What are the first weeks and months like as a new atrifyer? We wanted to know more and talked to René about it.
René, you've been with us since March 1. Let's start at the beginning: How was your application process at atrify?
So it all started with a first meeting with Carolyn. That was an initial meeting to find out more about the position. I then had my first technical interview with Stephan, the head of the Tech & Product department. We got to know each other in a video call and in the end I left with the feeling: There's already a lot going on at atrify, but there's still a lot more to come. That was ultimately what convinced me. I felt very comfortable in my previous job, but I wanted more responsibility and to make a real difference. The interview with Stephan and the final second interview with Caro and my current people manager Burkhard showed me: I can make a difference here!
Great! That means that after these talks you accepted?
Exactly, I did something completely different in finance before, but I saw some connections between the role at atrify and the skills I already bring. I was up for the challenge and finally accepted.
Now put yourself back in René's mind on March 1, your first day at atrify, What was going through your mind?
"I hope it works out with the underground parking... No, kidding! Of course I was a bit nervous. I guess that's normal on the first day. I was greeted nicely by Caro and then it was actually straight off to IT. At this point, a big thumbs-up to the IT team: I have rarely experienced that I was ready to work so quickly! I spent most of the first day with Burkhard and was taken directly to project meetings. Before and after that, we always talked about what they were all about, so I could try to understand Burkhard's explanations directly. That worked very well.
And how did the first four weeks go?
Basically, I received a lot of input in the first few weeks, especially from Burkhard. At first, it seems like a lot and I had one or two moments where I thought: How am I supposed to know all this eventually? The product and my subject area are highly complex. Here, many industry players talk to each other and with each other, and it's not a pure 1:1 customer service as I knew it before. That definitely brings challenges, but Burkhard supported me well. We had a daily 30-minute meeting at the end of the day where I could get rid of any questions that had accumulated during the day. It was nice to notice that the questions became fewer from meeting to meeting and at some point we stopped the series altogether.
Very nice, it sounds like Burkhard took a lot of time for you! How was the contact with the other areas and teams?
To get to know the other teams and what they actually do at atrify, I found the introduction sessions extremely helpful. These are short meetings with the people managers of the other teams, organized by Caro. In the meetings you get a good overview and can get to know each other without it having to be too technical. I also thought it was great to get to know the management personally. Overall, everyone was very helpful. That makes it a lot easier to get started. The fact that everything is organized by Caro is very good because it establishes contact and its a lot easier than having to approach people yourself.
That sounds great! We are pleased that you have found your way in so well. What is your conclusion after the first three months?
What convinced me to come to atrify is 100% true. We have a lot of plans and ideas and we have a lot to do, but we also have people here who want to make something out of it! I really enjoy this spirit, especially in our product teams, and I'm glad I took the plunge.
Thanks for sharing your impressions with us, René!
René Spanier joined atrify in March 2022. As Product Manager, he is responsible for collecting and coordinating requirements from regional GS1 communities. In addition, the communication of the releases is also the responsibility of his team.
atrify Benefits: Our welcome activities for new atrifyers
Even though we love our office in Cologne and having coffee with colleagues is best enjoyed in person, not everyone has the opportunity to do that. We also have some atrifyers who work completely remotely and are rarely in the office. So, in order for all of us to get to know each other across the teams, we have "coffee by chance": Every month you get a random coffee date assigned. Whether you have your coffee virtually or in the office (other drinks are of course also allowed) is up to each coffee match. A great opportunity to also exchange about non-work-related topics!
The Introduction Sessions are short meetings organized for the new atrifyers by HR. This means that calls are made with the team leaders of the other teams and you don't have to worry about organizing anything. The sessions give you insights into the other departments and what "the others" are doing, what topics they are dealing with, how the teams are set up and what connections there may be with your own areas of work.
If you are interested in joining our team, please take a look at our current vacancies. Who knows, maybe there is a perfect position for you? We are always looking for new colleagues to complete our team and are already looking forward to your application!
Cover image: Paper plane by mirsad, Adobe Stock
