All beginnings are easy: How Franzi's apprenticeship in Serviceware Marketing got off to a good start
Hello Franzi! You started your apprenticeship as an event manager at Serviceware last August. How are you currently doing as an apprentice?
Franzi: I'm currently doing very well with my training. I've had a great start to the next stage of my life, I've met lots of new people and in my role as an event manager I've already been involved in a few events on site.
What does an event manager actually do in a software company?
Franzi: The tasks of an event manager include the holistic organization of events - both live and digital - the search for suitable locations for an event or the creation of cost plans in order to be able to calculate how expensive an event might be. I also organize the ordering and dispatch of giveaways and take part in many meetings on event planning. For example, we discuss with our graphic designers how a stand should look at a trade fair or where it should best be located in the exhibition hall in order to attract as much footfall as possible. And sometimes, after analyzing the previous year's results, we also discuss whether it would be worth taking part in the next event at all. After all, events are ultimately intended to generate new sales opportunities for the company and must therefore be worthwhile.
What did you do before your apprenticeship?
Franzi: I graduated from secondary school in 2021 and wanted to become a paramedic afterwards, but that didn't work out. As I couldn't find a suitable apprenticeship at first, I decided to catch up on my A-levels in 2022. But I quickly realized that I was much more interested in practical work. So in 2023, I completed a voluntary social year (Freies Soziales Jahr - FSJ) in an elementary school. That was a really great experience! I continued my search for an apprenticeship and finally found a job as an event manager at Serviceware.
So event management wasn't your dream job? How did you come across this apprenticeship at Serviceware?
Franzi: It was actually by chance. I saw a post from Serviceware on LinkedIn. Because it didn't work out with my dream job, I had a general look to see which profession might suit me and recognized myself in the profile for "event manager".
What's the first thing you do when you get to work and what does a working day look like for you? Do you have a set routine?
Franzi: I start my day by arriving at my desk, unpacking my laptop, booting it up, and opening all the necessary programs. Then I read all the new emails and messages, plan my day and my tasks on OneNote to get an overview. After a few meetings, I then work through my tasks, but it depends on how much time I have in between. I also have to consider which tasks have a higher priority, such as whether it's more important to pack a package that needs to be in the Berlin office next week or whether I should keep my report booklet up to date on a daily basis. I don't really have a set routine. An event manager has something different on the agenda every day. For example, one day I might have many meetings, the next day I could be attending an event, and the day after that, I might need to pack and send out giveaways for another event. Almost every day is different for me.
Okay, so your day is pretty varied. What is your favorite thing to do at work?
Franzi: I don't really have a favorite task. Because I do so many different things, I look forward to everything I learn.
That sounds nice. But are there any projects in your job that you don't like at all?
Franzi: Not projects per se. It's more when you're not so familiar with all the computer programs, especially at the beginning, or when you accidentally mix up events that have nothing to do with each other (laughs). Things like that are very challenging for me.
How would you describe the working atmosphere in your department?
Franzi: The working atmosphere in our department is really good. You can talk openly with all your colleagues. And if you have any questions, everyone is on hand with help and advice and is very helpful. So all in all, I would say that my colleagues are great.
What does your family say about the apprenticeship?
Franzi: My family is happy that I've found an apprenticeship that I enjoy. They also like to ask what I've been up to at work. Sometimes they are even a little envious because I travel a lot and therefore see a lot of the world, I can work flexitime and get on well with all my colleagues.
It's really nice that your family is so supportive. What motivates you to complete your apprenticeship?
Franzi: Definitely my classmates and my work colleagues. You always get help when you ask for it. I also have a good feeling when I go to work or vocational school because I know that I'll meet very nice colleagues and classmates there. I feel like I'm in good hands there.
Is that why you would like to stay with the company after your apprenticeship or would you prefer a change?
Franzi: I would definitely like to stay at Serviceware. Just because all my colleagues are super nice, I'm now very familiar with all the programs and processes and I don't see any reason to change.
My last question for you: What would be your message to people who are currently looking for an apprenticeship but are unsuccessful?
Franzi: My message is that you shouldn't get stuck on a particular apprenticeship under any circumstances. It's helpful to remain flexible, i.e. to look at professions that you didn't think you would like at first. After all, if you have set your heart on a particular apprenticeship that is difficult or impossible to achieve, you may lose a lot of time applying to another company for a different apprenticeship, for example.