Why did you specifically choose
DFS as an employer?
"I love anything that focuses on logic."
Lea Kirchhoff Dual student of computer science, cooperative study programme in computer science (KOSI)
The career so far
"I discovered DFS while on the small island of Juist off the German North Sea coast.
After completing my school-leaving exams in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was spreading throughout the world, so I postponed the start of my degree and instead spent a year volunteering at the youth education centre near the airfield on Juist. I often spent my free time in the control tower there, where I kept my eyes open and learnt a lot about flying. That's also where I first came into contact with DFS. I looked around and considered what I should do next. In the end, I opted for a dual course of studies in computer science. Unlike with languages, I’ve always had a passion for any subject that follows logic. And DFS made me the best offer."
The motivation
"I was looking for something safe in those uncertain times.
The pandemic caused a great deal of uncertainty in all areas of life, including for me. I wanted to make absolutely sure that I wouldn't be forced to drop out, for example even in the event of a second wave of COVID-19. That's why I looked for companies that were in effect state owned."
The activities
"At the moment, I’m overseeing the implementation of a new tool.
I'm currently in the practical phase of the degree programme working at DFS, which lasts around six months. My project is the new training management tool, known as AMT. It was programmed by previous students, so I’m working with a prototype. However, tests, such as the acceptance test have not yet been performed, and the security risk assessment is also pending. It still needs to be integrated into the DFS tool process, as well. The AMT is like a marketplace. It'll be used internally by training managers. Students can view the subject and then apply for them directly in the system. This replaces a purchased tool that tended to be operated by HR staff. This makes the process more efficient, without the need for Excel and so on."
"The atmosphere and the people here are incredible. And nobody is ever just a number."
The challenges
"The learning curve here is pretty steep.
Most of the time, you have to work with tools or programming languages that you’re not yet familiar with. And computer science is not just about programming. You always have to adapt to new departments and people – as well as working on-site or remotely from home. In the current project, I have to interact with a lot of people, from experts to the staff council because of data protection. This makes everything quite exciting. I then use my free time to find balance in my life. I'm in the volunteer fire brigade and also enjoy singing in a choir."
The corporate culture
"There’s always a constructive working relationship with everyone regardless of position,
whether with mentors, instructors or fellow students. Networking between colleagues and year groups is encouraged and mentoring is provided. This creates transparency and helps the younger generations. There’s always someone there to help. I've a lot of contact with a wide range of people. The way people interact with each other is great and we are generally on first-name terms here. You can also do a lot of other things alongside the actual project. For example, I spent some time at careers fairs to recruit young people, learning what it feels like to be on the other side of the counter. There are always 2-3 air traffic controllers and 1 dual student at these events. I find this great and it's really enjoyable."
Your future:
safety in the sky
Become part of our close-knit team
Do you have questions about DFS as an employer?
Simply get in touch with our careers team:
karriere@dfs.de