Magdalena joined the dSPACE Project Center Munich in Pfaffenhofen directly after completing her master's degree. As an application engineer, she took on projects on her own responsibility right from the start, which became more and more extensive as her experience grew. What does she particularly like about dSPACE? She can try things out, work in an appreciative team, and do what is important to her: She pursues a meaningful activity.

How long have you been with dSPACE and what exactly do you do at dSPACE?

I started at dSPACE in May 2022, directly after my master's degree. I work as an application engineer in the field of smart charging and supervise projects from conception and development through to subsequent customer support.

At dSPACE, you work on important topics of the future. What is so special about your work? 

Sustainability and careful use of our resources are very important to me. I would like to help find solutions to the major challenges of our time. At dSPACE, I can actively contribute to making the infrastructure for electric cars more efficient and therefore safer and more sustainable. Specifically, I am working on the development of software and hardware for the smart charging sector. This includes the charging infrastructure with charging stations and e-vehicles. Here, I develop models and systems that help our customers test their products without the need for field tests. They can use the models and systems to test how charging stations and vehicles communicate with each other. 

This is an important task, especially with regard to the electrification of mobility. The number of electric vehicles is increasing constantly. In addition, there are many different charging standards with increasingly complex communication. Everything has to be safe and compatible with a wide variety of vehicle types. With my work, I help to develop and optimize the test systems for our customers – so that they can ultimately develop a safe product for the end user. 

We are also working on other topics for the future, such as using the car to store energy. Such topics are incredibly dynamic and I really enjoy them. 

How do you overcome challenges?

I really enjoy learning, which is why I like to take on challenges. I take a structured approach to new tasks. What do I already have and what am I still missing to implement my project? And then it starts – step by step. I now work a lot in the field of electrical engineering, which I didn't know much about at the beginning. Either the team helps you or you get training, sometimes both. I find that exciting. 

You joined dSPACE straight after your studies – what did you study? 

Initially, I did a dual study program in industrial engineering. I realized – both in the practical and theoretical phases of my studies – that I am much more interested in the technical component of my training than the commercial one. 
I then did my master's degree in Computational Engineering, which includes components from mechanical engineering, mathematics, and computer science, with a focus on simulations and calculations. I had to catch up on a lot of material for this, but it was worth it. I have always been interested in how things work. 

So why did you choose dSPACE? 

I didn't know dSPACE before I applied. The company convinced me during the application process. I initially applied for a position in the hardware-in-the-loop team at the project center. During the application process, however, dSPACE offered me the position in the Smart Charging project. The subject area and tasks are a much better fit for me, my interests, and values. 
At dSPACE, I got everything that was and is important to me in a good employer: a great, appreciative team; exciting tasks; and lots of opportunities for further development. I am not a number at dSPACE but am perceived as a person with my strengths and weaknesses. 

How quickly did you settle in at dSPACE? 

​​​​​​​I joined an open-minded team that gave me a warm welcome. The integration was quick and uncomplicated. I can ask my colleagues for help at any time. At dSPACE, everyone supports each other. This helps enormously and moves us all forward.

A structured induction into my tasks and getting to know the company are very important. You quickly realize that here, promises made in the communication are kept. 

How does dSPACE support you in your development?

Everything was new at the beginning: the team and the tasks. But I got into it quickly and my colleagues always supported me. 
Responsibility within projects also increases over time. At the beginning I was given small tasks, which became more extensive with time. Today, I work on my projects in depth and take care of our products from conception to development and customer support. This helps me both professionally and personally.

“At dSPACE, you are right in the middle of it from the start. I was immediately taken to many important meetings and was able to get to know my colleagues and my initial areas of responsibility. As part of a certification process, I was immediately allowed to visit our Germany Project Centers. After a few weeks of induction, I was able to work completely independently on many tasks. My colleagues are all very nice and helpful. You can talk to everyone at eye level and can save yourself a lot of formal smalltalk. I particularly like the exchange with my international colleagues. Despite different cultures, dSPACE manages to work with one mindset worldwide.”

“After studying in Halle, I initially worked for a temporary employment agency, which offered a job as a 3-D modeler, specifically at dSPACE. That’s how I found my way to dSPACE, moved to Paderborn, and was able to fit in quickly, thanks to the various social events at dSPACE. I have been a permanent employee since 2020 and this year, I am taking part in the Talents Program. I’m happy that everything now fits well together – both professionally and privately.”

“I got to know dSPACE at the IKOM career fair in Munich and was then invited for an interview. That was in February 2019. At that time, I didn’t even know what hardware-in-the-loop simulation was. Now, I am a project leader for HIL projects and ensure that our customer, BMW, is satisfied.”

What was your career path to the role of manager? 

“I first trained at dSPACE as an IT specialist for application development. After my training, I was taken on by dSPACE and I worked for approximately four years as a software developer for the ModelDesk software. I then took on the role of product owner (an agile project leader) for this product, before I decided to complete further training as an operative professional and ultimately started in the position of manager for the field of Installation and Patches.” 

What do you find special about dSPACE as an employer?

“With the right commitment, all professional doors are open at dSPACE. You create your own career path.” My superiors supported me at all times, they gave me opportunities and the confidence to take on new tasks that are not typical for an IT specialist. I wasn’t pushed into a career path, such as “once a software developer, always a software developer." Even as a non-academic person, you are valued and taken seriously here – It’s not the degree that counts, but the person.”