Alumni Profile: A Look Back – An Insight – A Look Ahead Thursday, 10. June 2021 | Sys Tec Inside

A Look Back – An Insight – A Look Ahead

Two former graduates of West Saxony University of Applied Sciences look back on their time as students, provide an insight into their career paths and offer a glimpse into the exciting opportunities awaiting the “graduates of tomorrow” at SysTec electronic AG.

Florian Künzel

Course: Electronics
Duration: 4 years
Current job: Hardware developer

What is your current professional role?

As a systems architect at SYS TEC electronic AG, I have a wide range of responsibilities. Starting out as an engineer specialising in the hardware design of bespoke developments, I was able to progress rapidly within our projects – I’d got a taste for it. I wasn’t just interested in the basic design; I wanted to support, guide and assist our team holistically, seeing our solutions through to completion. So I decided to pursue further training.

In an SME like SYS TEC electronic, commitment is quickly met with open doors, and so, alongside the development work itself, I was soon able to take on project management for individual projects. Working together with colleagues in development and our sales team, we create real added value for our customers day in, day out.

What do you associate with WHZ?

My time at the WHZ was one of the best periods of my life. The university isn’t too big, and that’s a good thing – because it gives it such a close-knit atmosphere. The year groups are just the right size, so that the laboratory engineers can devote time to each individual. If you want to acquire knowledge, you’re always given a helping hand. Even the professors make plenty of time for their students; you never felt left to your own devices.

From the fundamentals of electrical engineering right through to controller programming, the course gave me a broad insight into various topics relevant to my future career. A wide range of extracurricular activities offers the chance to find like-minded people in many different groups – you can get involved and discover new things. The first things that spring to mind, of course, are the sports facilities and the racing team – there’s something for everyone. You can really sense that the university is driven by automotive engineering – even whilst I was still a student, I was able to gain my first experience with bus systems, particularly CAN – a protocol that’s still very important to us here at SYS TEC electronic.


What did you take away from your degree to help you in your future (professional) life, and what has stayed with you?

Naturally, a broad-based toolkit for the future. In my job, I haven’t ended up in any single, narrow specialism, but can work creatively and discover new things.
I was also keen to maintain a good work-life balance. That’s how I came to join SYS TEC electronic, a medium-sized company in our region. Here, I can fulfil my potential and really work as an engineer.


What advice would you give to current and prospective students at WHZ?

Rethink your goals – both during and after your studies. The goal shouldn’t be to join the biggest company, a multinational, or to climb the career ladder as high as possible. Let your interests, passion and motivation guide you.
Is it important to you to be able to truly be an engineer – to be holistically creative and to contribute your ideas from concept right through to mass production? Then a role at a medium-sized company is the best choice.

Marcus Gruschwitz

Course: Automotive Electronics
Duration: 4 years
Current job: Hardware developer

What is your current job title?

I have been working at SYS TEC electronic for two years as a development engineer for electronic systems and, together with my colleagues in my team, I play a key role in overseeing the hardware design for our clients.


What do you associate with the WHZ?

For me, the WHZ brings back memories of a pleasant learning atmosphere in relatively small groups. I particularly enjoyed the high proportion of practical work, including numerous work placements, as well as the excellent technical facilities and premises that encouraged us to experiment and tinker. And, of course, I’ll always remember the knowledgeable professors and lecturers, who were deeply passionate about their subject areas and served as a great source of motivation.


What did you take away from your studies for your future (professional) life, and what has stayed with you?

For me, it’s the many little things that stick with me. My career began with my working life. As a master motor vehicle technician, with many years of practical experience, I began my degree building on my early professional experience. The reason? I wanted more. Just plodding through the same tasks day in, day out. My degree course has rekindled my joy in creativity, which I can now express every day in my work.


What advice would you give to current and prospective students at WHZ?

Anyone who is unsure about which degree programme to choose should take a very close look at the module catalogue for each programme. That way, you can see what content is covered and avoid any surprises. Sometimes you’ll find a programme whose content matches your personal interests better than you’d previously thought. That’s how it was for me too – it was only after doing some more research that I decided on Automotive Electronics. A personal chat with professors and lecturers can also be helpful. If you’re on the same wavelength, the decision becomes easier.


On the first day back from holiday, I’m most looking forward to...

… my next holiday. :D But of course, first and foremost, I’m looking forward to seeing my colleagues again.


The biggest thing I’ve learnt at Systec electronic was…

Given the variety of projects we work on, there’s always the opportunity to familiarise myself with new subject areas, but also to refresh and deepen my understanding of ‘old’ knowledge.
Seeing a product through from the initial concept phase to series production makes the work particularly varied. It often starts with a pencil sketch, continues with a soldering iron and an oscilloscope, and only ends with certification and ‘turnkey’ handover to the customer. Being part of this journey fills us – my colleagues and me – with pride.