Ready for exclusive insights? Learn firsthand from our consultants and business analysts about their journey to Detecon, the challenges they faced, and what makes their work special in our 'SetYourFocus in ...' interview series.
What is your academic background?
My academic background includes a bachelor's degree in Product Design or Industrial Design, followed by a master's degree in Strategic Innovations in Products and Services. During my job as a product manager, I gained valuable experience in these areas. I now apply the acquired knowledge and skills daily in my current position in the Strategic Design and Innovation team at Detecon. This team is not characterized by a specific industry but focuses on integrating strategic thinking into innovation development.
My background in Design Thinking is invaluable here, as we collaborate with various experts. Typically, we combine methodological knowledge with industry-specific expertise to achieve the best possible results.
What challenges did you face at the start of your career?
Right from the start at Detecon, I noticed that the company's structure is fundamentally different from what I experienced in the industry. Many processes and functions do not exist in the industry and were completely new to me. Therefore, it took me some time to adapt to the processes at Detecon. I can apply my industry experience, if not internally at Detecon, externally with my clients. It is easy for me to quickly understand their structures and challenges.
Why did you choose Detecon as an employer?
The beauty of consulting lies in its diversity. You don't have to work on just one topic for several years; instead, you can switch between different projects and topics in a short period. Unlike other companies that focus on a specific topic, here we experience rapid shifts between different focuses, which steepens our learning curve. Ultimately, however, it was a recommendation from a friend that led me to Detecon. Having a known person in the company who understood my skills and preferences was great. She could assess whether the company was a good fit for me. Based on this knowledge, I chose Detecon.
What is your focus area at Detecon, and how did you find it?
My focus at Detecon is on forward-looking and resilient innovation. I assist my clients in identifying new trends and advise them on how to generate new ideas, concepts, prototypes, and products from these trends. Another focus of my work lies in Strategic Foresight, which involves developing different future narratives to help companies make their strategies more resilient and be prepared for changes or actively shape future turns. Additionally, I specialize in user-centered design and experience design, applying specific processes and a user-centric mindset to develop concrete concepts and ideas that benefit the company.
What guidance have you received at Detecon?
Colleagues are a significant support for me. Throughout my professional development, I have met experts from various fields, whether in terms of expertise or people who can understand how customers think. This allows me to approach these individuals directly with questions and build a network of contacts who can support me when needed.
What are the perks of being employed at Detecon?
I was given the opportunity to choose my focus area and deepen my knowledge in it. This offers the advantage of no imposed restrictions, allowing me to shape and expand my topics at my discretion. Of course, some support is necessary to implement this, but there is a balanced mix of freedom and assistance. In our team, we also have the freedom to set and measure our own goals. We have a shared vision, but everyone decides for themselves which goals they want to pursue to achieve this vision.
What tools and methods do you use in your daily projects?
In my daily projects, we focus on user-centered work, particularly through the application of Design Thinking as a process and mindset. For each topic, we have specific approaches, such as a defined process for trend management that leads from trend identification to concrete implementation. Creative tools and frameworks are integrated as needed, forming a constantly growing framework for our projects.
What advice do you have for graduates starting their careers?
In my opinion, it is crucial to ask yourself the following questions: What talents do I have, and what are my special strengths? What makes me unique, and what individual ability can I bring to a particular team or area? If you can answer these questions, you will find the right focus area and find your own path.
