Tassilo, you are an e-government consultant at Bechtle. What does this term mean?
As an e-government consultant, I mainly advise in the area of public administration, also known as the public sector. I support public authorities in becoming more digital. This means that I discuss their goals with them and where the use of new technologies is worthwhile for them to become more efficient and flexible.
Sounds exciting. Could you be more specific?
Currently, for example, I am advising the decision-makers of a state capital and a federal state. We are developing a digitalisation strategy together and I'm helping them find the right IT products and show them how to use them profitably. Among other things, this involves the implementation of the Online Access Act. But we also look at the IT infrastructure and in-house systems and processes and make them fit for the future.
Who do you work with every day as an e-government consultant at Bechtle?
I work very closely with our IT and cloud architects, sales and marketing. My field is a highly interdisciplinary one because we are all experts in our respective fields, we learn a lot from each other. Of course, we are not always of the same opinion, because we look at new projects from different angles. But that is exactly what enriches the cooperation and the project in the end.
What skills and experience are important for your job?
You should be flexible and empathetic, because as consultants we have a lot contact with people. At the same time, a high affinity for IT and technology topics and a fundamental understanding of the interaction of new technologies are required. But I think the most important ingredient is a sense of curiosity. I read everything I can get my hands on about digitalisation and the public sector. It is important to think outside the box. In addition, I regularly continue my education at congresses or in seminars, including at the Bechtle Academy. The range here is broad and tailored to the variety of different roles we have.
There’s one thing that's very important. And that’s experience. I, for example, have already worked for several years in leading positions in public administration and digitalised processes and services there. This knowledge is invaluable. But people who are just starting out in their careers or those who have made a career change can also become consultants. More important than experience is motivation. The routine establishes itself over time.
What convinced you to start at Bechtle?
The potential of the company and my job, which I felt immediately during the interviews and still feel today. My position was newly created at that time, which still offers me a lot of creative freedom. No matter what new ideas or wishes I have: As a rule, they are received openly, put through their paces and, if sensible, implemented. And I think that’s great. For example, I am currently building up my own team together with which I want to manage the many digitalisation projects.
How do you reconcile your private and professional life?
As strange as it sounds for the consulting sector: I work from 9 to 5. In addition, I have the freedom to decide every day whether I go to the office or prefer to work at home or even in a completely different place. I can also plan my appointments very independently and am perfectly networked with customers and colleagues remotely. In my team, we take the idea of a work-life balance very seriously—it’s not optional.
What is important to you for the future?
I don’t want to do without the Bechtle spirit that I’ve experienced since day one—especially in my new team.
