Dominik Haberer
Study programme: Information Management and Corporate Communications (BA) (opens in a new window) / IT Project Management and Process Management (M.Sc.) at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences
Employer: HENSOLDT Sensors GmbH
Position: Configuration Manager
Contact: LinkedIn-profile (opens in a new window)
What tips can you give young people who are looking for the right degree programme?
Don't stress about starting straight after your A-levels if you don't yet know which direction you want to take. It's better to take a break to do internships and get your bearings so that you can then say with certainty what you want to study.
Why did you decide to study at HNU?
- Ulm and Neu-Ulm as a city pleasant size, everything accessible by bike or public transport
- Modern university in a good location with interesting and unusual degree programmes
- Many young, motivated students
- One of the best universities in southern Germany in terms of number of students, environment, degree programmes, etc.
Semester abroad: Which country were you in and what did you experience during this time?
I spent my semester abroad in the 7th semester in Tel Aviv, Israel. I can only recommend every student to have this experience and to dare to choose a destination that is as exotic as possible to get out of their comfort zone. The opportunity to discover a country for six months and immerse yourself in its culture is something you will hardly find in your professional life. I had a great (at that time still peaceful) time in Israel and can only advise every student to spend a semester abroad for career-related reasons!
What tips would you give students on your degree programme?
Don't stress too much at the beginning. Don't underestimate the IT subjects and integrate yourself into well-thought-out groups in the higher semesters in order to successfully complete the project work.
What did your first job look like and how did you find out about it?
When I applied for the internship semester, I sent out the first enquiries to local companies eight months beforehand and then got the acceptance letter. I was then asked whether I would like to start as a working student in Configuration Management at HENSOLDT before the practical semester. After I was accepted, I started there and was able to gain my first insights into an international company.
What is your advice to all graduates who are looking for their first job?
Gain practical experience during your studies through internships, student traineeships, final theses or semesters abroad.It is much more attractive and easier for companies to hire an alumnus fresh from university if you have already gained experience in the respective company and are therefore not a stranger. In my opinion, this counts more than the best grades.
Please describe your day-to-day work. Which projects do you work on and which tasks do you particularly enjoy?
My everyday life takes place in the office. As a Configuration Manager, I am responsible for product configuration within a project and am therefore in constant dialogue with Production, Development and Project Management. I particularly appreciate the responsibility that comes with the job and the identification with the company HENSOLDT, its values and culture.
What professional goals are you pursuing for your future?
After 1.5 years in the job, I started a part-time Master's programme in IT Project Management and Process Management (M.Sc.) at the THA in Augsburg. With the support of HENSOLDT, this will enable me to gain even more insight into the areas of management, IT and personnel management. I can definitely see myself pursuing a career in one or more of these specialisms in the future.
How would you complete the beginning of the following sentence?
HNU... "can be your springboard to a successful career. Use it!"
