transactions entered into through or from our services; (c) unauthorized access to or alteration of your transmissions or data; (d) statements or conduct of any third party on the service; or (e) any other matter relating to our services or products. This limitation of liability shall apply whether or not the Provider has been advised of the possibility of such damages and notwithstanding any failure of essential purpose of any limited remedy. Users expressly acknowledge and agree that the Provider has set their prices and entered into the Agreement in reliance upon the limitations of liability specified herein, which allocate the risk between the parties and form the basis of the bargain between the parties.9. Data Protection
9.1. The Provider is committed to protecting the privacy and security of the Client's personal data. We will not share, sell, or distribute the Client's personal data to third parties without the Client's explicit consent, except as required by law.
9.2. The Client's data will be used for the sole purpose of creating invoices and for sending periodic emails regarding various offerings, products, or services provided by the Provider9.3. We implement a variety of security measures to maintain the safety of the Client's personal information. However, no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal data, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.Third-Party Data Processing Disclaimer:The Client acknowledges and agrees that the Provider utilizes third-party service providers ("Partners") for various functionalities and services, including but not limited to payment processing, data storage, and analytics. These Partners may collect, process, store, and/or transmit data, including personal data, as part of their services. The Client understands that each Partner's data processing activities are governed by their respective privacy policies and terms of service, which are independently established and operated outside of the control of the Provider.The Provider hereby disclaims all liability for any actions or omissions of its Partners related to the processing, handling, and security of data, including personal data. The Client is encouraged to review the privacy policies and terms of service of any such Partners to understand their data processing practices.10. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law10.1 Governing Law: This Agreement and any disputes or claims arising out of or in connection with its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Romania.10.2 Mandatory Negotiation: Before initiating any litigation, the parties commit to a good faith effort to resolve any disputes arising from or related to these Terms or the services provided by the Provider through direct negotiation. This negotiation period shall last no less than thirty (30) days unless both parties mutually agree to extend this period.10.3 Mediation: If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation within the specified period, the parties agree to attempt to mediate the dispute in Bucharest, Romania, before a mutually agreed upon mediator. Each party shall bear its own costs in mediation, and the parties shall share equally the fees of the mediator unless otherwise agreed.10.4 Exclusive Jurisdiction: In the event that the dispute is not resolved through negotiation or mediation, both parties agree that any litigation or legal proceedings related to these Terms will be conducted exclusively in the courts located in Bucharest, Romania. The parties hereby consent to and waive any objections to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of such courts.