Off to a good start: insights into the start of training and studies at SPIRIT/21

Eleven “new starters” started an apprenticeship or dual study program at SPIRIT/21 at the beginning of September. Among them is Jana Mozer. The DHBW student in Digital Business Management describes her impressions and experiences during the induction week.

September 1, 2020 was the first “real” day at SPIRIT/21 GmbH’s headquarters in Böblingen, but our induction actually began weeks earlier. We were invited to an information day for us new starters back in mid-July. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus situation, this was only online and at a distance, but everyone still made a great effort. This gave us an early opportunity to get an impression of SPIRIT/21, its employees and our training and studies. Until the official start in September, we were then regularly provided with information by our training manager Marie.

Making personal contacts via speed dating

On the first day, we all got to know each other personally: Speed dating was the order of the day! We learned more about each other’s hobbies and interests. We also established an etiquette for the introductory week: “We let each other talk, are punctual, respectful and always give direct feedback.” Of course, these rules not only apply during the induction week, but also afterwards.

On the very first day, there was another highlight for many of the new trainees and students: the hardware handover. After some initial technical difficulties, everything worked perfectly. We were not only provided with all the technical necessities, but also with culinary delights: from sandwiches and pizza to ice cream and sweets.

Of course, there were many general topics and interesting facts to discuss during the first week. To ensure that nothing was forgotten, we reviewed the day at the end and presented the results the next morning. This created a good opportunity to clarify any unanswered questions.

Team building writ large

In addition to our CEO Markus, we also got to know many other colleagues from various departments during the induction week. Our trainee and student colleagues from previous years also came to welcome us.

The new starter induction week was rounded off with a team-building event, which showed us once again how important a good team is, what is important in a team and how best to get involved.

All in all, the start was a complete success. We have arrived well at SPIRIT/21 and are looking forward to the time during our training and studies.