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Maximilian, Working Student Software Development
Max is a working student in software development at the Hamburg location and works in the Private Health Insurance division. In this interview, he talks about his journey from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree, his day-to-day work as a full-stack developer, the application process at CHECK24, and why varied tasks and modern technologies make his role particularly exciting.
Hi Max, please introduce yourself briefly.
Max:
My name is Max, and I have been working as a working student in software development in the Private Health Insurance team since the beginning of my third bachelor’s semester. During this time, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Business Informatics and am currently in my third semester of a master’s degree in Computer Science with a focus on Data Science. At the moment, I am part of the rewrite team, which is redesigning and redeveloping the private health insurance comparison from the ground up.
What exactly are your responsibilities as a working student in software development?
Max:
As a working student in software development, the range of tasks is very broad and can vary depending on the team and focus. In one word, I would describe myself as a full-stack developer. I work in both frontend and backend development and also take on DevOps tasks from time to time. Each team is responsible for deploying its own application and managing parts of the server environment.
Concrete examples of my work include migrating an end-to-end testing framework (from Behat to Cypress) as well as designing and implementing new features in small teams of developers and product managers.
What was your application process like?
Max:
After applying for a working student position in software development, I quickly received feedback and an invitation to a remote introductory interview. In addition to discussing my expectations for the role and my background, the interview also included technical questions about programming concepts and design patterns. Before being hired, I was invited to a trial day at the Hamburg office, where I worked on a frontend project for applicants within an IT team. I was able to ask questions at any time and work on the project in a relaxed atmosphere. After a shared lunch with my supervisors and a subsequent code review, I received an offer on the same day.
The best thing about my job?
As a working student in software development, the range of tasks is very broad. I work in both frontend and backend development and also take on DevOps tasks. Each team is responsible for deploying its own application – which makes the work varied and exciting.
Maximilian, Working Student Software Development
Are you able to apply what you learn in your studies directly at CHECK24?
Max:
I regularly apply many fundamental concepts from my computer science studies, such as programming, database, and architecture principles. Topics like cybersecurity, computer networks, and data processing also play a role in everyday work. I am currently completing my master’s degree in Computer Science with a focus on Data Science, which primarily covers artificial intelligence and machine learning. Even though this may not sound directly related to web development at first, it helps me better understand and assess the potential of such technologies for the product. For example, our chatbot has access to MCP servers developed by the IT team.
What advice would you give to students who want to pursue a career in IT?
Max:
Be open to new things and evaluate new technologies objectively, considering both their advantages and disadvantages without closing yourself off to them. Stay flexible, as the working environment changes quickly. However, this doesn’t have to be a concern: the underlying concepts behind many innovations often remain similar, even if tools and frameworks change.
And finally: which drink can’t you do without at the office?
Max:
Sparkling water! 😉