Employee stories: Interview with graphic designer Max

I had just completed my school education as a design assistant. After that, I actually wanted to go to university. However, I quickly realized that I would rather do something practical, so I decided to train as a media designer.

That’s how I came across JTL’s job advertisement and was thrilled: exciting projects in an innovative industry, free lunch, company events … I thought “That’s so cool, you don’t stand a chance!” I applied anyway and was accepted. Although my apprenticeship didn’t start until early fall, I was invited to the summer party so that I could get to know my team. I thought that was really nice!

You know the saying “Apprenticeship years are not master years”. This definitely doesn’t apply to my apprenticeship, as I felt like a fully-fledged team member right from the start. No matter who I was working with, we always worked together as equals and I was quickly able to get involved in a wide variety of projects. I also felt very well looked after professionally. I benefited immensely from the specialist knowledge of my former trainer. His feedback was very precise, constructive and comprehensive.

That was definitely the JTL-Connectour in-house exhibition for the eCommerce industry. From the website to the flyers to the stands, we had the opportunity to create something completely new in terms of design. I was allowed to present my concepts directly to the Managing Director, which is something special for a trainee. Ultimately, I learned so much back then because I was allowed to make a lot of decisions myself. Of course, I coordinated everything closely with my trainer and got help when I needed it. But overall, I had a lot of freedom to come up with my own ideas. When I told my classmates at vocational school about my work, some of them were a bit envious (laughs).

Our trainer came up to us and said: “Think of something for the people who can’t come to the trade fair.” My fellow trainee at the time and I then sat down together and came up with the idea of a live stream. Nobody knew how it would be received, but we were allowed to try it out anyway. There was such a positive response from the community that we implemented the project the following year with an expanded video team.

Even without the trade fair, it never gets boring! We are currently revising our homepage and integrating a new design bit by bit. In addition, many new products have been added in recent years. Websites, logos and user interfaces have to be designed for them.

I have a lot of fun passing on know-how! When you realize that the other side is very interested, it’s a really nice give and take. I can still remember all the development steps I took during my training.

There is a very friendly and trusting atmosphere across all levels. Whether trainee or Managing Director, everyone can contribute their own ideas. Not to mention the great benefits, such as digital meal vouchers or a company fitness program. Here at JTL, you really are looked after all round!

When I started my apprenticeship, a friend of my father’s approached me and asked me if I could design a logo for him. Through recommendations, more and more clients gradually came my way. As my freelance projects are important to me, I asked directly in my job interview whether I could continue them alongside my work at JTL. That was no problem at all!

It all started when I was five years old and my parents took me to a game. At the time, the Cologne Sharks were the German champions and the atmosphere in the stadium was amazing. I was immediately hooked! Not just because the sport is incredibly dynamic and exciting, but also because of the whole show before and around the game. I got my first season ticket for my birthday when I was ten. Since then, I’ve been very active in the fan community and also design T-shirts and other fan items.

Many people say that it’s not so good in the long term to stay with your training company because then you become an “eternal trainee”. But I feel very comfortable with my tasks and my team at JTL. We have now established ourselves as a permanent fixture in eCommerce. It’s nice to be able to say that you’ve played your part in this success. I’m very excited about the projects in 2022!