Jan Kaltenbacher
Customer Cluster Finance
FROM PARTICLE TO TRANSFORMATION
From the world of physics to the financial sector of the German public sector. As a physicist, Jan Kaltenbacher has learned to solve complex problems with an analytical eye. He now uses this knowledge to drive digitalization in the financial sector as a “customer whisperer”. His journey takes him through projects that have a direct impact on the lives of citizens and shows how scientific precision and technological innovation can harmonize.
How did you come to virtual7?
I came to virtual7 as a career changer, as I originally studied physics. After my bachelor’s degree, I was faced with the question of where I wanted to go professionally. At the time, topics such as artificial intelligence, data science and data engineering were becoming more and more prevalent and immediately excited me. These areas perfectly combine my theoretical knowledge from my studies with practical computer science skills. After an internship in Munich and during my master’s degree at KIT in Karlsruhe, I finally applied to virtual7 – and I’m glad it worked out.
What skills do you have for working at virtual7?
I believe that I can bring a valuable mix to client projects, together with the basics from my studies and the practical skills I have acquired over the last few years.
In addition to a deep theoretical understanding of the models that we use, for example, and the toolbox that you need in data science, technical knowledge and good communication also play a decisive role in making the added value of our work understandable to the customer.
You switched from one customer cluster to another – what has changed?
In the beginning, I worked on very technical and data-oriented projects in the Tech Services Customer Cluster, such as the project for the Baden-Württemberg State Institute for the Environment or my work at the Federal Statistical Office. This mainly involved complex data analyses.
When I moved to the Customer Cluster Finance, my focus shifted to data science in the financial sector. I now work on specific questions from the world of finance, analyze financial data and develop models that create real added value. This change has enabled me to apply my knowledge more broadly and develop it further.
How exactly does your current project benefit citizens?
One of my current projects aims to automate work processes using data science methods, which previously required a lot of human time and thought.
The use of algorithms increases efficiency, which not only leads to better results, but also reduces costs. In the long term, this means less expenditure for taxpayers. Especially at a time when such savings are becoming increasingly important due to demographic change.
How do you combine your work on your customer project with your work at virtual7?
That’s a good question! The challenge lies in balancing the priorities between customer work and internal commitment at virtual7.
For me, it is important that I concentrate fully on customer projects, as these ensure the success of the company. Even though I’m often at the customer’s site and don’t get to see as much of the internal company culture, I appreciate the internal meetings and the structure that help us grow together as a team.
Internal events and dates as a whole company or as a cluster give us the opportunity to actively experience the culture and values and pass them on to new employees.
By taking on internal roles, I try to combine both areas as well as possible.
Doesn’t taking on roles mean additional work?
Taking on additional roles can be a great opportunity to develop and gain new experience.
It depends on the role, of course. My current role of Recruiting Support is very enjoyable and I really enjoy it because I like conducting interviews and want to develop further in this area. Other roles, such as Team Development, involve more responsibility and time, but that’s exactly what I find exciting. You have the flexibility to decide for yourself whether and which roles you want to take on. It’s an opportunity to learn new skills and develop them further within virtual7.
Sure, sometimes it can be challenging to juggle everything, but it is precisely these challenges that make the work interesting and varied.
What motivates you to work in the field of digitalization for the public sector?
I am particularly motivated by the fact that my work can bring about concrete changes that affect all citizens. Especially with projects such as optimizingprocesses in the financial sector, I see the great potential to do something really meaningful.
Even though the public sector is sometimes a little slower and we don’t always work with the latest technologies, I find it exciting to work on projects that have a real benefit for society.
In your opinion, what is the state of digitization in Germany?
I tend to be optimistic. Of course, there are many challenges and the structures are often complex and large. But this is precisely where our opportunity lies: we can use our expertise and fresh perspective to drive improvements.
The road is sometimes long and the work is often uncharted territory for customers, but that’s exactly what makes our job exciting.
I am particularly critical of the difficulties that the public sector has in retaining experts in the long term. This inevitably has an impact on the effectiveness of digitalization measures. Nevertheless, I believe that we can bring about positive change through continuous adaptation and improvement.
Why should someone apply to us? What does the person expect from us?
You can expect a pleasant working atmosphere with flexible working conditions, including the opportunity to work from home, as well as an individual hardware budget.
Our company organization is unconventional and offers plenty of room for personal responsibility and participation. This is ideal for anyone who appreciates a dynamic yet well-organized working environment. In addition, we work on projects with a clear purpose, which makes our work particularly fulfilling.
So if you are looking for an environment in which you can take on responsibility and at the same time work on meaningful projects in a secure industry, you have come to the right place.
about the artist
Jean-Côme Garcette
Jean-Côme grew up in France before moving to Berlin in 2016. For several years, he drew in the evenings alongside his day job and now, after studying art at the Weißensee University of Applied Sciences, he devotes himself full-time to illustration and comics.
In 2021 he won the Comic Invasion competition and in 2024 his first graphic novel was published in France (Fileuses de Soie, LA BOITE A BULLES) as well as his first German comic (“Fliegengewicht”, PARALLELALLEE).
