Our project manager and trainer introduces himself

“Our team is very informal and communicative. We all get on well and our colleagues have become real friends over time.”

1. When did you start working at Softway AG & how did you come to Softway AG?

I have been working at Softway AG since September 2015. I came across the company when I was looking for an apprenticeship. I used the employment agency’s website and eventually became aware of Softway AG. After the job interview with the trainer at the time, Frank Engert, and a successful internship, I finally received a training contract.

2. Which training path did you take?

After graduating from Franz-Ludwig-Gymnasium in Bamberg, I started studying Applied Computer Science at the University of Bamberg. However, after three semesters I realized that the degree wasn’t right for me. So in September 2015, I decided to start an apprenticeship at Softway AG, which I successfully completed in July 2018.

In September 2019, I had the opportunity to take on the role of training manager together with a colleague. Two years later, in October 2021, I was given the opportunity to become a project manager, which was another important step in my professional development.

3. What do I need to bring with me as an apprentice if I want to work as an IT specialist in application development?

As a prospective IT specialist in application development, certain qualities and skills are important. These include the ability to think logically and analytically in order to solve complex problems efficiently. A technical understanding is also essential, as is an interest in new topics, as the IT sector is constantly changing.

Good communication skills are important, especially for customer contact. The ability to work independently helps to complete tasks effectively. In addition, due to increased outsourcing, English language skills are becoming increasingly important in order to operate successfully in a global environment.

4. This or that?

5. What fascinates you about your job?

The fascinating thing about my job is the daily variety and diversity. Every day brings new challenges that need to be mastered. My three main tasks as project manager, trainer and developer give me a particularly varied range of activities.

As a project manager, my main focus is on communication and organization, while in my role as a trainer I pass on my knowledge and organize and improve training at Softway AG. I also enjoy setting up new processes or revising existing ones, which gives my day-to-day work an additional motivating dimension.

6. Let’s travel back in time: What did you always want to be when you were younger?

As a child, I always dreamed of becoming a train driver because I found trains fascinating. However, my interest in information technology developed quite early on. On the one hand, this interest was sparked by my father’s job, and on the other hand by elective subjects at Franz-Ludwig-Gymnasium such as computer graphics and network technology. Not forgetting the typical influence of playing computer games.

After graduating, it was clear to me that I wanted to continue working in the IT sector, so I specifically looked for an apprenticeship in this area.

7. What does a typical working day look like for you? What tasks are you responsible for?

A typical working day for me starts with sifting through emails and posts in teams. I then get an overview of open tasks and deadlines for the day in order to set priorities. There are often several customer meetings to attend, accompanied by internal coordination on various topics.

Due to my role as project manager, I am often on the go in our time tracking tool and our project management tool Jira. Training appointments, such as code reviews, are also a regular part of my daily routine. Unfortunately, my various tasks as a project manager and trainer mean that I rarely get to actively develop for the customer.

8. How do you deal with a stressful day at work? What helps you relax after work?

Regular sport helps me to switch off and relieve stress. After work, I also enjoy a relaxing evening on the couch, either with a good movie, a series or playing games on the PC. I also meet up with friends and occasionally go out for a good meal to relax and recharge my batteries after a hard day’s work.

9. How would you describe the work & the team at Softway AG? What characterizes Softway AG?

There is a pleasant working atmosphere at Softway. Our team is very informal and communicative. We all get on well and our colleagues have become real friends over the years. A particularly nice example of this is that I even got to be best man for a colleague this year. For me, the team spirit makes all the difference and is what sets Softway AG apart.

10. We would also like to know more about you in your private life. What do you particularly enjoy doing in your free time? Do you have any “special” hobbies?

I don’t really have any unusual hobbies in my free time, but I do have a few activities that I particularly enjoy. For example, I go bouldering twice a week. Some of my colleagues have also joined me in the meantime. I’ve also been ballroom dancing for over 13 years. I also like to go jogging from time to time or go on hiking trips to enjoy nature and relax.