Trainee Benedict raves about IT

How did you find out about IP Dynamics?

‍I became aware of IPD through an online advertisement for an open training position. After extensive research into the training of an IT specialist for system integration, I looked around for vacancies in Hamburg. IP Dynamics was among the first hits in my search and the company profile was promising. I therefore sent my application immediately and was promptly invited to an interview. After a nice conversation at the company headquarters in Hamburg, I received positive feedback just a few days later. With the approval of the training position, my journey at IPD could begin.

Why an apprenticeship with us?

‍As part of my education, it was important to me to be able to cover the widest possible range of subject areas. I wanted to gain know-how for working in the IT sector. IP Dynamics offers a wide range of services that seemed profitable for me as areas of responsibility. This assumption was all the more confirmed the longer and more intensively I was able to participate in the projects at IPD. You are constantly faced with new challenges. This immensely strengthens sovereignty when dealing with new issues. IPD is also headquartered in what I think is the most beautiful city in the world. I wouldn't want to miss that.

How was your start at IPD?

‍In my case, the start at IP Dynamics unfortunately took place under difficult conditions. Due to the strict contact restrictions in times of the corona pandemic, larger team events and onboarding events could unfortunately not take place. Nevertheless, in the first few days, as far as possible, I was able to get to know the most important contacts and caregivers for me and was quickly integrated into the work processes at IPD. I was assigned to the Unified Communications department and was able to work on larger projects in my department directly through certain tasks (such as configuring new hardware).

Are you already taking on some tasks on your own responsibility?

‍The further you progress in training at IPD, the more responsibility the tasks in everyday trainee life include. You carry out hardware installations at the customer's site as soon as you dare to do such a task. The work requires scheduling with the customer and also subsequent support in case of problems. For some time, I also supported our customers with hardware problems, organized the exchange in the event of a defect and processed service tickets myself. However, you are never left alone in these tasks and always have permanent contacts who are there to help you.

What do you particularly like about the apprenticeship?

‍During my daily work, I come into contact with many different fields of expertise. Be it working in customer support, tasks in internal IT or supporting colleagues, or setting up a complete IT infrastructure for a new customer location. I always feel challenged and have been able to gain new knowledge with every task so far. My affinity for working with computers and hardware has always benefited me. If interested, I also always have the opportunity to deepen my knowledge. I can take part in training courses or continue my education on learning platforms from well-known IT companies such as Microsoft.

What are your colleagues like?

‍As far as colleagues are concerned, I can only really report positive experiences so far. I was always received with an open ear for my concerns. The various training activities make it necessary to get in touch with others and exchange ideas. During my tasks, all colleagues from various departments were there to help and advise me and it always resulted in a friendly conversation. I also really appreciate the flat hierarchies in the company. As a result, I always found the working environment to be very pleasant and open-minded.

How are your working hours regulated?

‍I also work as an apprentice in a regular 40-hour week. Since I prefer an early evening, I start my working day around 8:00 like most others. However, I am not prescribed an exact start of work here. As long as I reach my working and hourly schedule, I am flexible. If the railways do go on strike or you miss the bus, that's okay. Meetings or customer appointments are primarily decisive for general time planning. I divide the time to work on my tasks myself.

How do you like the vocational school? Does it take place in blocks or on fixed days of the week?

‍My vocational school takes place in block lessons. I am in a 3-week school block every 2-3 months. Although these are not always optimal in terms of time, unfortunately this cannot be avoided. However, lessons are a good addition to everyday work in the company. Here, basic computer science skills are taught through various topics in the fields of learning. Depending on the course of training, certain areas are deepened later and you work on specially tailored tasks in the school block. A negative point for me is the pure evaluation after group work, which means that my academic performance always depends on the work of others. However, the young and friendly team of teachers makes up for this point.

As part of your training, you will work on a fictitious customer project together with other trainees. How far are you already? What does working on the project bring you?

‍We are currently still in the planning and development phase of this project. We will provide the fictitious customer with a completely renewed IT infrastructure and go through all essential work steps of such a large project. From setting up the server and domain to connecting the telephone system to configuring a contact center at the end of the project, everything is included. In addition, a fictitious customer and approval by our superiors offer room for errors and improvement. We can consolidate our working methods in a project of this scale. You can take a lot out of this for later, real projects of this kind.

What was your highlight with IPD so far?

‍One of my highlights was definitely the team event for the Hamburg location this year, which involved karting in Bispingen. I hadn't sat in a part like this for a long time and had forgotten how much fun it was. It was a welcome change to be able to get together again for such an event after a long time. I can therefore highlight efforts of this kind to bring colleagues together as particularly positive in the IPD environment. New trips and events are constantly being planned. This contributes a lot to team spirit.

Can you recommend the training?

‍I have a clear recommendation. You should have a certain enthusiasm for technology and computers. As long as this is the case, training offers many opportunities and opportunities for continuing education and development. The tasks are varied and you can try out many topics. Digitalization, process optimization and general networking affect us all. The opportunity to help shape these areas and acquire the necessary knowledge has aroused great interest in me. And this interest continues to this day, shortly before completing the training.

What are your hopes for your future with IPD?

‍Even after completing my training, I would primarily like to constantly expand my knowledge and skills. I hope to see more exciting and comprehensive projects that I can contribute to at IPD in the future. In doing so, I will always have new tasks that will enable me to continue my education and grow. In the fast-paced IT services sector, you've never stopped learning. And I hope to be able to make this development at IPD in the future.

‍Thank you so much for this exciting insight.