Working Student Success: Prioritizing Mentorship, Training, and a Supportive Work Environment

# Working Student Success: Prioritizing Mentorship, Training, and a Supportive Work Environment ## Why Working Student?    In Germany, working student positions can provide a number of benefits. They allow you to gain practical experience in your field, build your professional network, and earn income to support your studies. In addition, many companies offer flexible scheduling to accommodate a student's course load. In order to find a working student position, I have used resources provided by the university, such as job boards or career fairs. I have also reached out to companies directly with my friends' helps, or leveraged platfroms like LindedIn and Xing to find opportunities. The process of finding a working student position can be competitive, so it's important to have a strong resume and cover letter, as well as good communication skills. ## My Journey When I was a graduate student in Technical University of Munich (TUM), after I completed most courses, I started to look for a position as a working student. During the interviews, I had a simple chat with HR at the beginning, then I moved onto the technical interview, which included instant coding and coding engagement. After the coding engagement, I needed to present the result to the manager and two senior engineers. After that, I got the job. Although the salary was not as high as some other opportunities, I chose the position at Amadeus Data Processing Center for its excellent training and mentoring. ### Interviews  When you apply for the position in any companies, you likely go through a multi-stage interview process. The first step is likely a chat with the HR representative to learn more about the company and the position. This initial conversation is important to establish rapport and make a positive first impression, so it's important to come prepared with some questions about the company and the role. After the initial chat, you likely proceed to the technical interview stage. This is where you have the opportunity to showcase your technical skills and knowledge. The instant coding and coding engagement portions of the interview likely require you to think on your feet and demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. It's important to stay calm and focused during these types of interviews, and to communicate your thought process as you work through the problem. Once you complete the coding engagement, you might be then required to present your results to the manager and senior engineers. This is an important opportunity to showcase your communication skills and ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. When presenting, be sure to speak clearly and concisely, and focus on highlighting the key takeaways from your work. In the end, you might be offered the job. This is a testament to your skills and abilities, as well as your ability to make a positive impression on the interviewers. It's important to remember that the interview process is a two-way street, and you should also be evaluating the company and the role to ensure it's a good fit for your skills and career goals. When preparing for interviews, it's important to do your research on the company and the position, so that you can demonstrate your knowledge and interest. You should also practice your interview skills, including your communication and problem-solving abilities. Finally, it's important to present yourself professionally and positively, by dressing appropriately, arriving on time, and showing enthusiasm for the opportunity. ### How Did I Make The Choice? Although the package Amadeus offered was not the best among all the offers I received, I made a thoughtful decision in choosing the position at Amadeus Data Processing Center. While the salary may not have been as high as some other opportunities, I recognized the value of the training and mentoring that would be provided. This was a wise choice, as gaining new skills and insights from experienced professionals can be incredibly valuable in building my career. In addition, the training and mentoring provided by Amadeus may have been tailored specifically to my needs and interests, allowing me to develop my skills in areas that are most relevant to my career goals. This kind of personalized support can be incredibly valuable, as it can help me build a strong foundation of knowledge and expertise that will serve me well in my future career. Overall, I think the decision to prioritize training and mentoring over salary was a wise one. By investing in my skills and knowledge early on in my career, I will be well-positioned to achieve success and reach my full potential. ## Thoughts After Working For 1.5 Years  During my time at Amadeus, I received excellent training and mentorship as a new hire. The company provided me with a solid foundation in my role, which helped me to excel and grow. My mentor taught me how to plan my tasks effectively, which allowed me to focus on my work and accomplish my goals efficiently. One of the things that stood out to me during my time at Amadeus was the caring attitude of my mentor. Not only did he help me grow in my professional life, but he also cared for my personal life. This really made a difference in my experience, as I felt supported and valued as a team member. Despite these positive experiences, there were some challenges in working at Amadeus. One of the downsides was that the colleagues I worked with were generally older than those at other companies. This led to some generational differences in the workplace, which sometimes made it difficult to relate to my colleagues. Another issue was the company's strict regulations and bureaucracy, which could be quite frustrating at times. For example, when I extended my working student contract, I had to go through a lengthy process of having my account and pass card inactivated and reactivated. This was a hassle and took up a lot of time. Finally, there were some concerns about the company's compensation policies. The company only adjusted salaries once a year, which made it difficult for me to negotiate a fair salary as a new hire. Additionally, my salary package was lower than those offered by other companies, which was a source of frustration for me. Overall, my experience at Amadeus was a positive one, thanks to the excellent training and mentorship I received. However, the company's bureaucracy, generational differences, and compensation policies were areas of concern for me. ## Conclusion  In today's competitive job market, it's important to carefully consider all factors when choosing a position. While a high salary is certainly attractive, factors such as mentorship, training, and a supportive work environment can be just as important. By prioritizing these factors, new graduates can set themselves up for long-term success and fulfillment in their careers. The guidance and support of a mentor can be a valuable asset for anyone starting out in their career. At Amadeus, I was fortunate to have a mentor who provided me with clear guidance and helped me develop a plan for my future career. By working with an experienced professional, I was able to develop my skills and expertise, which will serve me well as I move forward in my career. Large companies like Amadeus often face challenges related to bureaucracy and regulations. While these policies can sometimes be frustrating to navigate, they are typically in place for good reason. By recognizing the importance of compliance and working within the established guidelines, individuals can help ensure that the company operates smoothly and effectively. By focusing on the positive aspects of the company, such as mentorship and training, individuals can thrive in their roles and achieve success in their careers.