A math guru on the edge of IoT
Which journey did you take to arrive at TwoDigits/Accenture?
When I was in school, I was thinking about what I could do in the future. I was always very good at mathematics, and I wanted to study math for a long time. So I studied economical mathematics at the University of Erlangen.
It wasn’t always easy, as in school. I used to be one of the best without learning too much and kept this behavior at university. After the first semester, I recognized I’d have to invest more time to keep up. I needed to re-learn things like “how can learn efficiently”. Once I started my master's, it felt almost smooth. I knew the professors and how things worked at the university.
For my thesis, I focused on discrete optimization, which involves things like scheduling, calculating the shortest way, and decision-making in general.
After university, I wanted to work in this sector and applied for jobs all over Germany. In the end, my first job as a trainee took place in Hesse, where I got to know various parts of software development. During university, software was barely touched. There were a few lessons on C++ by a mathematician, but it was only an introduction.
The company I worked with created a specialized glass cutting software that would lay out the cutting pattern in the most efficient way. It was an interesting time, where I learned a lot, as my scope wasn’t limited to software development, but I did customer support, installation, sales, and so on.
I spend four years with them, but at one point recognized that I couldn’t learn anything new. It was time for a change when an acquaintance told me about Accenture. He emphasized the importance of learning and new technologies and told about all the options Accenture provides.
Originally, I wanted to pursue a career as a Data Scientist but was interviewed by Falk-Moritz Schäfer, who leads the IT/OT section with TwoDigits at Accenture. I feel like I have countless possibilities to grow, learn new things and work on interesting projects. I’m still impressed by the positive mood and openness of my co-workers. In my previous job, I was used to people doing things as they have always done them. I’ve never found such people at Accenture.
What differentiates us from other companies?
Recognition might be the most important topic. I feel I’m being seen and valued. I was recently promoted, which empowers me even more. One is not seen as a resource that costs money but as an important individual.
I feel like being taken care of. The leadership always points out how important it is to feel good, and in case of problems, you always have many people to talk to.
I like the atmosphere and all the motivated colleagues. All the training possibilities are quite impressive.
Also, it’s transparent when it’s being talked about promotions and the process is officially announced, so there are no surprises.
What’s important to you in your day-to-day work?
I want to know that I progressed with my work. When I stop my workday and see that we’re 2–3 steps closer to our solution, I’m happy. Also, I like the interaction with my colleagues and achieving things together. If I would solely program the whole day, it’d be a bit sad.
Technologically or scientifically speaking, what would you like to see happening in the near future?
I’d like a household robot that takes care of all the boring stuff at home, like cooking food, folding clothes and so on. Of course, I already have a vacuum robot and am about to get a mopping robot soon. Also, once we moved to our new home, we’ll think about getting a window cleaning robot, as well.
Is there something you always wanted to tell the world?
Generations are different. Just because the young think a little differently doesn’t mean that it’s bad. People should be more open to one another and appreciate their goals and desires. Be open to different mindsets, differences in age, and life circumstances.
For this interview, I talked to Sarah Kugler, who works as an IT/OT engineer at the TwoDigits boutique within Accenture. If you want to work with people like Sarah, check out our jobs.
This post is part of our colleague interview series, which appears regularly on our TwoDigits blog.
