Between lecture halls and the playing field: How I found my place in IT

How did you join BE-terna as a working student, and how did you experience the onboarding process?

I joined BE-terna in 2023 as part of an internship. A family friend who knew the company recommended BE-terna to me, knowing that I was interested in the intersection of IT and business. The application process was straightforward, and from the very first interviews, it became clear that this was a place where I could grow both professionally and personally.

The onboarding process was structured and professionally organized. From the beginning, I felt well-supported. Clear training plans and my team’s guidance helped me quickly settle into my tasks. What helped the most was being involved in ongoing projects right away, which made me feel like part of the team from day one and allowed me to gain valuable hands-on experience. After my internship, I wanted to continue working with BE-terna, so I asked if I could write my bachelor’s thesis in collaboration with the company. My team was immediately open to the idea and actively supported me, whether it was finding the right topic or having regular expert discussions throughout the writing process. This close collaboration not only helped me develop a practice-oriented and well-founded thesis but also deepened my understanding of real business processes.

Through this experience, I quickly realized that I wanted to stay with BE-terna after graduation. In early 2025, I started as an associate engineer in a full-time role. The transition was seamless since I was already familiar with the company and my responsibilities. From the start, I was given the opportunity to take on responsibility, which made it easier to settle into my new position.

What exactly do you do in your role at BE-terna? Which projects or tasks have you enjoyed the most so far?

I work as an associate engineer in the BC Finance area, focusing primarily on development tasks. This means I create tailored solutions for customer projects and work on implementing and optimizing business software. I also support consulting activities and assist in the rollout of new systems for our customers.

What I enjoy most about my work is the variety: I get to work on both technical development and business analysis. This allows me to directly apply my business informatics knowledge in practice. So far, I’ve especially enjoyed projects where complex processes were automated, it’s rewarding to develop creative solutions that generate real value.

In your leisure time, you also play football. What skills or experiences from sports help you in your professional life?

Football is both physically and mentally demanding. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is staying calm under pressure. This ability helps me a lot in stressful project phases or when deadlines are tight, I can stay focused and work systematically towards a solution.

Teamwork is also essential in football, and the same applies to my job. A project can only be successful if all team members collaborate well, support each other, and communicate clearly. Football has taught me to take responsibility, rely on others, and work towards a common goal, so these skills are just as valuable in my professional life.

What advice would you give to students or working students looking to start a career in IT? Why do you think BE-terna is an ideal employer for newcomers?

A common misconception is that IT jobs involve sitting in front of a screen all day. In reality, the IT industry offers countless opportunities for growth, exposure to new technologies, and insights into different business areas.

My advice to students is to stay open-minded and gain hands-on experience early on, whether through internships, working student positions, or writing a thesis in collaboration with a company.

I believe BE-terna is an ideal employer for starting a career because it offers the perfect balance between professional development and practical experience. In IT consulting, you get to work with various companies, gaining insights into different industries and their ways of working. This builds expertise and helps develop an understanding of business processes and customer needs. Plus, you can specialize based on your interests, whether in development or consulting. This flexibility, combined with strong team support, makes BE-terna a great place to launch a career in IT.