Between mountain, lake and data

"My job is to ensure that machines and people can communicate smartly in production," says Jonathan Rank. At HILTI AG in Thuringia, the 24-year-old develops digital solutions so that machines in the factory can automatically record, process, store and visualize data. The aim is to optimize production and predict potential errors and malfunctions. "I program tools that 'talk' to the machines. In the area of data science, I analyze how we can make production more efficient. Other tasks include project management," he says, giving an insight into his exciting day-to-day work. Without his work, production would still function as it did in the last century. "Nobody would have an overview of what is happening. Data would be stored unstructured in huge Excel files, processes would still be documented with pen and paper."

Practical study

His first introduction to the digital world was video games. "They weren't just fun to play. I wanted to understand how something like that works. That's why I chose Computer Science as an elective subject at school," he explains. After a brief foray into studying architecture, he decided to reorient himself and initially completed the Dual Academy Application Development - Coding. "Studying at the FHV now allows me to gain academic specialization in the areas of my job," explains Jonathan and emphasizes: "The FHV scores with practice-oriented courses, projects from industry and lecturers who bring their know-how directly from industry and Management." Flexible working hours, practice-oriented teaching and close cooperation with companies make part-time studies at the FHV an ideal choice. 

High quality of life

Having grown up in Meersburg on Lake Constance, Jonathan has found his second home in Vorarlberg. The proximity to nature, the excellent career opportunities and the internationality of the region make the location unique. "Studying in Vorarlberg not only means opportunities for the future, but also quality of life. From ice hockey, snowboarding, motorcycling or weight training to simply relaxing - everything is possible on the doorstep. Despite some intense semester dates, I still find time for my hobbies or a visit home. The work-study-life balance is great," he concludes.

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