Peter Schmid

Study programme: Business Informatics (Diploma)
(today alternatively: Digital Enterprise Management (BSc) (opens in a new window) or Artificial Intelligence and Information Management (BSc) (opens in a new window))

Employer: psmtec GmbH

Position: Owner and Managing Director


What interests did you have when you were younger?
I developed a keen interest in technology at an early age. I repaired and built computers myself, wrote my first programmes and spent a lot of time playing computer games - not just for fun, but also to understand how they work and what makes them fun to play. This interest in repairing and tinkering was not limited to computers, but also included other devices such as lawnmowers, my moped or the sound system in my car. I realised that in addition to the technical aspect, business considerations also play an important role - especially when it comes to technology, costing is essential and I wanted to understand how it works properly.


In a straight line or via detours: what was your school career like?
My educational path didn't follow a straight line, but rather several stages. After finishing secondary school, I completed an apprenticeship as an IT specialist for system integration. I then attended a vocational secondary school with the aim of studying business informatics at THU and HNU. Looking back, this was exactly the right path for me. The combination of training and vocational college was very practical and I still benefit from the experience I gained there today. A direct route via the grammar school would probably not have offered me this practical relevance to the same extent.


Why did you decide to study at THU / HNU?
The Business Informatics degree programme combines two central areas for me: IT and management. This combination was particularly relevant for me as I was interested in self-employment early on. During my training and school years, topics such as leadership, strategy and management were barely mentioned. I was able to deepen these theoretical foundations during my studies. I was also aware that an academic degree is often perceived as an additional qualification in professional life. At that time, it was still a diploma degree.


What tips can you give young people who are looking for the right degree programme?
I recommend gaining as much practical experience as possible, be it through internships or an apprenticeship before studying. This not only helps you to make a more informed choice of degree programme later on, but also to get to know the world of work better. If you already know which career direction you want to take, you are often more motivated during your studies because you have a clear goal in mind.


What experiences during your studies have had a particular impact on you?
My semester abroad in the USA was a particularly formative experience. It gave me the opportunity to delve deeper into various subjects and learn about new perspectives. The lectures were given by lecturers from the field, for example the law lecture by a lawyer who has represented many major clients.

The stay was also a great personal challenge. Being on your own for several months, taking care of everyday things like registering a car and finding your way in a completely new environment meant leaving your comfort zone. This experience not only made me more independent, but also deepened my friendship with my fellow student, with whom I experienced this time together.


What was your first job like and how did you hear about it?
I set up my own business in the last semester of my degree programme. I was able to write my thesis directly in my own company. That was also my entry into self-employment.


Tell us a little more about your company:
I am the owner and managing director of psmtec GmbH. We currently have 16 employees and specialise in software for the entertainment sector, especially the casino sector. We design and programme our own games, i.e. classic casino games such as slot games, table games or roulette games. From the initial idea to the final realisation and programming, we do everything in-house. The games are offered online or in the form of slot machines that can be found in commercial gambling. We offer the right platform for our online games, which have been in particularly high demand since the coronavirus pandemic, and we also develop the entire product for our slot machines in-house.


What is your advice to all graduates who are looking for their first job?
I recommend gaining practical experience while you are still at school, training or studying. This makes it much easier to start your career. Although theoretical knowledge is important, there is often a lack of practical relevance. Those who have already had an initial insight into everyday working life find it easier to familiarise themselves with teams and structures.


Please describe your day-to-day work. Which projects do you work on and which tasks do you particularly enjoy?
As Managing Director, my focus is on the strategic direction of the company. Nevertheless, I also enjoy taking on day-to-day tasks, such as creating graphics or programming. These activities allow me to stay close to technical developments. In the IT sector in particular, it is important to follow current developments in order to be able to make well-founded decisions.


What experiences from your studies at HNU have proved valuable in your professional life?
The theoretical basics that I learnt in depth during my studies are still very important in my professional life today. For example, knowing how the ones and zeros work in principle still helps me to understand and categorise new technology today.


How would you complete the beginning of the following sentence?
The HNU... "was a motivator and a game changer for me and at the same time the link between technology and entrepreneurship."