Training at ALTEN and working as a Senior Consultant

How did you come to ALTEN?

In 2014, I was looking for an apprenticeship. I applied to ALTEN as a technical product designer. I was then invited to an interview and an aptitude test. The test covered general knowledge and a little technical understanding. The second interview was then directly followed by the contract discussion. At that time, there were two of us doing an apprenticeship in product design in Coburg. My training was supposed to last 3,5 years, but I was able to shorten it to 3 years.

How was the training?

The training was good. Right at the beginning, we had a trainee exchange with another company in the district. All of us trainees learned the programs and theoretical skills at our company, and at Valeo we were able to learn the practical skills in the training workshop.

ALTEN gave us the opportunity to participate in projects during our apprenticeship. We had a combination instrument project. We apprentices had the opportunity to carry out a parts evaluation. A vibration test was performed, then the parts were sent to us, and we were able to take them apart, examine them, analyze measurement reports, and adapt them in 3D.

But there were also challenges during the training. For example, when it was time for the final presentation. To ensure that we were optimally prepared for the IHK exam, we first had to present our presentation to the managing director of ALTEN. I remember being nervous. It was a new situation to speak in front of strangers and important people. But that toughened us up and prepared us for the exam.

Would you choose ALTEN again?

Definitely. I am very satisfied. I would particularly like to highlight the opportunity to gain insights into many different industries and projects. You learn from different areas, which offers variety and a large pool of knowledge. The opportunities for further training and advancement are also not to be overlooked, as can be seen from the support I received during my time as a technician.

What are your responsibilities now as a Senior Consultant, and what has been your most interesting project or biggest challenge?

Now I work in design. I deal with our design program, concept development and drawing creation, and of course I coordinate with the customer and the toolmakers to ensure that my 3D representation and design implementation are optimally tailored to the customer’s wishes and requirements.

A great project was a headlight project that I supervised over the last few years. I designed headlights for various models. I find it particularly fascinating that, at the end of the day, you’ve created something that you see driving around on the road. It’s very surreal, but cool.

The challenges today are training and educating new employees. I am constantly familiarizing myself with new topics and acquiring new knowledge, which I then pass on to others.

In addition to my day-to-day work, customer appointments, and training new employees, I am studying to become a technician part-time. That means additional stress. The combination of work, being a technician, and leisure time is sometimes tough. But the time as a technician will pass and then my work-life balance will be restored. Fortunately, ALTEN supports me in my further training.

What advice would you give to new colleagues and/or trainees?

That’s an important question. First: Be confident and have the courage to apply. Of course, you should have a certain interest in technology as a technical product designer, but don’t worry, all trainees are brought up to the same level of knowledge at the beginning.

We are an open-minded team and welcome everyone. There is always variety in our work, also through contact with different companies. You can learn something new in every project and gain as much insight as possible.

What motivates you?

My motivation comes from my interest in cars. I am motivated to constantly find new solutions and integrate relevant criteria into my designs. My team also motivates me. We have a relaxed working relationship and help each other out. Our supervisors also provide support when problems arise, and the atmosphere is respectful but informal. It’s simply a good working environment.