A decade of commitment: Kira's anniversary at Cap3

What prompted you to join Cap3 10 years ago?

After studying business administration at Kiel University, I worked in marketing for a publishing house in Freiburg for two years. I then worked in Hamburg for two years in Dialog Marketing at a mail-order company. I loved both employers for my career start and I learned a lot, but it was clear to me that I would like to return to my hometown of Kiel in the medium term. Fewer people and beautiful nature right outside the front door: That's more mine than the big city. I was tempted to set up marketing for a still young company. At the same time, I've always been interested in technology and was looking forward to the challenge of getting familiar with the world of software development.

What changes did you experience during your time at the company?

When I started at Cap3, apart from me, only software developers worked at Cap3 and, of course, the managing directors, who were all involved in the development at that time, but were more and more engaged in other tasks such as project management, accounting, personnel, etc. I was the only woman and the only one in the company without an IT background. Overall, the size of the company was still very small. As the company grew, there was a need for more and more specialist areas and more personnel, more office space and lounges. Processes and structures had to be created. Everything has become bigger, perhaps a bit more professional, more luxurious here and there, but in fact the team spirit and the pleasantly relaxed atmosphere have remained just as much as the flat hierarchies. From my point of view, this is the performance of management, but of course also that of all employees.

What challenges did you overcome and how did you overcome them?

I always found it challenging, within project management, but also in marketing, to be confronted with very technical topics where you initially have the feeling that you will never get through. I still don't understand a lot of things even today, but I quickly found a way to understand the connections on a more abstract level. I don't need to know more then. Fortunately, my colleagues are by my side for that.

How has your role developed over the years?

My role at Cap3 has changed a lot over the years. While I was mostly responsible for marketing for the first few years and looked at where else I could provide support — for example in setting up and integrating new specialist areas or organising corporate events such as the summer party, Christmas party or CodeCamp — I began taking on tasks in acquisition and project management at some point. For about two years now, I've only worked in project management.

Are there any special moments or projects that you particularly remember?

Since the start of development in 2019, I have been managing the TK baby period in project management. The cooperation with my contacts at TK is great and I am very pleased with the continuous development of the app's offerings, but there have also been many other smaller and larger projects that I have been able to supervise in recent years. The nice thing is that they were so varied. For example, it involved the automatic recognition of a vehicle identification number, a movement coach who encourages sport via chat and challenges, or a tool for personalized content generation. I also like the fact that everything is done via video calls today, but at the same time I am always particularly pleased to get to know our customers at a personal meeting or workshop. I also have special memories of these meetings.

How would you describe the working environment and corporate culture at Cap3?

I really like the working environment and the corporate culture. I think we're a great team. From my point of view, everyone is wonderfully integrated. There is great cohesion. There is no elbow mentality and no finger pointing when something goes wrong. In principle, I also think it's nice that the topic of personal responsibility and therefore trust is given top priority simply because of the very flat hierarchies.

What advice would you give to new employees who are just starting out at Cap3?

I don't really have any advice. I always find it important to get involved. I am of the opinion that this shows you what you are good at, what you enjoy and that this is seen and gives you appropriate tasks and freedoms. Otherwise, I would advise anyone who starts at Cap3 without having had any previous contact with the development of apps and web applications to stay relaxed. Experience has shown that you get in there. It is really easy to connect with the team at Cap3. At noon, people go out together or eat something they have brought along on the roof terrace and there are many offers for joint activities. So I'd just say look forward to starting your work.

How do you feel about your 10th anniversary of service and what are your goals for the future?

First of all, I'd like to mention that I find the appreciation shown to me during my 10 years with Cap3 unbelievable. There was a pizza dinner for the team, photos from the last 10 years, gifts and I was really overwhelmed by the kind words from the management. It was a lovely day to review the 10 years for myself too. For me, the effort that has been made reflects even more the great corporate culture at Cap3. My goal is to continue to enjoy my work, to continue to enjoy going to work every day and to be able to supervise many exciting projects as a project manager.

This was an insight into Kira's ten years of professional experience in marketing and project management at Cap3. We would like to thank you for your commitment and good cooperation. Great to have you with us - here's to another 10 years!