Ciaran, can you tell me what your position at craftworks is?

My position is a backend developer, I am mainly working in Java.

Elisabeth, as your position at craftworks is your first job, I would like to know what made you want to apply for your position at craftworks? And can you also tell me something about your position?

I was looking for an environment where people enjoy going to work and where everyone is striving to do an excellent job. I have the impression that craftworks is such an environment. On top of that it gives me the opportunity to improve myself not only in the area of UX design, but also in frontend engineering. Therefore, I applied. I am now working as a designer and engineer and I am enjoying the variety these two positions bring.

Ciaran, I noticed that you really like to work in the office instead of “home office”, so what else do you like most about craftworks?

I like that there is a real sense of togetherness, after like a week you know how things are working at craftworks and also you get to know the people very fast because everyone is open-minded.

Elisabeth, what’s one thing you’re learning now, and why is it important to you?

I am learning how to include the User-Centered Design Process in an agile process framework like Scrum. I didn’t have experience with this before and as the teams at craftworks are working in agile ways, it is important that my design work fits into this work style.

Ciaran, as you like the atmosphere in the office, what definitely shouldn’t be missing at your workplace?

Tischkick shouldn’t be missing.

Elisabeth, what behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?

To be aware of my goals and working hard to achieve them. I am also very dedicated to my work and enjoy doing it. Without these personality traits, I wouldn’t have this job and my Masters degree in the first place.

Ciaran, could you please tell me more about your educational career?

I studied Computer Science Bachelor in Ireland at the Institute of Technology in Dublin. After that, I moved to the Netherlands, where I gained most of my work experience working in the FinTech industry.

Let’s move on to some personal questions, Ciaran how do you prefer to relax?

I am actually traveling a lot. To be honest I spend a lot of money on travel. If I want to relax and turn my head off I spontaneously take a trip somewhere.

Can I ask you where you have been recently?

Before I started working at craftworks I was in Kenia for two months, where I worked for an organization where we helped build houses for orphans and feed the local children before school.

Elisabeth, as you like fictional books very much, what book have you read recently and what was it about?

Right now I am reading “Siddharta” from Hermann Hesse. It is about a young, quite spiritual man who is looking for the meaning of life.

Ciaran as you moved to Vienna not long ago, did you have any difficulties at the beginning of your time in Vienna and how did you deal with them? Maybe you could also tell us what you like most about Vienna.

I didn’t have any problems to be honest, because my girlfriend is from here and she introduced me to Vienna from a local perspective. One thing that is a bit difficult is the language, but as it is similar to Dutch it helps me a lot. I really like the Augarten Park, where I often take a walk.

Elisabeth, what do you do when you are having a bad day?

I meet up with friends or family. Sports also helps me, like hiking or climbing.

Only 3 short questions left:

Ciaran, what is your favorite meal? Lasagna and Sushi.

Which season is your favorite? Summer.

What fictional place would you most like to visit? Hogwarts.

Elisabeth, what places would you suggest a tourist to visit in Vienna? Inner town, its parks, donaukanal maybe also a wine hiking route.

Are you a coffee person or tea person? Coffee.

If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? Being a magician.

Thank you, Elisabeth and Ciaran!

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