In his work he has combined computer science with electrical engineering, and in his spare time he develops solutions in home electronics. Michal Wilczak - principal at Netcompany - talks about what skills gained at university are most useful in a company developing innovative IT projects, and how to create a smart ‘Raspberry.’
You studied telecommunications and Computer Science and Information Technology. What did your studies in these fields give you?
Above all, my studies enabled me to find an interesting job in my area of expertise and gave me solid foundation for further development. The change of major between first- and second-cycle studies also allowed me to adapt my education to job offers on the market and, in perspective, gave me a broader view of the software development process. I would recommend telecommunications to anyone who wants to work close to the hardware layer - PCBs, embedded systems, or programmable FPGA boards. Computer science, on the other hand, is an excellent major for people who would like to become programmers and work in the IT industry.
Before you started working at Netcompany, you gained experience at many companies. Which of your past jobs do you consider the most valuable and why?
I think all of these experiences were valuable, allowing me to learn about different work methodologies, technologies, and best practices - programming and managerial. My first work experience was an internship at TomTom, after which I joined Intergraph. In both places I had to deal with GIS (map systems) topics, prototyping test tools or taking part in the development of a system for uniformed services dispatchers. At MillwardBrown corporation, where I later worked, I developed a system for presenting the results of market research conducted by the company for various clients.
You work as a pricipal. What exactly do you do?
At Netcompany, I manage projects, handle business development (mainly in the public sector) and coordinate activities within my department in Poland. My work primarily requires communication and organizational skills, combined with technical knowledge, which enables me to properly understand the essence of a task, plan and execute the best possible project from the technical side, tailored at the same time to the client's requirements. In a word: at Netcompany I can't complain about boredom, there is no shortage of challenges, travel, learning about fields not directly related to IT, from real estate registries to public security or biometric systems. And on top of that, the company offers many opportunities for development, professional development, training, and certification programs.
What knowledge, gained during your studies, is particularly useful in your professional work?
Basically, I use knowledge from both majors. It's fair to say that I used computer skills right away, while the knowledge of how a computer works at a low level only came together for me with programming after I had been working for a while. Working at Netcompany, I also appreciated the so-called "soft subjects", non-engineering subjects that were in the curriculum - such as language classes, or presentation workshops. While studying, I didn't expect them to be so useful in my professional life.
During your studies, you had the opportunity to go abroad on a student exchange. What country did you go to and what did the exchange give you?
I had the opportunity to study and live in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, for six months, which was an unforgettable experience and an opportunity to experience a different culture. The use of English on a daily basis during classes certainly made it easier for me to find my way in an international environment at work.
In your spare time, you devote yourself to your passion for electrical engineering. What home electronics solutions are you developing?
It can be said that my thesis project, based on a first-generation Raspberry Pi, is being used and developed all the time. The so-called ‘Raspberry’ controls lighting in my house, measures temperature, humidity, sunshine and - especially in winter - allows me to check the quality of the air outside. It also serves as a bridge connecting sensors or smart outlets to the HomeKit platform, allowing you to easily control everything from my phone. Writing a few lines of code that are then translated into home reality gives me a satisfaction that reminds me why I chose to study telecommunications.
Interviewer: Dr Aleksandra Pawlik
Graphics: Anna Koźlikowska
Photos: Netcompany
Netcompany implements innovative IT projects in the field of digital platform development and provides IT infrastructure management and maintenance services to large and medium-sized companies in various public and private sector industries in Northern Europe.