Maximilian Winkler

What originally motivated you to work at knowis, and how did your studies prepare you for your job?

I found the job description online, and the tasks perfectly matched my skills in the field of enablement as well as in backend and frontend development. From the very first interviews, I had a great impression of the company culture and team, which made the decision even easier. I hold a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering with a strong focus on computer science. During my studies, I had the opportunity to gain insights into various programming languages, gaining both theoretical and practical experience. I believe that once you master a few programming languages, it becomes relatively easy to adapt to new ones. For example, after my initial experience with Java, I quickly transitioned to JavaScript and TypeScript.

What are typical tasks in your role as a working student?

I work as a working student in software development within Technology Services. One of the team’s main responsibilities is onboarding new customers and employees to the product by generating content that helps them make the most of it. Part of my tasks involves creating demo services. I am responsible for both backend and frontend services, which means I directly interact with our product and contribute to its improvement.

Another significant area of my role is the Learning Center: Here, I create content that helps users get to know the product better and develop their skills independently. My responsibilities include content creation, website management, and maintaining the technical infrastructure behind it.

Do you feel like you're making an impact, and have you had the opportunity to work on particularly valuable projects during your time as a working student?

Absolutely! Even as a working student, I feel fully involved in the tasks and contribute to the success of the team. I have become a point of contact for certain topics, and colleagues often reach out to me – which I really appreciate. One particularly   valuable project was the Learning Center as part of an analytics program, where I was successfully involved and took on a lot of responsibility. I was allowed to conduct a Proof of Concept (POC), integrating the Learning Center with product documentation into a website. This was a huge learning experience, and even today, colleagues come to me with questions about it. It’s a great feeling to know that my work is having a lasting impact.

How would you describe the company culture at knowis, and what motivates you to come to work every day?

The work atmosphere is relaxed but focused, and I really appreciate the team spirit. Everyone is approachable, and there’s a strong willingness to help each other out, which makes work enjoyable. It's fun to come to the office, have great conversations, and spend time together during lunch breaks. We also have regular team events where you can get to know each other better, and some friendships have already been formed.

How does the company support you in maintaining a work-life balance, and how have you balanced your studies with your working student job?

The company places great importance on ensuring work-life balance and that your studies always come first. I can adjust my working hours flexibly around my class schedule, which helps a lot. Even internal team meetings have sometimes been adjusted accordingly, and short-notice schedule changes are never an issue.

This level of flexibility makes it much easier to balance work and studies without feeling overwhelmed.

Why would you recommend others to work here?

The team is incredibly supportive, and the atmosphere here is really pleasant, and it's fun to work here. You’re not just a passive observer - you’re actively involved in meaningful projects that provide real value. You also have the opportunity to take ownership of projects, become a point of contact in certain areas and take on responsibility. Additionally, there are already discussions about my potential future at the company after graduation, which makes this experience even more rewarding.

What has been your highlight at knowis so far?

One of my biggest highlights was completing and presenting my POC, where I received excellent feedback. Beyond that, the team events and after-work gatherings are also always a highlight!