In our interview series, HPI employees regularly provide insights into their work. This time, Evgeniya Wurg talks about her role as head of the IT helpdesk team.
Hasso Plattner Institute: Can you briefly introduce yourself? Since when have you been at HPI, and what led you to IT?
Evgeniya Wurg: I am Evgeniya, or simply Jenya, and I have been at HPI since April 2022. Since then, I help HPI staff solve their IT problems before they even think about trying a restart. I consciously chose a career in IT because the world is becoming increasingly digital, and I see an exciting future in this field.
HPI: What are your main responsibilities, and are there specific areas you focus on?
Evgeniya: My main responsibility is to ensure that the IT helpdesk processes run efficiently and that my team has all the necessary resources to support our colleagues as best as possible.
HPI: What does a typical workday look like for you? What challenges do you regularly encounter?
Evgeniya: Tickets, calls, requests – online and offline, moves, onboardings, appointments, conversations, and much more – all of this is part of my daily routine. My workday has so many different facets that each day becomes a unique challenge. Sometimes it even happens that we run out of tea in the hectic daily routine! By the way, I don’t drink coffee.
HPI: Are there any IT projects you are currently working on that are particularly important for HPI?
Evgeniya: Right now, I am focusing on improving the onboarding process, as the first impression is very important for HPI.
HPI: What is a common request you have to handle, and do you have any tips for your colleagues?
Evgeniya: A common request I handle is when one or both external monitors stay black. Here are some tips I have for you: 1. Check the cables! Sometimes it’s just a loose cable. 2. Restart the docking station, monitor, and, if necessary, the laptop. It’s like with us: Sometimes you just need to turn your head off and back on again.
HPI: Women in IT are still underrepresented. What are your experiences as a woman in the IT industry, and what would you advise young women interested in this field?
Evgeniya: The IT world can sometimes be challenging, but it offers many opportunities. My advice to young women: Don’t be afraid, be brave, and don’t let stereotypes or prejudices discourage you. Of course, you still encounter stereotypes, but that should not unsettle you. Technology is not a male privilege – good IT-professionals are needed everywhere, and the more diverse the team, the better the solutions.
HPI: To conclude, please complete the following sentence: "HPI is for me..."
Evgeniya: HPI is a place where teamwork, innovation, and technical challenges come together.
