We’re once again offering a closer look at our team. Today we’re introducing our applications engineer, Edwin (nickname: Ääd). He’ll give you a little insight into his day-to-day work, particularly in relation to our job vacancy, as we’re looking for someone to join our technical support team. Does that sound like something for you? Have a look at our video now – it’ll give you a taste of everyday life at our company and detailed information about the vacancy. Get a sneak peek at what you might expect here. But anyone else is also warmly invited to find out more about our staff. Let’s get started!
Who are you and what do you do?
Shall I tell you my nickname?
Sure, why not.
I’m Ääd – that’s Edwin Kallo. I’m an applications engineer here specialising in advertising technology and textile finishing.
How long have you been working here?
I’ve been working here since mid-November 2018. Before that, I did a four-week work placement, and then I started working here straight away.
What is your typical working day like?
It varies a great deal, of course. No two days are the same, because there are always different challenges that need to be tackled. I’m responsible for various areas and tasks. I run the training sessions. Then, as part of our ticket support, I have to cover all the different application areas – in other words, what solutions are available for which problems. I also liaise with the software manufacturer from time to time when we’re stuck and need to find out if they have a solution. For transfer orders, one of my tasks is to check the files. I also liaise with the printers if anything isn’t quite right. In the marketing team, I contribute my expertise or appear on camera for how-to videos, whether for Instagram or for our ticket support service. I provide key information for posts and blog articles in areas where my colleagues aren’t as familiar. Of course, I also support the technical team, whether with repairs, inspections or RMA cases. Apart from that, I’m always trying to expand my technical knowledge so I can share more experience and expertise with our customers. I also really enjoy working on in-house branding projects, such as our company Sprinter van, which I branded entirely on my own. And yes, in-house refurbishments, such as those in our YOW! Studio, are also tasks I’m responsible for.
So it’s very varied?
Exactly – I also communicate with the sales team quite often and pass on information to them, not least when they need my technical expertise for customers.
So you communicate with every department here?
Exactly – even when it comes to cancellations in the transfer sector, I have to let the accounts team know and so on. So, pretty much every department, really, yes.
What do you think sets the Nepata Group apart?
It’s not actually a small company – well, it’s not a huge corporation, but it’s bigger than what I was used to during my apprenticeship. There are quite a few colleagues here, across different departments. It’s simply the world of advertising technology itself that fascinates me. Here, we really do have a wide variety of machines and options to fully equip our customers with everything they need in terms of advertising.
So you mean the diversity of our company?
Exactly, the diversity. There are, after all, different divisions within the Nepata Group. First, there’s the YOW! online shop, then the manufacturer Secabo, and Nepata GmbH with its wrapping machines. We’re all colleagues, even though we work in different areas.
What’s your favourite part of the job here?
My favourite part of the job? I’d say anything to do with projects where I can put my experience in promotional technology to good use – things like textiles and lettering; I really love that. That means I’m not just sitting at a desk all the time; I can get stuck into in-house production and testing, for example when printing on face masks.
So it’s definitely not a boring job?
Nah, it’s not boring at all. It’s very varied. Sure, there are days when things get a bit stressful, but when you pop into a pub with your colleagues in the evening for a beer, it’s a lovely way to unwind. Besides, every job has its stressful phases.
What can your future colleague look forward to?
Well, they can definitely look forward to a fun and relaxed team that enjoys working together.
And who likes to have a beer together now and then?
Yes, the atmosphere amongst colleagues is quite relaxed. Generally speaking, too – you can have a chat with the bosses one-to-one if there are any issues. But even when it comes to work, you don’t have to wait for an answer to bounce through a hundred layers of management or go through a formal process for everything. Yes, and as long as the new employee enjoys working with customers and is keen to help them, they can definitely look forward to that. Of course, there are occasionally some rather unfriendly customers, but there are also very friendly ones who openly show their gratitude, and naturally you’re pleased when you’ve been able to help them. Yes, it really is a good feeling.
Is there anything else you’d like to pass on to your future colleague?
Yes, there’s certainly quite a few things. You have to be prepared for it and know how to handle it when a customer puts pressure on you. You mustn’t let that throw you off course. Everyone does their best, as far as they can. We try to help as best we can. If it doesn’t work out, we’re always happy to lend a hand as colleagues. Otherwise, try to have fun at work and enjoy spending time with your colleagues after work, when you get together for a cosy chat at the end of the day.
Thank you very much for the interview!