Practical experience meets academic study
10 Nov 2026
Even whilst studying civil engineering, Michael was certain that he wanted to join STRABAG. Today, as a construction technician on a major building site, he supports the site management team and is gaining valuable practical experience whilst continuing his studies.
Hello Michael, please introduce yourself briefly: Who are you and what is your background?
Michael: Hello from me too! My name is Michael and I’ve been with the group for a good seven months now. I started as an intern and was subsequently taken on as a construction technician.
Professionally, my background is originally in mechanical engineering. In other words, I completed an HTL* in this field. That was, so to speak, the foundation of my engineering education.
I’m now nearing the end of my Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the Vienna University of Technology, and I remain convinced that this is the right path for me.
* An HTL is a specialised technical school in Austria that combines practical training with theoretical instruction. It usually lasts five years and concludes with the school-leaving and diploma examinations, which qualify students both for professional practice and for university study.
Give us a brief overview: What tasks are you currently responsible for in your role as a technician?
Michael: At the moment, I’m working part-time as a technician on a large construction site alongside my studies. There, I support the site management team, currently mainly in technical controlling and accounts verification.
I was already assigned to this team here on this building site during my work placement, and I really enjoyed it right from the start.
How did you first hear about STRABAG, and why did you choose us as your employer?
Michael: To be honest – I’d actually wanted to join STRABAG ever since I started my degree.
It was at university, through a programme for civil engineering students, that I first came into direct contact with the group. As part of this programme, you get in touch with several companies and then do two work placements. One of them led me to STRABAG.
What I like about STRABAG is the general – let’s call it – atmosphere that the company exudes. I associate that directly with things like progress, innovation and the future.
What’s more, in my view, STRABAG is one of the most up-and-coming construction companies in Europe, and I really wanted to be part of that.
How did your application process and onboarding go?
Michael: My first interview for the work placement was still through the university programme I mentioned. For my current role as a technician, there was another interview. Despite the high-ranking company representatives involved, both interviews were very open and conducted on an equal footing. That made a real impression on me straight away.
The onboarding went really well. I was on site on my very first day; everything was prepared and the equipment was working. The team on site made me feel very welcome and I felt at home straight away.
I was also assigned an experienced colleague as a mentor, who supported me during my induction and is still available to answer any questions I may have.
Even during my work placement, I was given challenging tasks right from day one – I really liked that. I immediately felt that I could make a contribution.
What were your expectations before you started, and were they met?
Michael: My expectation of the work placement was to learn as much as possible about the operational processes within a construction company. I wanted to find out how a building site really works – beyond the theory I’d learnt at university. That certainly came true. This combination of theory and practice is enabling me to receive a high-quality and efficient training programme.
Have there been any highlights during your first few months?
Michael: One highlight is definitely the size and nature of the construction site. It really is a very special project. I also still find it fascinating how many people work here every day and, in particular, how much coordination that requires.
What goals would you like to achieve over the next 6 months?
Michael: I’d like to continue learning as much as possible about site management. I’ll carry out my duties with the same motivation and sense of responsibility as always, so that I can be deployed in an increasingly wide range of roles.
Do you have any advice for colleagues who are new to the company?
Michael: It’s important to be proactive and ask questions.
You also have to accept that, at the start, there are lots of things you don’t yet know or understand. But that improves quickly. Nobody expects you to understand all the processes or be able to do everything after just a week.
The most important thing, in my view, is to show commitment. That’s recognised, and it means you’ll be given challenging tasks. That’s where you can prove your abilities and learn a great deal.
Thank you very much for the interview, Michael, and we wish you every success as you continue on your path to becoming a civil engineer at STRABAG!