5 Questions with … Tim Töpfer of Technidata IT-Service GmbH
Tim Töpfer, who works on the KTE operations team at Technidata, has already attended two of our training sessions, and the third one is coming up soon. So far, he has always participated online. We spoke with him to find out what he particularly likes about this training format—and why he would also very much like to attend in person at some point.
Tim, how many times have you participated in a C4IT training session, and why did you choose us?
I’ve already participated in two online training sessions, and the third one is coming up next week. I joined the Consulting4IT Academy at the suggestion and recommendation of my colleague Laura Staub, who has attended the Academy several times and has even completed the Boot Camp. Since I will be working more closely with her in the future and will also be taking over for her, she felt that I could also benefit from the Consulting4IT training sessions. And she was definitely right.
Have you already taken a training course with other providers, and if so, how does the C4IT Academy’s training program differ?
I had previously taken a PowerShell training course with an external provider. In comparison, what really stands out at the Academy is the positive and open interaction among everyone involved, regardless of who you’re dealing with—whether it’s Academy Director Mandy or trainers like Steffen Willacker. You’re simply welcomed in a completely different way. During the PowerShell training, everything was very reserved, and I didn’t retain nearly as much of the content as I did in the Academy’s training sessions. Honestly, there’s a world of difference. I’d also like to highlight the excellent preparation for the training sessions. You get two or three emails beforehand with reminders and tips on how to best prepare. And then you receive this great care package, which I haven’t seen from any other online training program.
Self-study vs. Academy – How would you rate the effectiveness of both options?
Of course, when you’ve been working with certain programs for years, you eventually figure out how they work. But what the Academy offers me on top of that is a roadmap. In the training sessions, I learn the full background and gain foundational knowledge. That way, I truly understand what I’m doing and why. With this foundational knowledge, I can then work better and more flexibly should unforeseen problems arise that block my usual approach. When I understand the background and know how the whole system works, I can respond much more effectively and flexibly in such cases. So I think that self-study and training ideally complement each other.
Are you familiar with the Academy’s hybrid system? Which format (online or in-person) do you prefer, and why?
So far, I’ve only taken part in the training sessions online, but I’d really love to attend in person sometime. Above all, I’d like to meet the Consulting4IT team and the other participants in person, because the interaction is just so different when you’re there in person. But of course, it’s great that there’s also an online option.
Would you describe yourself as a true fan, and if so, what was the deciding factor behind your enthusiasm?
I’m definitely a fan! I’d attribute this to two factors: First, the positive, friendly, and open interaction among participants that I mentioned earlier. This creates a relaxed atmosphere and makes the training more laid-back. Second, the effectiveness. What I learn in the Academy training sessions actually sticks! I can take the new knowledge with me right away and apply it directly in my day-to-day work. Unfortunately, I don’t get that effect from training sessions offered by other providers.
