Karl: I had known TRUMPF as a manufacturer of high-quality lasers for industry. Due to a job advertisement on their homepage I learned that the company was looking for an assistant to the executive management.

Karl: No, I have not been working on a technical basis recently. As the assistant to the executive management I am under the direct authority of one of the managing directors of TRUMPF GmbH + Co. KG and responsible for supporting the managing director in his various tasks. My main responsibilities are the investigation and processing of a wide variety of topics as the basis for decision-making or as a first draft for the management, the operative cooperation in various projects and writing protocols during meetings of the management.

Karl:When I started my new job I was well aware of the fact that the subjects I would work on as well as the style of working and the working environment would be completely different to the way I was used to at the Max Planck Institute. Up to the last day I have always really enjoyed working in science. At the same time, however, I also looked forward to the approaching change and prepared myself appropriately. After several years of working in the laboratory I was very motivated by the prospect of doing something completely new. This motivation allowed me to adjust myself to the new demands very quickly.

Karl: My physical as well my technical know-how have proven to be very useful in my every day work. In a technology company such as TRUMPF I am very often confronted with subjects which require an understanding of the underlying technical contexts. Having an in-depth knowledge of our products, their mode of operation and application is an invaluable asset. Apart from that it is also particularly important to be able to understand complex interactions, to have organisational talent, basic knowledge of business administration as well as an understanding of economic interactions. In addition, one must be willing to learn and have knowledge of the human nature and common sense.

Karl: Over the first couple of month I got the impression that the total number of working hours at TRUMPF was higher. The stress, however, is more or less the same since I do no longer have to work on nightshifts in the lab.

Karl: Strictly speaking, as an Austrian I am abroad already. However, if there is an interesting task at a TRUMPF subsidy located abroad, I would be more than willing to take this opportunity.