Luca, PHP Developer

I work at CHECK24 Profis, the search for services of all kinds, such as moving companies, craftsmen or even DJs for a party. The service providers (professionals) can register and then receive suitable customer requests for which they can submit an offer. The customers then choose a suitable offer and can clarify the details directly with the professional.

My tasks are very diverse. The CHECK24 professionals are currently undergoing a comprehensive technical restructuring. A central system that handles all inquiries is gradually being replaced by specialised stand-alone systems. For this purpose, processes have to be conceptualized, modules and interfaces have to be redesigned and implemented. Many things have to be created from scratch. And I am part of this project.

In such a unique transformation, I enjoy to be an all-rounder and to contribute my experience as a full-stack developer everywhere.

Our agile way of working includes a short daily meeting ("Daily"), in which the current and upcoming tasks are discussed within the team. If necessary, further cross-team meetings on current or upcoming topics follow.

The development process itself is closely coordinated with the product management team. But development at our company is also teamwork from a technical perspective. For example, when dealing with tricky problems or training new colleagues, I like to take part in pair programming sessions, where you can always learn something.

Another important part of my daily work are code reviews, where I give feedback to my colleagues and also get feedback on my code.

Within the team and also across the board, we regularly communicate on best practices and new technical developments. In addition, there is also the opportunity to get involved in company-wide expert groups. CHECK24 also organises IT meetups on various tech topics at regular intervals, which employees and external people can attend. I am a regular attendee and like to exchange ideas with others.

For me, a highlight is when a feature I've worked on goes live. To see how a feature is used and accepted is something special for me each time. I look forward to every day when I can learn something new or maybe even pass something on to my colleagues.

My first programming experience was 15 years ago with PHP and JavaScript. Although the entire IT environment has completely changed since then, my former fascination is still a major factor why I stayed with web development: The web is based on open standards, meaning anyone can implement and make ideas accessible according to their own imagination. Because almost every device is capable of displaying a web page, the web can reach a large number of users.

During my studies I enjoyed other technologies as well, but the passion for the web remained. As a result, I can say that today I work with my favourite technology every day!

Our messenger, where the communication between service providers and the customer takes place, is one of the central components of our system. In a small taskforce, we got the opportunity to work on this project in a focused way over a longer period of time. We were able to develop the feature from scratch. A great project with a lot of creative freedom and at the same time the opportunity to take on responsibility.

With such a central and important feature, high quality and clearly defined interfaces are particularly important. The intensive focus on this project has paid off, we were able to successfully take the messenger live.

My team consists of both developers and product managers. Everyone can contribute their own knowledge, experience and opinions. Everyone in the team works with passion on our product and for the common cause. The team atmosphere is not neglected either. We all get along well and enjoy working together, which means that there is almost always a relaxed atmosphere. Of course, this is also encouraged by the possibility of regular team events, such as games evenings or parties. You can get to know colleagues outside your own team at company events, such as the recent sports challenge or the summer party.

A "just do it" mindset, because even in programming you only develop through regular training and application. Once I have an idea, I try to implement it in small steps, even if the path to the final product might not be clear to me.

My tasks are varied and offer me many opportunities for co-determination. I can contribute my knowledge and ideas and still develop myself at the same time. And last but not least, I love the daily collaboration with nice colleagues. I think the mix at CHECK24 is simply very good. You have the advantages of an established online company and at the same time you have enough freedom to make decisions due to the decentralised structure. Each comparison product can optimise its area individually which is one of the success factors. And as a developer you have a direct impact on the success with the customers.