MY PATH TO THALES
I finished my Bachelor’s degree in International Business, which mainly focused on leadership and project management. Before continuing studying I wanted to gain more experience in the field, so I started working for AT&T in Bratislava. There I was responsible for telecommunication projects serving US customers, which meant working night shifts. After changing to the European, Middle Eastern and African market, I was able to take part in everyday life again. When looking for new adventures I came across Thales on LinkedIn. At that time, Thales was searching for new employees for the Hungarian market. I discovered that the company is also present on international paths like Czech Republic and Slovakia as well. Since I speak both Hungarian and Slovak, the job was a perfect fit for me and so I started at Thales in August 2017.
MY WORK AS A PROJECT AND PROGRAMME MANAGER AT THALES
As a project manager at Thales in Austria I am responsible for managing and supervising every aspect of a complex project. I need to make sure everything runs according to the contract and to the plan by fulfilling the requirements and delivering the solution to the customer on time, with the highest focus on customer satisfaction.
Since July 2020 I am pleased to have a second position as a programme manager for the Hungarian market, where I take full responsibility for every project within that market, overseeing all the projects. This requires to make tough and smart decisions about one project without harming another, since it enables me to see the effects it might have, but still keeping the contractual obligations. Therefore, creating harmony and a synergy between the interconnected projects is more than desirable. Since I am one of a few who speak the customers’ language in my designated market, I am able to represent their needs within all local projects and with my fellow employees. Therefore, there are even more diverse but also more challenging tasks to being a programme manager. However, it is also very beneficial for me to work as a project manager, since it helps me to stay focused on every project individually as well and stay in close relation with customers, operators, authorities and the engineers.
DAYS IN THE HOME OFFICE
Thales is a very meeting-oriented company. When I joined the company I usually was on-site working directly with the customers, performing putting into operations, software updates, coordinating face-to-face meetings, either in Vienna or in Hungary. However, people quickly adapted to the changing working environment due to the Corona Pandemic. Everyone accepted these new ways of communication and used them to meet their co-workers and clients online. It showed that employees can work remotely and still get their work done effectively. I believe that home office enabled us to be more time and energy efficient since there is no need to delay important topics that need to be discussed if you are only “one click away” from the solution.
WHY I ENJOY WORKING AT THALES
I love challenges and a diverse, colourful working environment with a lot of variety. With my job at Thales, this is definitely given. What makes this position very unique is that our accomplishments are visible and transparent for everyone to see and to enjoy. I am able to experience every step of the way first hand, which makes this job one of a kind. The company is also at the forefront when it comes to employee appreciation. Especially since the creation of the recognition award which enables us to thank each other for accomplishments and the positive attitude.