Mina Nader

Mina, you are originally from Cairo. How did you end up at knowis and how did you experience the relocation process?

When I first got to know knowis I immediately believed in what knowis was doing. The idea of transforming legacy systems and developing an innovative product really resonated with me. Back then, I was working at IBM in Cairo, and I knew that the skills I had gained there would be valuable in this environment.

The relocation process from Cairo to Regensburg went smoothly - knowis provided a temporary flat for 2 months and a relocation agent, who supported me in getting my paperwork (visa) in order, setting up a bank account, health insurance, and other essentials. That made the transition much easier.

 

How has your Career developed since you started here?

I started as a Software Engineer and later progressed to a Senior Software Engineer, before stepping into the role of a Software Architect. Over time, I realized that I wanted to collaborate more closely with clients, which led me to my current role as a Client Technical Architect.

It has been a steady development over a seven-year journey, with the support of great people along the way. During this time I moved through different roles, got exposed to various technologies, and was involved almost from the early stages of the product.

 

What qualifications are required for your role?

For this role, a deep understanding of both customer needs and business requirements is essential. It is not just about being a technical architect - you need to have the customer's best interest at heart, and act as a bridge between the client and the technical team. Effective communication is crucial, as a large part of the job involves clearly conveying technical requirements, actively listening to feedback and making sure both sides – technical teams and customers - are aligned. Ultimately, it's about combining technical expertise with a strong customer-focused mindset.

 

What does a typical workday look like for you?

A typical day for me starts with stand-ups, where I align with my team on the days’ priorities. My tasks vary, ranging from coding solutions to solve specific customer challenges, developing proof of concepts that showcase our product's capabilities, or engaging in customer meetings, ensuring I understand their needs and can translate those into actionable technical solutions.

Every day brings a mix of problem-solving, strategic discussions, and hands-on development work, which keeps things dynamic and interesting.

 

What do you particularly enjoy about collaborating with our customers?

What I particularly enjoy about working with our clients is the constant challenge. Each customer brings unique business needs, and that variety keeps the work exciting. I love being exposed to different technologies and products across various industries. It is the process of understanding their specific problems and finding tailored solutions that really motivates me. It is important for me that the customer not only understands the technical aspects of our product - not just from a technical perspective but in terms of how it improves their workflows and business processes.

  

What has been your biggest highlight at knowis?

One of my biggest highlights at knowis was collaborating with a customer in Korea. We had in-depth discussions about their banking systems and specific needs, focusing on how to transform and modernize their systems and how they can efficiently use and design our product. Although I spent four weeks on-site, the preparation for the project started about three months in advance. It was an intense but rewarding experience, and seeing the direct impact of our work on their operations was incredibly fulfilling.

 

How do you manage to keep up with the latest industry trends and technologies? And how does that impact your work?

I stay updated on the latest industry trends, especially in AI and machine learning, by dedicating time to learning and experimenting with new tools and technologies. This proactive approach not only helps me deepen my knowledge but also allows me to identify innovative ways to apply these advancements to benefit our customers.

 

Why would you recommend others to work here?

One of the things I appreciate most is knowis' remote-first approach. I recently moved to Berlin, and thanks to the company’s flexibility, I was able to continue my work seamlessly. There is always understanding and room for free days as well. Beyond that, at knowis you work with state-of-the-art technologies, collaborate with great colleagues and enjoy a range of benefits. It’s a place that truly values both professional development and personal well-being.