Felix: From the 42 to Fujitsu

Software Consultant in the field. As a trained IT systems administrator, that sounds attractive to Felix. But after six months, he knows that the eternal hotel life and traveling across southern Germany are not for him. He resigned, started his studies at 42 Heilbronn in summer 2021 - and has been a software developer at Fujitsu since September 2022.

Fujitsu is big. Over 150,000 employees worldwide, including 4,500 in Germany. AI, cloud, cybersecurity and IoT: the Group covers key technological topics. And is a popular employer. In mid-January, Fujitsu is awarded the prestigious Top Employer certificate. Some job advertisements attract over 100 applicants - most of whom have a university degree. The fact that Felix doesn't have this qualification doesn't bother anyone in the interview.

Read the fucking manual

The interview goes well. Felix talks about 42 Heilbronn and the methodological skills he has acquired. Felix: “At 42, you're given tasks from day one where you think ‘no idea, how is that supposed to work’! But then you get to grips with it and build up the necessary knowledge.” Firstly, this involves intensive research. “Read the fucking manual” is a common appeal at 42. Secondly, the mutual support is enormous. “At 42 Heilbronn, every coder is really willing to help with questions and solve problems together.” Thirdly, the peer-to-peer approach is designed for students to give each other feedback. Anyone who thinks they have successfully completed a project has it checked by three different fellow students and explains all the steps to them. This requires a deep understanding of the project. And you learn to question yourself and your solutions in an almost playful way.

And back into the deep end...

This experience is now also helping Felix at Fujitsu. As at 42 Heilbronn, he is given specific tasks in the first week. His core task is to further develop Fujitsu's own BS2000 mainframes. Already in the first week, he is to start modernizing some packages for the M2000 operating system. It's a really cool job where he is programming future projects. The word self-realization comes up. Although he has to switch from the programming language C/C++ to JavaScript, the basics he learned at 42 help enormously. Felix: “I didn't expect to be able to work on specific projects in the first week. So I'm all the more pleased to be integrated directly into day-to-day business.” Especially as the feedback from colleagues and superiors is extremely good after just a few weeks.

Still closely connected to the school

The German Fujitsu headquarters are in Munich. Felix really appreciates the city and the people, and a move is very possible. But until then, he is working from home, not far from Heilbronn. Remote work is a common working model at the Group, which Felix absolutely enjoys - especially after his experience as a Software Consultant. And so he can also drop by 42 Heilbronn once a week. Felix: “42 is much more than just a school. For most people, it's a living space where you can meet friends, have a good time and develop coding projects together.” His personal appreciation of the people at Weipertstraße could hardly be greater. “Whether students or staff, I'm really grateful to everyone for the support and inspiration I received during my year and a half at 42 Heilbronn - it was really formative and unique!”

Felix is one of the first graduates of 42 Heilbronn to opt for a full-time contract. His advice to students: Always keep at it, be open to new ideas and reach out to others. The rest will almost take care of itself. Oh yes, and never forget: “Read the fucking manual”, as Felix laughingly exclaims.