Six questions for Sebastian Burger

Why did you decide to join Deutsche Börse Group?

I have always been fascinated by the world of finance, and especially the stock market. When I was at school, I won a competition where the prize was a tour of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Deutsche Börse with all its interesting job advertisements was my first port of call after I finished my degree in IT. The combination of IT and finance makes for both interesting and exciting tasks.

Please describe your first working day at Deutsche Börse.

On my first day I was shown around and met my colleagues. Then I was given a brief insight into the team's responsibilities and told about the training sessions included in my induction. So even my very first day was informative and interesting.

What does your job entail?

My responsibilities currently comprise a lot of smaller development and software testing tasks. For instance, I'm expanding an existing converter tool that converts binary data sets into a readable format. A binary data set for whole day is about 20 GB in size. If you're only interested in a certain time period or certain type of news, you still have to convert the whole data set. My job at the moment is to implement filter functions that enable users to convert only the data they want.

How relevant is what you studied to the job you now do?

My degree provided me with the necessary knowledge of software development and testing. I have been able to build on this knowledge through my work and improve my skills in these areas.

How would you describe the working environment at Deutsche Börse Group?

I would describe it as very pleasant. My new colleagues made me feel welcome in the team. Everyone is very friendly to one another. If you have any questions, you don't have to worry about asking – they are happy to answer them.

How do you think applicants can best prepare for their job interview?

They should research Deutsche Börse as much as possible and think in advance about what they want to know about the job or the company in general. It makes a good impression if you take an interest and ask questions.

 
Seven questions for Maria Mader

Why did you decide to join Deutsche Börse Group?

Deutsche Börse won me over at its recruiting event. The most important aspects of an employer for me are working environment, motivation, appreciation and development. All of these things were brought up in the first meeting I had with the company and have proved true in day-to-day business. My working environment is very dynamic, with the new challenges of IT at the stock exchange providing a source of motivation for my projects. I enjoy a working climate that is fair and have the opportunity for further development alongside my work, whether personal or professional.

Please describe your first working day at Deutsche Börse.

In a word – overwhelming! When I entered the building and looked around, I asked myself only this question, “Is this where I'm going to work?” I had no idea what tasks were awaiting me. Less than four hours later I was reading a document about the T7® trading platform, and by 4 p.m. was working on my first project.

What does your job entail?

I am Co-Project Lead for the “ONE I&O Incident Management” project. I'm responsible for the development and implementation of an incident management process within Infrastructure & Operations. This involves working closely with internal regulatory bodies such as Internal Audit, GIS, Quality & Knowledge Mgt & Security Verification in setting up the process. I also support my colleagues in implementing the new process by running workshops and providing advice.
Infrastructure & Operations is providing a solid foundation for future IT developments with a convergence of processes. We are also better addressing client requirements and offering them a stable environment and reliable trading platform.

How relevant is what you studied to the job you now do?

My master's degree helps in particular in that it taught me to broaden my horizons and include factors in the whole picture even if they don't seem connected. This is key in planning projects, as we work in a diverse and very dynamic environment. We have to react quickly to changes, abstract granularities and make reliable statements based on this.

How would you describe the working environment at Deutsche Börse Group?

I feel very comfortable in my environment. I value the polite and appreciative way colleagues treat each other and am happy to be part of the team.

What tips would you give to someone for having a successful start at Deutsche Börse Group?

I would recommend just two things to any future new recruits:
1) Keep your eyes and ears open. Knowledge is everywhere in the company.
2) Be yourself and enjoy it. You can only do something well if you enjoy doing it.

How do you think applicants can best prepare for their job interview?

I advise every applicant to research what Deutsche Börse does, to find out what the business areas are, what the latest news is – maybe in the media. But also perhaps find out about the staff and who they will be meeting at their interview. They should also know exactly what position they are applying for and what their future contribution will be. You will stand out from other applicants by being yourself.

Eight questions for Genoveva Barrios

Why did you decide to join Deutsche Börse Group?

The main criteria for me were working in the financial sector, at a company that is large but not too large, while getting to know the advantages of an international exchange-listed company. I also wanted to work for a company that would challenge me, guide me, train me and support me – and all that in a friendly and helpful environment. Deutsche Börse met these criteria and that's why I chose it.

Please describe your first working day at Deutsche Börse.

I went straight from being a student assistant to permanent employee, so my first day was much like any other, with the difference being that I was confronted with new tasks straight away. I had to read up on my subject area, and was given small tasks that helped me find my feet in my new position. I was also included in meetings from the start, which led to more work being assigned to me. This way, I was immediately involved in my area of work and responsibility.

What does your job entail?

As media manager I am responsible for preparing, performing and post-processing all media activities for the cash and derivatives markets (online and offline). I am also involved in other projects concerning content generation for our websites and the introduction of the new market structure, among other things. Social media and the marketing opportunities it provides are also part of my job.

How relevant is what you studied to the job you now do?

I did a bachelor's degree in business administration with Spanish and Russian. Since the main language of business is English, I only have limited opportunities to use Russian and Spanish. But the business administration side certainly gave me an insight into, among other things, the theory of marketing, which is definitely an advantage for my job and provided me with a feel and understanding of processes and activities in the market from the beginning. My studies provided a solid basis, but a different course of study would also meet this criterion, as you learn a lot of things properly in practice.

How would you describe the working environment at Deutsche Börse Group?

Starting with the departments and interaction with superiors, I find the atmosphere friendly and open – we are often on first-name terms from the beginning, people are receptive to criticism in my experience, and recently there was even an extensive survey on employee satisfaction. This survey revealed the potential for improvement, and management and staff alike are actively working on implementing it.

What tips would you give to someone for having a successful start at Deutsche Börse Group?

It worked well for me with an internship first, and later a student position. “Getting my foot in the door” really seemed to do the trick for me.

How do you think applicants can best prepare for their job interview?

Even though the job description often just describes the bare bones of the position you're applying for, and you don't find out the details until your interview, you should definitely think about what you do and don't want to achieve. That way you can react accordingly and, if appropriate, the interviewer can ask about your personal objectives and preferences. If you don't already know what's being offered, it is useful to have an idea of the salary you want and at least a rough overview of the tasks, procedures, activities and latest news about Deutsche Börse.

Please describe your career path at Deutsche Börse Group.

I started as an intern in the Events department, and after that was taken on as a student assistant in Xetra Marketing. Shortly after that there was a restructuring of the company, and the marketing departments of Eurex and the cash market were combined – including students. I became permanently employed as Junior Media Manager for Eurex and the cash market in January 2014.

Eight questions for Delphine Fodiop Sop

Why did you decide to join Deutsche Börse Group?

I was already working as a student assistant in the Clearing Supervision department at Deutsche Börse while pursuing my master's degree. I liked the working atmosphere and the opportunity to combine working and family life so much that I wanted to work for Deutsche Börse permanently.

Please describe your first working day at Deutsche Börse.

My first day was very interesting in all respects. I had new colleagues, because I'd changed departments within Deutsche Börse, new responsibilities and new challenges. I adjusted very quickly, my colleagues were always very understanding.

What does your job entail?

The department where I now work is responsible for the admission of bearer bonds to the securities market. This work requires a high level of concentration. We work with bond and global certificates which demand a particularly precise way of working; everything has to be checked for accuracy.

How relevant is what you studied to the job you now do?

I have a master's degree in finance and accounting with a focus on stock exchange business and investment banking. I studied bonds as part of my degree.

How would you describe the working environment at Deutsche Börse Group?

I can sum up the atmosphere with just one word – great! My colleagues are friendly and nice, and there is a sense of harmony and team spirit.

What tips would you give to someone for having a successful start at Deutsche Börse Group?

First of all find out which department you want to be in, then send off your application, including CV, cover letter and references. The important thing is that your application be flawless and not unnecessarily complicated.

How do you think applicants can best prepare for their job interview?

Being invited for an interview is a good sign in itself. Your application must have stood out from the rest. I recommend taking the following three steps in preparation:

1. Do as much research as you can into the core business and the relevant department.
2. Be prepared to answer questions about your CV.
3. Know a lot about current affairs on the financial markets.

Please describe your career path at Deutsche Börse Group.

August 2012 - February 2014: Student assistant in Clearing Supervision, Eurex Clearing
Since March 2014: Permanent employee in New Issues and CSK, Clearstream Banking Frankfurt