A cognitive scientist is also part of the Geospin team. How does he contribute his knowledge to the work? Read more about it in our interview with Konstantin.
Geospin: So where did you grow up, Konstantin?
Konstantin: Originally I come from the northern Black Forest, from Baiersbronn to be precise.
Geospin: And how did you come from the beautiful Black Forest to Freiburg?
Konstantin: I came to Freiburg for my master studies in "Cognitive Science".
Geospin: What brought you to Geospin?
Konstantin: After finishing my studies I was looking for interesting jobs in Freiburg. In the process, I immediately came across Geospin. I found the combination of machine learning and geographical issues very exciting. In addition, the young and ambitious company excited me. When I started, the office was still in a small room at the university. We conducted contract negotiations in the Café Sedan. I found that very appealing.
Geospin: What did you major in?
Konstantin: I first studied cognitive science in Tübingen. Cognitive science deals, among other things, with human intelligence. Reproducing human intelligence in technical systems and drawing conclusions about cognition is a frequently used method. Thus, knowledge about human intelligence can be gained and this knowledge can be used to make technical systems intelligent. After that I was in Munich for one year and studied robotics for two semesters. In the end, it drove me back to cognitive science, which is why I switched to Freiburg for my master's degree.
Geospin: What is it like for you to work in the pandemic?
Konstantin: Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have mostly been working from my home office. This has been very helpful at times to be able to compensate for the lack of childcare during the lockdown. Overall, however, I miss the personal exchange and the atmosphere in the office.
Geospin: What exactly is your area of responsibility at Geospin?
Konstantin: At the moment my tasks are on the one hand the technical coordination of the development. This means that I have a lot of discussions about what functionality customers want and how we can integrate it into our portal. I then put this together into work packages and accompany the development process. On the other hand, I actively participate in the development. My main interest is in extracting information from data that helps to understand relationships. In addition, I also push for a modern architecture of our services.
Geospin: What do you do after work and in your free time?
Konstantin: After work, I like to be outside and do sports. Summer is characterized by tennis, beach volleyball and mountain biking, in winter I'm on the cross-country ski trail. I try to do that as much as possible together with my children. With shovel and ramekins on the edge of the beach volleyball court, on the Roman seat on the bike or wrapped up warm in the trailer on the cross-country trail.
Geospin: What is important to you in a workplace?
Konstantin: Respectful and benevolent interaction with each other. Creative freedom and yet clear goals. A nice office where you enjoy spending time. Flexibility in terms of time.
Geospin: What do you appreciate about Geospin?
Konstantin: A team that is not bogged down in work processes. The involvement in many business areas. The flexibility.
Geospin: Can you combine characteristics from your hobby with your work?
Konstantin: Coordinating many things at the same time and keeping an overview.
