We have different types of designers from motion designers for moving images to screen design and user interface specialists. However, the different roles will often overlap. As a visual designer, I create graphics, illustrations and sometimes also motion designs.

I already knew early on that I wanted to do something creative. That has guided me throughout my life. Even as a child, I was always drawing. But I also had a knack for technology and took web design courses while at school.

Studying something in that field was therefore an obvious choice. So, I did my degree in screen and web design in Freiburg and specialised in game design. That was very exciting, as it also gave me the opportunity to partake in the programming of several mobile phone games and development of PC games.

During my studies, I took several courses with Falk Hegewald, the Head of our content department, and that’s how I ended up at imc.

First, I check all emails and messages, and work on all the things that need to be delivered to the customer that day. Then, I start on my design tasks. I might, for example, create base designs or draw illustrations. Naturally, I also coordinate regularly with our project managers or instructional designers like Philipp Schossau.

Once an order is confirmed, the project managers and instructional designers clarify directly with the customer what they need and what they have in mind. The colleagues already develop a rough concept at this point, which they then hand over to us.

Next, design comes into it. You could say we are contributing visual creativity. We make suggestions on style, colours, font, as well as the atmosphere in a training course. We often also utilise mood boards where we sketch our proposals to help the customer picture it better. Then comes the base design.

Especially at the start of a project, close coordination is crucial, as it helps us understand what the customer has in mind and prevent us developing something in conflict with that vision. Books make for a good analogy here: Every reader pictures the described figures differently. That’s why screen adaptations are so difficult to create and often lead to disappointment. Obviously, we want to avoid that.

Of course, you need certain technical skills and at least have some experience with basics like Adobe programs. But above all, creativity, excitement, and curiosity are key for creating and designing special training courses. You always need to be ready and motivated to develop new ideas, so that the learner also enjoys the course to the fullest.

Yes. Absolutely. As I said earlier, I have always been very creative and love design. I enjoy it immensely. To balance out sitting at the computer all day, I like to head out into the great outdoors to practice landscape and animal photography and soak in nature. It helps me switch off completely.

I think it is particularly important to address problems directly, so that solutions can be found as quickly as possible. It is also important to always be open and honest with each other and avoid taking yourself too seriously. It’s OK to laugh about your own mistakes.

I’m a little torn. Of course, I spend a lot of time in front of the computer in my job, and there are many positive aspects – especially in these times. We must be thankful that we can already do so many things online, from shopping to video conferences. However, it’s still not the same as meeting someone in person.
For example, in the project I described earlier, it was such a beautiful feeling to work together – to draw on a whiteboard together, make corrections, redesign, discuss as a team. The thought and work processes are different in the digital sphere. I don’t think you can reproduce or replace it.

I do. I have an inflatable wedge cushion for my back. It’s like a sitting ball you place on the chair that makes you move. It really helped me.

Other than our office in Freiburg, I’ve only seen the old offices in Saarbrücken. I do think our office with the large kitchen, many plants and windows offering a view of the Vosges is rather beautiful. Sometimes, it can get a little noisy when everyone is in.

But I like the open plan. There are no closed doors, and you can walk over to anyone at any time. Of course, I would really like to visit our Melbourne office ...

Following the welcome by imc Executive Board Member Sven R. Becker, who has supported the programme from the start, two special guests were waiting for the group: Steffi Tönjes and Karim Cheranti work in Corporate Communications at Deutsche Telekom and are part of one of the biggest and most well-known brand ambassador programmes.

Karim and Steffi take a clear position on their topics on social media, and discuss issues like communication, TikTok, social media in general, as well as female empowerment.

Personal branding was also the keyword they both talked about. In their presentation, they show that it is more than just a buzzword. After all: Personal branding is not about marketing yourself, but about personal development.

To say it with Jeff Bezos: "Personal branding is what people say about you when you are not present." Their simple tip for checking what is known about you is to google yourself.

Steffi and Karim then offered a few tips to the imc ambassadors on where to start with becoming your own personal brand. Setting clear objectives is key, and that includes having a clear concept of the topics you want to talk about and what concerns you.

Next, an opinion leader on these or related topics needs to be identified, so that you can examine how you can be different. You might also benefit from a challenge with another colleague – for example on how often something should be posted.

Both speakers were very clear on one appeal: Communication must be more than just an afterthought!  All too often, we hear the excuse that there was no time for communicating or explaining certain topics.

Karim argued that transparent communication is key – especially, but not only for managers. It is necessary for getting employees on board, exchanging ideas and obtaining feedback, as well as for creating networks with others.

Following the presentation by Steffi and Karim and a Q&A session, the imc ambassadors were split into two groups. The imc brand ambassadors want and should address both external and internal stakeholders, and also strengthen internal communication and networking.

Thus, the first group examined how internal collaboration and networks can be strengthened. The ambassadors felt that especially the exchange between different divisions should be approached strategically and intensified. They discussed various informal and rather formal formats serving this objective, such as job shadowing, play days and even a second internal BarCamp.

The second group looked at a digital imc roadshow. Originally, the idea was to use it for increasing awareness of the different locations and introduce them internally. However, the group quickly agreed that it would be better to also open the format to external stakeholders – so that customers can see what makes each location special, and what core topics each location is addressing.

Now, the results of those discussions must be put into action, maintaining the momentum. That is also what Kerstin Steffen, Head of Global Marketing and Communications at imc wants, who started the programme.

The example that comes to my mind was not so much strange but different and unique.

Recently we had a workshop with a customer from Italy and the customer was not so fluent in English, although they could understand it. I understand Italian, as it’s very similar to my native language Romanian, but I can’t speak it. So finally, we ended up with me speaking English and the customer speaking Italian – and it worked!

Reactions like we recently received in our knowledge transfer! This is an internal format where we introduce new releases to all our colleagues from imc.

In the last knowledge transfer, when we demonstrated the highlights of the new release, our colleagues from all over the world were so impressed and happy and wrote things like “Wow, this is such a great feature”, or “looks awesome, great job”. It is such a good feeling to see your work being appreciated after you put in so much effort.

We have openings in several locations in Germany. Apart from Saarbrücken, we are also hiring in Essen, Munich and Freiburg. We are looking for employees in development, e-learning content and consultancy.

However, positions in Germany are generally independent of location. Certain vacancies are advertised at several locations, such as jobs in visual or motion design. We also have vacancies in Austria, Switzerland, Australia and Singapore. There, we are hiring for positions in IT support and pre-sales.

In 2020, we increased our headcount by 10%. Given the special challenges this year, the initial training or onboarding of new colleagues took a different format from what we’re used to. Good communication is extremely important here. Generally speaking, we did have to adjust, but it proved rather helpful that we’ve already been using Microsoft Teams for a while. That allowed us to chat to each other and hold video conferences. All new employees are also given a tailored onboarding plan in Confluence, our online workspace. That works really well.

Thanks to our digital approach, we were also able to transition to home offices at a very early stage and without complications. The nature of the work has not really changed much for us. Sure, our internal communication is even more digital than before, but that can be done from home just the same.

Personally, I discovered that working from home works better if workflows are structured. If you also pay attention to a healthy diet and proper breaks, home offices are a sound long-term solution.

Brand ambassador or corporate influencer programmes are currently enjoying tremendous popularity. Some programmes arise organically, others are the product of strategic planning – but they all have one thing in common: they are based on passion for the corporate brand. This couldn’t be more true for the imc brand ambassador programme. In came to life as a delicate seedling in the summer of 2019, and has now grown to a strong team of around 30 ambassadors that regularly exchanges ideas, learns together and drives topics.
Today, we are catching a glimpse behind the scenes, presenting the programme and some of the contributors.

Every company is colourful, building on the range of it’s employees’ tasks and personalities. We wanted to showcase this diversity and these different dimensions through our ambassadors.
Moreover, the digital transformation has brought many changes, especially in terms of communication. It is becoming faster all the time, and the number and diversity of channels is constantly increasing – in particular, in social media. While we appreciate the benefits digitalisation and digital communication channels bring, personal contact remains paramount. After all, communication still happens between individuals. This is particularly important when conveying values and emotions or establishing a relationship of trust.  Of course, this doesn’t render traditional corporate communication redundant. But we believe our brand ambassadors complement it perfectly. Their communication is marked by authenticity, especially when they talk about their daily tasks. They are the face of the imc brand.

Our mission is clear: bridging our employees and clients, candidates and partners. Our ambassador crew makes daily happenings at imc public. We prioritise dialogue and open, honest and constructive discussion.

It all started in the summer of 2019 with a simple idea initiated by the imc communications team. Following numerous brainstorming sessions and an initial concept, the communications department gave the programme a jump-start to bring it to life.  Since it is anchored in Corporate Communication, close alignment with current affairs is guaranteed. Moreover, the imc Corporate Communication team is available to provide guidance and support for any communications issues without restricting opportunities for contributing ideas and inspiration. This is very important to us. After all, the programme thrives on diversity and the sheer range of ideas and suggestions.

When it comes down to it, every employee is an imc ambassador. The individual included in the actual ambassador programme (want to) stand for the imc brand in a special way. The group is self-organised across hierarchies and business segments. Two Community Managers assume a senior role and ensure regular coordination dates are scheduled and information is provided in a transparent manner. Yet, everyone on the team shares the same passion: to make their matters and their work visible. Paired with curiosity for digital media and enthusiasm for thinking outside the box, daring to try new things and learning. Participation in the programme is voluntary (and is open to anyone interested).

Usually, when you hear “ambassador programme”, you think self-staging and selfie overload. Naturally, our ambassadors also post selfies. But primarily, they take a clear stance on the topics close to their heart, and collaborate, network and learn new things. As a company that stands for professional development like no other organisation does, we must also ensure that our employees have the freedom and opportunity to expand their horizon and keep learning.  Making connections with other people and communities, exchanging ideas and benefitting from other people’s knowledge and experience is a win-win situation for the ambassador, as well as for imc.

Roughly every three weeks, the Community Managers provide information on current communication and marketing issues. Our ambassadors discuss the topics for their own Espresso Webinars and special projects, such as whether it would be feasible to launch an imc Merchandise Shop. We also welcome any feedback on planned events like our diversity event series or our bar camp. Another aspect of the ambassador remit is to represent the colleagues’ needs at each location. It is our genuine attempt at ensuring that we meet all expectations and needs.

The Espresso Webinar series is enjoying great popularity with 80-100 participants per session. So, we will continue and expand them. Before corona, we also held an after-hours “Social Media Kitchen Talk” every quarter. Once meetings in a suitable format are possible again, we would like to put this event back on the table. Our ambassadors are increasingly engaged as speakers and participate in Community meetings, bar camps and (virtual) conferences. We want to support these efforts with a range of training sessions and Deep Dive Webinars on selected topics, such as personal branding or speaking at online events. We are currently planning a little roadshow through the imc locations, and would be thrilled if the imc Merchandise Shop did materialise. Towards the end of the year, 2021 projects will be planned in a joint strategy workshop.

It is a very broad role. Essentially, I am responsible for the performance of the business and colleagues in the Asia business unit. I’m involved across many functions like Marketing, Sales, Consulting and Customer Support. At the same time, I’m dealing with our headquarter in Germany and our partners, so this requires a constant shift of focus.

I enjoy this varied work and collaboration with people. It’s a lot of pressure and I have to understand what is happening across different Asian markets, how the team can react, and which areas need to be improved. There is never too little to do in a day, but I always remind myself that there is another day!

There are so many things, it’s hard to have just one. Being honest has always been close to my heart, but even so at imc as we are working with customers, partners and colleagues.

We build long-term relationships because the work we do are not just transactional projects, but the relationship can last beyond the initial set-up and implementation. Therefore, an honest conversation is essential. And it’s also very important to set and communicate clear expectations.

I began my career in professional services and learning in Vancouver, Canada where I grew up. The business offered vendor-neutral technology certifications specialising in cloud computing, big data, service-oriented architecture etc.

I moved to Singapore in 2014 and here I worked for a global company that specialised in the area of leadership development, service excellence and sales effectiveness.

Coming to imc felt like I was going full circle to support organisations and individuals from a technology and digital perspective. My passion has always been on learning new things, so that fits well.

I think you can learn something from everyone, and it depends on what you take out of this situation. Also, I believe that depending on the stage of your life or career, one can resonate with different people.

I also think that while one can take advice from many people, it’s important to be clear about your own values, purpose, and internal compass to guide you through the good and bad times.

I like to take a walk and do some exercises, that helps me to clear my mind. But sometimes I also enjoy doing nothing, just sit on the couch and watch Netflix.

And, I like to organise things, a bit geeky, but like re-organising apps on my phone, that is quite relaxing for me!

We have divided the interview with Vildan into several sections. The video is in German but with English subtitles.

The whole video in full length you can watch here. Enjoy listening and watching!