Prof. Julius Köpke: It is always a pleasure to guide students from various cultures and academic backgrounds

Academic supervisor of Technology Scholarship holders studying Master’s degree programme in Informatics, Prof. Julius Köpke shares his thoughts on the benefits of the scholarship programme both for students and local ICT industry.

In the scope of the Technology Scholarships programme, you have been providing academic guidance to several scholarship holders. One of them was Natyra Ferati. How has this experience been for you?

It is always a pleasure to guide students from various cultures and academic backgrounds who participate in the Technology Scholarships programme through their academic careers. These students, just like Natyra, are typically highly ambitious, hard-working, and highly skilled. On the one hand, this is a result of the programme’s design. On the other hand, students who are willing to pursue their Master’s abroad usually come with a distinctive mindset for reaching their goals.

What are the Faculty of Technical Science’s main goals with the Technology Scholarships programme?

The central aim for the faculty is to enlarge the group of active students in the different technical study programmes and to gain more visibility of the university for students from abroad.

Read the full interview with Natyra Ferati here.

From your perspective as an academic supervisor, what are the advantages of the Technology Scholarships programme for students? How is studying at the Faculty of Technical Sciences benefiting their academic and professional development?

The Technology Scholarships programme allows students to substantially extend their prior knowledge from their Bachelor’s degree at the University of Klagenfurt. The technical sciences in Klagenfurt are characterized by a highly research-driven environment, small group sizes, and an excellent ratio of the number of students and professors.

These benefits are paired with the close relationship between local companies and students within the programme. This allows the students to accumulate significant work experience and, in many cases, to start a career in Austria.

In what way do you think the local ICT industry benefits by supporting this scholarship programme?

The ICT industry is facing a shortage of skilled workforce in general. The scholarship programme successfully addresses this issue. It enables companies to connect with pre-selected, highly skilled students. The programme has been running successfully for several years now. Many students like Natyra Ferati, who started as interns in local companies, have become essential and highly regarded permanent team members.

Read the full interview with Bernhard Dieber here.

Natyra Ferati: Being a Technology Scholarship holder held immense significance for me

Natyra Ferati from Kosovo successfully graduated from her Master’s studies in Informatics. In this interview, she reflects on the various benefits of the Technology Scholarships programme, the pivotal role her academic supervisor had in overcoming the challenges during her studies as well as how her Master’s thesis project in one of the local ICT companies – Dynatrace, led to an exciting employment on a Software Engineer position which she still holds and supervising the next generation of students doing an internship at the company.

You have successfully graduated from the Master’s degree programme in Informatics. Why did you specifically choose this programme and the University of Klagenfurt? What was it like to study here?

Upon completion of Bachelor’s degree, I decided to advance into a career in Software Engineering. To accomplish this goal, I decided to pursue Master’s degree as a way to further improve my problem-solving skills and learn more about technology. While exploring potential academic programmes, I came across AAU’s Master in Informatics programme, which was an ideal match for my academic background and tech-driven interests, laying the groundwork for my career ambitions. A diverse range of theoretical and practical courses were part of the curriculum, including Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Distributed Systems, and Data Engineering, all of which contributed heavily to developing technical skills. An important aspect of the programme was also the internship opportunity. Studying at AAU was a remarkable experience that fostered valuable research experience and a significant growth of my knowledge in Informatics. The comprehensive education and resources offered by the university significantly contributed to both my academic and personal development. Throughout my studies, I received substantial assistance from university staff, particularly the International Office, professors, and colleagues. Right from the start, a professor was appointed as my supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Julius Köpke, who played a significant role in guiding me through my studies and addressing any challenges that I faced. Lectures were conducted in on-site or remote formats. Several courses featured practical projects, either completed individually or collaboratively, during which I appreciated the time spent with colleagues striving to refine our project. The diverse interactions and connections with fellow students enriched my academic journey.

Read the full interview with Julius Köpke here.

During your studies, you were a Technology Scholarships holder. What meaning did the scholarship have for you personally and professionally? How did you benefit from it?

Being a Technology Scholarships holder held immense significance for me, providing substantial personal and professional advantages. On a personal level, it covered financial expenses such as tuition fees, living expenses, and study-related costs. This gave me a sense of confidence and reassurance, knowing that I had the support to pursue my academic goals without financial constraints. Professionally, it offered many opportunities, such as networking events, German language courses, and academic support. These opportunities enabled me to learn crucial professional skills and engage with professionals in my field.

An internship was part of your Master’s degree programme. Where did you work, how did you find this internship and could you tell us a bit more about it?

Within the scope of my Master’s degree programme, I completed an internship at iLogs, a local company in Klagenfurt. I found this internship through the assistance provided by the Technology Scholarship staff. The internship lasted 6 months and during my time there I was involved in implementing an application, the goal of which was improving the ecosystem of professional home nursing. In my position as a frontend developer, I was responsible for developing new features and writing tests. These features addressed challenges that older/disabled people face while living at home. While at iLogs, I was also introduced to a new technology called Flutter. The app developed with Flutter was a cross-platform application enabling the creation of both web and mobile applications from a single codebase. This internship helped me apply and improve the skills gained during my academic journey, socializing with new people, and learning the Austrian culture.

For your Master’s thesis, you worked together with another Carinthian IT company– Dynatrace. Could you please share some insights about this cooperation?

An exceptional experience that I had during my Master’s studies involved collaborating with Dynatrace for my thesis project. The thesis focused on automating the design handoff between UI/UX designers and developers. This thesis led to the developing of a prototype utilizing a generalized model to seamlessly transform design pages from UX design tools to source code compatible with various frontend frameworks. Throughout this process, I benefited from invaluable feedback and guidance from my thesis supervisor, Univ. Prof. Martin Pinzger, as well as my company supervisors, Dr. techn. Bernhard Dieber and Tiemo Hunger. Furthermore, I highly appreciate the help from my colleagues at Dynatrace and for their unwavering support throughout this journey.

Can you tell us a bit more about your current work at Dynatrace? How did your studies at the AAU, the Technology Scholarships programme and your internship contribute to taking this career path?

After I finished my Master’s thesis, I continued to work at Dynatrace as a Software Engineer. As part of this position, I contribute to developing new features in the Dynatrace platform. The knowledge I gained during the university, the internship, and the thesis project helped me to easily get acquainted with Dynatrace platform and culture. The team I am part of closely collaborates during the development of new features. Beyond this, we prioritize writing tests for new functionality that we add and conduct code reviews to maintain the quality of our codebase. Moreover, part of the benefits offered by the company are trainings, aimed at self-improvement and opportunities to attend conferences, enabling us to stay up to date with industry trends and to enhance our skill set. Another noteworthy point is that several months ago, I had the opportunity to mentor a bachelor’s student. This student has to extend my Master’s thesis prototype with new features, and I was there to support and guide her. Seeing the project evolve and witnessing the student’s growth was impressive, and this experience enriched me with valuable leadership and collaborative skills.

In your opinion, how can local ICT companies benefit from supporting the Technology Scholarships programme?

By supporting the programme, companies gain access to a group of talented and motivated students who are recipients of the scholarship. This creates an opportunity for local ICT companies to identify and attract potential employees with a strong academic background and a demonstrated commitment to their field. Additionally, supporting the programme fosters stronger ties between local ICT companies and academic institutions. This collaboration can lead to the exchange of knowledge, resources, and ideas, benefiting both parties and contributing to the overall growth of the local technology environment. Last but not least, scholarship programmes often attract diverse students. Supporting such programmes can foster diversity and inclusion within the industry, bringing various perspectives and ideas to drive innovation.

Read the full interview with Bernhard Dieber here.

Mohamed Salem’s Journey of Passion, Scholarships and Technological Advancements

Mohamed Salem’s passion for mechatronics made him pursue a study programme in Autonomous Systems and Robotics in Information and Communications Engineering. Originally from Egypt, he was awarded the University of Klagenfurt Technology Scholarship and pursued his Master in Klagenfurt. He is currently working as a Senior Specialist at Infineon Technologies while also working as a lecturer at the University of Klagenfurt and pursuing his Ph.D. In our interview he talks about his journey from university student to lecturer, his experiences as a Technology Scholarship holder and his advice for students. Read more →

Natyra Ferati in our interview about the University of Klagenfurt Technology Scholarships and women in IT

Natyra Ferati successfully graduated from the master’s degree programme in Informatics. She started her studies at the University of Klagenfurt as a Technology Scholarship holder. Today, she works in a successful Carinthian ICT company. In this interview, she talked with us about the ways she benefited from the scholarship programme as well as how to inspire and encourage women to pursue a career in IT.

You started your studies at AAU in the winter semester 2020/21. Why did you decide on your desired study program at AAU? Was it clear from the beginning what you wanted to study?

Following the completion of my bachelor’s degree, I realized I had a passion for software engineering and wanted to develop my skills further which would help me in this field in the future. I have been eager to develop effective ways of solving problems and leverage technology to impact people’s lives positively. While researching suitable programs, I discovered AAU’s Master’s program in Informatics with specialization in Software Engineering, which aligned with my previous degree and my interest in technology. This program provided the background I needed to achieve my career goals. Furthermore, the curriculum flexibility allowed me to choose from various offered courses that I found genuinely enjoyable. Additionally, the Technology Scholarships and the assistance in finding an internship were additional factors that convinced me to enroll at AAU.

You came to Klagenfurt as a Technology Scholarship holder. What was it like to be a scholarship holder? How did you benefit from the scholarship? What is the biggest advantage to be a Technology Scholarship holder?

Being a Technology Scholarship holder was a great advantage for me. The most significant benefit was financial support, which allowed me to maximize my potential as a student without worrying about financial burdens. The scholarship program covered my tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with my studies, enabling me to focus solely on my education and research. Additionally, being a scholarship holder gave me access to various resources, including administrative support, networking opportunities, and German language courses, which enhanced my education experience. Through these opportunities, I was able to connect with other students and professionals in my field, expand my knowledge, and acquire valuable skills.

Through Technology Scholarships programme you met representatives of different companies in the local Information and Communication (ICT) sector and found an exciting study-related internship position. Now, you are working full-time in Carinthia at a thriving IT company – Dynatrace. Please tell us a little bit more about your successful career path and your current position and responsibilities.

Thanks to the Technology Scholarships program, I received assistance in finding an exciting study-related internship at iLogs as a Frontend Developer. During my time there, I gained practical experience in web and mobile development, which helped me further develop the skills I acquired at university. Afterward, I began my Master’s thesis project at Dynatrace in the position of Software Engineer. The objective of the thesis was to automate the process of design handoff in software development. Working on a thesis project in collaboration with Dynatrace was a great experience. I was impressed with the culture, work environment, and commitment to innovation, which motivated me to continue working there. In my current position, I am responsible for developing new features in the Dynatrace software product, which helps businesses operate more efficiently and effectively. I feel privileged to work in such an exciting and challenging environment, where I have the opportunity to learn and develop my skills continuously.

In your opinion, why should prospective internship providers consider supporting a programme like Technology Scholarships?

Firstly, offering internships provides companies access to talented and motivated students who may become valuable full-time employees. This can alleviate recruitment challenges and help companies identify potential long-term hires that fit their culture. Furthermore, the scholarship program is open to international students, which can enhance the diversity of a company’s workers and provide new perspectives and ideas.

According to the European Commission, only 19% of ICT specialists in the European Union are women. What do you think might be the reason for this? What should countries do to attract more women in ICT?

In my opinion, one of the reasons for the gender imbalance in ICT is that many women are unaware of the opportunities available to them. There is a need to spread the word and make these opportunities more visible. Often, people believe that ICT is only for men, but that is not true. This field is perceived as challenging for women and difficult to balance work and private life. This perception should be changed because women can do it too!

Encouraging women to explore technology from a young age can significantly reduce the gender imbalance in the field. Initiatives such as organizing events, internships, providing scholarships, and holding competitions with prizes for women can motivate them to explore opportunities in technology. Countries can inspire and encourage women to pursue careers in this field by creating opportunities for them to engage with technology and showcase their achievements. Furthermore, by highlighting success stories of women who have achieved leadership positions, countries can provide aspiring women with role models to look up to.

One of the goals of the Technology Scholarships programme is to foster the increase of highly qualified women as specialists in technical sciences. How would you recommend us to encourage more women to apply for a scholarship and follow your example?

I believe creating a network of women who were scholarship holders would be an effective way to encourage and support women as prospective scholarship applicants. This network could be a valuable resource for women considering applying for technical scholarships, as it would provide them with guidance and support from those who have already succeeded. The former scholarship holders can share their stories of success, which can be truly inspiring for women who are thinking about pursuing careers in technical sciences.

You have been living, studying and working in Carinthia for more than two years now. What do you like most about your life here? Why is it recommendable to live here?

Carinthia is a beautiful region with plenty of opportunities for those seeking an enriching and enjoyable lifestyle. One of the things that stands out for me about Carinthia is its stunning natural surroundings, from the picturesque lakes to the breathtaking mountains. One of my favorite spots is Wörthersee lake, which is conveniently located near my house, where I often enjoy a picnic, watch the sunset, or take a walk. From a professional perspective, Carinthia is also an excellent place to study and work. There are several universities and research institutions that provide a large number of different programs. Additionally, there are many innovative and growing industries with plenty of job opportunities available.

Is there any funny or memorable experience you would like to share? No matter if it’s study- related or about everyday life.

One of the most memorable experiences during my time in Carinthia was attending my graduation ceremony at the University of Klagenfurt. After years of hard work and dedication, it was an incredibly rewarding and emotional moment to walk across the stage and receive my degree in front of my family, friends, and professors. The experience was even more memorable because my parents were there to witness it. They are engineers, and I have always looked up to them as role models. It was a proud moment for me to share my accomplishment with them and have them see me officially become an engineer like them.

What are your future plans and goals?

My future goal is to advance in my career and eventually take on a leadership position in the tech industry. I believe that gaining more experience and knowledge in various areas of software engineering will be key to achieving this goal.

Wordrap:

My graduation day at AAU was…unforgettable

My job is…exciting and challenging

I am inspired by… innovation

Being a scholarship holder is…a great privilege

A tip for future scholarship holders in 3 words… seize every opportunity.

My life in Carinthia in 3 words… beautiful, enriching, opportunity-rich.

Keywords: MA-INF