Interview with Srosch Ebrahimzada

What initially sparked your interest in the IT and digitalization sectors?

During my studies, I didn’t have many touchpoints with IT or digitalization. During my first internships in the production industry (in Hamburg, Germany and Cerritos, USA) I realized that the need for digitalization is higher than ever. I then worked two years as a working student for a Service Provider where I focused on UI/UX Design and gained my first experiences in the world of digitalization. After the fire in me was kindled and my Masters was completed, I knew that I only want to enter the IT-sector and Arkwright Digital provided me with this opportunity.

What specific aspects of Arkwright Digital attracted you to the company?

There are many factors why I decided to join Arkwright Digital in September 2022. First of all, the projects: Arkwright provides the opportunity to manage international projects in the context of digitalization in the Fintech-sector, which sounded very interesting to me. In addition to that, since Arkwright Digital was a newly created Startup back then, they gave me the opportunity to have influence on not only setting up new internal processes, but also reviewing and improving existing processes. The amount of influence I can have on building and developing the company, together with the other Project Managers and Managing Directors, is definitely unique. Especially through the close collaboration within a young and dynamic team. Last but not least, Arkwright Digital is based in the city I grew up and have lived all my life in.

Can you describe some of the projects you have been involved with during your time at Arkwright Digital?

I have worked on a variety of projects. From managing and creating digital onboarding solutions for Corporate Cards accross Europe, to creating a Reporting Tool for our customers to track some valuable KPIs, which helped them identify improvement areas regarding their digital onboarding solution. Our responsibility does not end with the launch of our projects. We make sure to review the existing digital solutions and provide our customers with suggestions for improving the Customer Experience and Conversion Rate. In most cases, one can improve the UX by integrating new APIs to collect needed documents and data of the applicant form official sources. Therefore, each project has different needs and we’re learning every day to meet those needs with the highest standard possible.

What does a standard work schedule look like for employees at Arkwright Digital?

A “normal” day does not exist. What you have to work on during the day highly depends on the project stage. As Project Manager your goal is to accompany a project from the discovery phase to the post-launch phase.  

For instance, during the “Requirement”-Phase you align with the customers during several sessions to understand and collect all needs of your customer. You will mainly work on creating requirements for the developers and designing mock-ups of the solution you are working on. You deep dive into technical requirements and talk to stakeholders all over the world.

If you are in the “Development”-Phase, you have dailies with the development team to discuss open questions and the progress. Since we are agile and working in 2-weeks-sprints, there is more of a routine each sprint: Sprint Planning, Testing, Sprint Review, Dailies…

So, based on the project phase you are currently in, your “normal” day can differ a lot.

How would you describe the potential for professional growth at Arkwright Digital?

A huge factor on why I decided to join Arkwright Digital are the career opportunities. They are there, you just need to embrace it. Meaning, if you want to take responsibility, you can take responsibility. Nobody is holding you back, except you. You can share your ideas with all employees, from interns to Managing Director and you have the influence and possibility to live out your ideas.

During my first months, I told my teamlead that I'm into Data and Reporting. Less than a week later, he came up to me with the idea of a new project: To create a Reporting Tool for our clients. Two years later, we launched the Reporting tool for our first client and it was a huge success. Same story can definitely be repeated for other areas in the world of digitalization: Be proactive and let your teamleads know, and you will find a way.

Last but not least, what is your tip for all new employees at ADG?

Be honest and curious. Speak up, if you have an idea, everyone will listen. But most importantly: Just be yourself and enjoy joining our great and ambitious team!

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