Norma

I started at blu in the summer (July) of 2024, so almost half a year ago now. I found out about blu through contacts in the Python community. Since I was looking for a new challenge and wanted to switch back to the agency business with technically oriented projects, it was a good match.

I've always worked remotely and have already been through several onboarding processes this way. So I'm very familiar with the challenges. In my opinion, it's generally helpful when companies that employ remote workers adapt their internal processes, information provision and, above all, communication accordingly. It's also important that newbies are given a little more trust, because you're not visible in the office next door all day. In my opinion, this worked really well at blu. I was also given responsibility right away to get to grips with the project and, if I remember correctly, I was already contributing productively and committing code in my first week, which was a good feeling :-)

There are many projects at blu, and colleagues don't just work on one project. It feels a bit like a very busy anthill, which is as appealing as it is confusing at first glance. There's just a lot going on. I think that at the beginning, a more detailed overview of blu's internal structure and the ongoing projects and teams, some of which overlap in terms of personnel, would have helped me. Perhaps also who has which skills. But over time, you pick all that up anyway.

blu has a very warm welcoming culture, which of course makes it much easier when you arrive, and I felt comfortable right away. My first project was a lucky break in terms of the tech stack, as I already have many years of experience with the technologies. That helps a lot when everything else is new. The project team was extremely supportive and it was a lot of fun to work together, and still is!

That's right, I work from Leipzig. In my opinion, working remotely all the time is a matter of personality. Personally, I work best when I have relative freedom in terms of self-organisation and time management. I also prefer a quiet environment with few people around so that I can concentrate fully on the task at hand (tunnel vision, as they say). Even at home, where there's hardly anyone around most of the time, I wear noise-cancelling headphones – so much for needing peace and quiet ;-) On the other hand, I also enjoy seeing the team in person from time to time, but for me, the socialising aspect is more important than the work itself. A daily combination of highly concentrated work in an office with lots of people and constant hustle and bustle would exhaust me simply because of the setting.

No, I wouldn't. Work-related virtual meetings should be kept to a minimum and be effective and purposeful. I find virtual socialising events organised by companies, such as those that were common during the pandemic, just as exhausting as working in a large office. For these types of events, such as Christmas parties, summer parties, etc., I find it much more pleasant and cosy to get together in person. But then again, I'm not the type of person who would take part in weekly sports activities with colleagues or game nights at the company. I like to spend my free time with my favourite people outside of the work environment.

I support blu as an IT consultant and software developer in the technical implementation of customer projects. So far, I have mainly been able to contribute my backend knowledge. There are also plans for me to get involved in the areas of infrastructure/DevOps and AI. I also have some front-end and general project management experience, which I am of course also available to contribute when needed.

What I like about bB is that the atmosphere I have experienced so far is characterised by warmth and down-to-earthness as well as intelligence and professionalism. I think this is a great combination that you don't always find in corporate cultures. It creates an environment where you can work authentically, independently and to a high standard. I also like the fact that there are such a wide variety of projects and requirements. My career path to date has given me a wide range of experience, skills and interests. I like the idea of being able to bring all of that together in one place. Apart from that, I think the blu hoodie is great :-)

Yes, that's right. I myself have benefited greatly from the free sharing of knowledge and the selfless commitment of people in the tech environment, and I want to give something back. Furthermore, I believe it is increasingly important that a world based more and more on technology remains accessible to as many people as possible beyond consumption, and that it can be understood and, if possible, helped to shape. Knowledge about this should be freely available and passed on. In Leipzig, we have founded a small association, nullaufeins e.V., which is dedicated to this purpose. For example, we host a weekly meetup where we offer people interested in technology a free place to meet, exchange ideas, learn or find help to help themselves. We also organise workshops and events to get groups that are underrepresented in tech excited about technology and to combat outdated role models that are still, and unfortunately increasingly, relevant today.