This year, eleven great applications from companies in Jena and the region were received for the intercultural business award. The series presents all the candidates and shows how intercultural openness in business can be exemplified.
Get to know Franco here. Originally from Argentina, he now works as a software engineer at TAF Mobile GmbH in Jena.
Name: Franco Jesus Sabino
Nationality: Argentinian
Position: Software Engineer
Company: TAF mobile GmbH
What do you like most about your work and your company?
The most that I like is the possibility to work with people from different nationalities, talking in different languages discovering and respecting how their cultures are. Technically speaking, I really like the methodology we use in our projects and also, the technologies are the lastest so they allow me to be always keeping the last concepts, is amazing. Also, I would say that I am a test lover, and in our projects, we have the complete levels of testing like unit, integration, acceptance and e2e tests so I feel confident when I have to deliver a task.
What challenges were you faced with when you started? How did you overcome these challenges?
My first challenge, when I arrived in Jena, was that my flat was totally empty. I had rented my flat from Argentina because I needed the flat contract to present it to the German embassy in Buenos Aires. I knew that it would be empty, but when I arrived, I had to buy and build everything myself, an experience to keep in my mind. In my case, I feel good when I am able to achieve things that they demanded me much effort. I would say that was a so good experience but I would not do that again. Also, another challenge was the language. I didn’t know anything about Deutsch before I arrived in Germany, for that reason, I started studying at the University and I was able to pass the A1.1 exam. Now, I am still learning Deutsch in my company while I am waiting for the University to open so I can start the following course.
How did your company support you the most?
I am here because my company trusted me and they gave me the opportunity to work with them. With the job contract, I was able to get the resident permission, I don’t have words to thank them for that, giving me the possibility to live this experience. The second thing that I really consider important for me, was that they knew that my level of English was not so good. However, they supported me from the beginning (and still support) to make me feel comfortable working, I really appreciate that.
© TAF Mobile GmbH 
© TAF Mobile GmbH 
© TAF Mobile GmbH
TAF mobile GmbH, based in Jena, is a subsidiary of DIMOCO Europe in Vienna, a payment institution licensed as a FinTech in all EU member states. The software company TAF researches innovative ticketing solutions and develops, distributes and operates mobile app and online sales systems as well as multimodal mobility platforms for public transport companies. The overall solutions include the integration of individual customer requirements including state-of-the-art payment methods. With a solid customer base and partnerships with mobile operators, research institutes, public transport associations and industry peers, TAF has extensive application experience and expert knowledge. The company is a multi-award-winning innovation company and a member of the Mobile Cluster Mitteldeutschland and KONTIKI e.V. industry networks.
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