Céline, what does a computer scientist do in platform development?
Platform development means providing and maintaining the technical foundation for operating applications and websites. In practical terms, it means designing and managing servers, networks and infrastructures to make them stable, secure and powerful.
In my day-to-day work, I make sure that the servers run smoothly, that there are no outages and that our platform stays stable, even with many simultaneous users. This also includes installing updates to keep everything up to date. It may sound complicated, but it’s also fun!
When did you realize that you wanted to start an apprenticeship in IT?
I knew early on that I wanted to enter the world of IT, but I still didn’t have a clear idea or insights into what a computer scientist does. After my trial day at Hostpoint, I was 100% certain: this is it! I quickly opted to specialize in platform development. A combination of practical experience, self-understanding and the encouragement of family and friends (who often draw on my computer skills) helped me to solidify my decision.
Why did you choose Hostpoint back then?
Hostpoint is well-known and has a good reputation in the region, both as a web hosting provider and as an employer. After I had pretty much found all the important information online on the website, I definitely knew that when it comes to an IT profession, I had to take a closer look at Hostpoint.
How did the application process go for you?
After I applied, I was invited to a selection day. Five other applicants and I had to perform different tasks. For example, we had to solve an imaginary scenario where a network did not work. We also had to give a short presentation and pass various tests.
Hostpoint then invited me to a second selection day, and this time there were just three of us. On that day, we had to work with actual Hostpoint employees and complete tasks. The aim was to see how we work in a team and whether we were a good fit for the company. Luckily, I made a great impression and got the apprenticeship.
Blerta Fazliu, HR Recruiting Specialist at Hostpoint:
Think of something for your application that will make you stand out from the crowd, preferably something related to the company you are applying to. Whether it’s your own simple web site, a short introduction video of yourself or a portfolio of your own artwork, if you’re looking for an apprenticeship in the creative sector – the effort will pay off!
What is your day-to-day work like at Hostpoint?
I have the flexibility to decide what time I want to get started in the morning. You simply have to get the work done. First, I check our to-do list to see which tasks are open or if new ones have been assigned. Depending on the priority, I then get to work. I’m currently responsible for updating our printer infrastructure in the office. In the afternoons, I usually monitor the servers or write scripts to automate different processes.
Which tasks do you enjoy and which challenge you?
In my day-to-day work, I especially enjoy the tasks where I can use the experience that I have already gained. One practical example would be overseeing our complete server infrastructure’s monitoring for a day. I have to monitor everything and respond if, for instance, a server becomes overloaded. These routine tasks help me stay grounded and plan my day efficiently.
At the same time, I also appreciate the challenges that allow me to get to know new topics. Although they take me out of my comfort zone, I can learn many new things.
This includes tasks such as server management or taking care of our customers’ problems. This often involves technically complex requests, such as when specific applications are used on our platform or when there are special requirements for the infrastructure. In such cases, we check, for example, if dependencies are missing, if we provide a centralized solution or if a custom configuration is required since the standard configuration won’t cut it. I like to use these opportunities to sharpen my skills even more.
Of course, there are also tasks that I don’t like doing, such as writing documentation. This work requires special care to ensure that the content is accurate and understandable, which often takes a lot of time. Although this task can be time-consuming, it is still very important. Overall, I like the balance between routine tasks that give me a sense of security and structure, and new, exciting tasks that make my day-to-day work interesting and varied.
The world of IT is still more of a man’s world. How is it for you as a woman?
I knew from the beginning that I would probably be one of the few women or even the only woman in my apprenticeship course. But that didn’t stop me, because I focus on learning my job properly and enjoying my work.
Although I am often in the minority in the IT world as a woman, I feel at home both at work and at school. I mainly owe it to the respectful and friendly atmosphere at Hostpoint, which makes me feel like I am one of them. Of course, I would be happy to see more women in computer science in the future, because different experiences and mindsets often make a team stronger.
However, women are still few and far between overall in IT. But we are on the right track: besides the numerous female co-workers in the customer care department, we also hired two female developers last year!
What would you recommend to young people who are interested in studying IT?
First of all: go for it! :)
But you should definitely get a clear picture of the wide range of IT training courses as well and not immediately settle for a single option. There are many different disciplines in the field of IT. If you’re still unsure which one appeals to you the most, use trial days to gain practical experience. This will make it easier for you to choose the right educational path.
Interested?
If you’re looking for an exciting and challenging Hostpoint apprenticeship, then check back regularly for information on our apprenticeship vacancies and start your future at Hostpoint!
