Dominik Herget

What I really like about the Work-Study Program in Business Information Systems is being independent and able to study flexibly.

When you hear "ING" what is the first word that comes to mind?

Digitization

What inspires you?

Space for personal development.

Tell us something about your studies and your experiences at ING

Dominik: I am currently in my first year of Business Information Systems. I’m doing my theory phases at the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University in Mannheim. At ING, I’m completing the practical part of my studies. The practical units always alternate with three-month theory blocks. My field of study offers a good mixture of business administration, economics and computer science. There are a wide range of business topics covered. In the field of computer science, the focus is on topics like programming, operating systems, database and computer architecture. The special attraction for me lies in the combination of IT topics with economic issues. How do both fields actually work together in a company. Where are the starting points for innovative developments?

How did things start out for you?

Dominik: I can only say I arrived and got started: I felt at home here very quickly. And I’m happy to come to work every day. As a student, you are accepted as part of the team and get to work immediately. You study the theoretical content from the company's perspective and this practical insight motivates and gives you an application-oriented approach to many topics.

As a work-study student, you have an influence on where in the company you gain your practical experience. In concrete terms, this means that you can choose which area you would like to get to know. Of course, the employer will also advise you on this. Here at ING, I am currently getting to know the areas of CC Construction Financing and CC Savings/Current & Loans. These are the IT departments behind the specialist departments. Besides concrete programming topics I am especially interested in the interfaces between the business and the IT departments.

On the whole, promoting young talent plays a major role at ING. During my first work experience assignment, I was able to take part in a Java training course in Hamburg, where I deepened my programming skills. I am thrilled that the company continues to support my personal development. So far, I have been able to attend two great JAVA seminars and several others.

Why did you choose to do a work-study program with ING?

I was generally very interested in business computing. I knew I wanted to study, but I also knew that I wanted to learn more than just theory at the university. I also really wanted to do something where I would get professional experience. I also found it important to be more independent from my family, and as a work-study student you get a salary. And like every other employee, you benefit from ING’s attractive social benefits. This allows me to go my own way independently and on my own terms. I found out about ING through a personal recommendation. I found the website very appealing and noticed that there are many exciting digital topics being dealt with in the company.

How did you experience ING as an employer, your colleagues and the corporate culture?

Dominik: You don't relate to others differently depending on hierarchical levels. We can talk informally here and that says a lot. It doesn’t matter whether you're a supervisor, a student, permanent employee or trainee. In addition to the professional relationships, you also develop a personal rapport with colleagues. The feeling of being fully integrated is very important to me.

Which ING social benefits and extras are most attractive for you?

Dominik: The ING health budget is great. It not only covers special preventive checkups, but also my gym fees. Book money for my studies, capital-forming benefits and a bonus equal to one month’s salary are also part of the total package for work-study students.

Can you describe your vision of the future?

Dominik: After I get my bachelor degree, I’d like to continue my career here at ING. That is what I am working towards. I’d also like to travel abroad to gain practical experience in another country, and that is possible here at ING. I've also been thinking about getting a Master degree later. But I'll have to wait and see. Entering the job market is more of a continuous process in a work-study program, because you are right in the middle of your professional life from the start and have the chance to try things out. At the same time, you build up a good network and professional contacts within the company. This makes the transition from studies to career much easier.

What are good qualities to have if you are interested in becoming a work-study student at ING?

In a nutshell: You don't have to be a computer freak or a financial expert! A certain openness for new topics is crucial. Ideally, one should also have the desire to work in a team with other specialists. At the university and at ING, I have the chance to get to know different topics and departments. This is a huge advantage if you are at the beginning of your career and would like to try out new things. Here at ING, the focus is of course on financial topics. At the same time, I get an understanding of how customer needs are linked to digital trends – both now and in the future.