Living Our Bilfinger Values: Ralf Pessel
Without intensive and trusting collaboration, developing today's complex applications would be nearly impossible."
Ralf Pessel, 56, works as a Portal & Collaboration Applications Specialist at Bilfinger in Mannheim, Germany. For 30 years, he has been developing software solutions that connect teams and drive efficiency across the organization. His journey – from intern to experienced developer – reflects the Bilfinger values of Knowledge and Team Spirit: continuously expanding expertise while collaborating with diverse, global teams to deliver innovative digital solutions.
Tell us about your role at Bilfinger. What does a Portal & Collaboration Applications Specialist do?
I am a software developer at Bilfinger. Together with my colleagues, I develop software that Bilfinger needs. Currently, I mainly work with Group Functions at our headquarters. Recent projects include, for example, an application that captures data for the EU taxonomy, and the Bilfinger Service Map. It displays on a world map which services are offered at which locations. I am currently working on an application for the company suggestion program, which will be integrated into the BilfingerIN app, our employee app.
What inspired you to join Bilfinger and work in the IT department?
I joined Bilfinger during my studies. First as an intern, and then I also wrote my thesis here. Since then, I have enjoyed the variety of tasks and the collaboration on global projects. The teamwork and the different technologies we use at Bilfinger are a lot of fun.
What are the main collaboration platforms you manage at Bilfinger, and how do they support global teams?
I work with various platforms, for example, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and the BilfingerIN app. We integrate our own applications into these platforms to facilitate collaboration.
What’s one thing people might not know about your role?
One of the most important aspects of software development is communication with colleagues and clients. Without intensive and trusting collaboration, developing today's complex applications would be nearly impossible. It helps that I have worked in diverse teams at Bilfinger for the past 30 years. This has allowed me to learn a great deal, which benefits me in international projects as well as those with different target audiences (management, customers, fitters, etc.).
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in IT at Bilfinger?
If you want to pursue a career in IT at Bilfinger, you should bring a willingness to learn. The diverse global projects require up-to-date expertise. The international focus opens up many career paths and valuable experiences.
Join a Team Where Values Matter: Are you passionate about technology and eager to grow your Knowledge while working with global teams? At Bilfinger, Team Spirit drives everything we do.