My journey to digatus began, as I can now reflect, with the commencement of my studies in October 2015. I enrolled in Economics at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, with my primary focus consistently being on management. Initially, during my time as a student, IT was merely a peripheral consideration. This was largely because, like many others, my understanding of IT was primarily limited to software programming and IT services. Today, I recognize that the term encompasses significantly more, particularly within the realms of consulting and project management. In the following, I will detail how I entered IT project management and subsequently joined digatus.

Initial Contact with digatus

Upon reaching my 6th semester, with my academic goals clearly defined, it was time to select my final specialization modules. Having previously completed several modules at the Chair of Corporate Management and gained valuable experience, I resolved to pursue another module within that department. The module Problem Solving and Communication – Strategic Management quickly captured my interest as a compelling specialization. However, as is often the case at universities, available spots are quickly filled, particularly if one delays registration for various reasons. Nevertheless, my determination to participate in this course was unwavering, so I requested the supervisor to find a way to accommodate me. He subsequently invited me to attend the kick-off meeting with the practical partner. Without hesitation, I attended the meeting the following week as arranged. There, digatus delivered an impressive presentation. It was particularly striking because not only were the digatus organizers present, but the company’s senior management also demonstrated significant interest in the project from its inception. This left a profound impression on me and simultaneously established a strong foundation for effective collaboration throughout the forthcoming semester.

Alexander Herrmann with us at the digatus exhibition booth at IKOM 2019

University Project

Once the project’s objectives and scope were established, my group and I commenced our work. Following numerous discussions and extensive research, we defined the strategic direction for delivering our consulting services. Within the pre-assigned work packages and established milestones, each group member successfully completed their respective tasks. During various meeting sessions, we reviewed our developed work packages and progressively integrated them. The excellent and transparent support from digatus facilitated prompt answers to outstanding questions and resolution of issues. Furthermore, face-to-face meetings with the company were regularly scheduled. The collaboration with digatus remained highly constructive and collegial throughout the entire project duration.
By the end of the semester, we had developed a comprehensive consulting plan, which we, as one of three ‘winning’ groups, had the privilege of proudly presenting to the entire staff at the digatus headquarters in Munich. We then concluded the project with a relaxed get-together at a Munich beer garden, where we further engaged with digatus executives on topics related to IT and consulting.

Internship Commencement at digatus

Even after the project’s completion, our communication continued, as digatus consistently kept us informed of their business advancements. Subsequently, I received an appealing internship offer. The process then moved swiftly. During our initial meeting, the relevant digatus contacts successfully convinced me, leading to my decision to accept the internship. On my first day, I was introduced to the entire project team directly at the client’s premises, where they provided a comprehensive overview of the project and my prospective responsibilities. Following a period of acclimatization and onboarding, I was progressively entrusted with more independent tasks, assuming partial responsibility for them. Whenever I encountered questions or uncertainties, I could always consult my more experienced colleagues, who provided invaluable guidance and support throughout my internship.
I particularly appreciated that digatus comprises a young, dynamic, and proactive team, bolstered by colleagues with extensive professional experience. The team events held after work hours consistently offered a welcome diversion from the daily project routine.

Joining as a Junior Consultant

As I thoroughly enjoyed the internship, I was delighted when digatus approached me towards the end of my term to discuss future opportunities. Consequently, the decision to continue my career path with digatus as a Junior Consultant was an easy one. Shortly after my official onboarding, I was presented with the opportunity to serve as a PMO for a new global project, allowing me to apply and further deepen my accumulated experience.