Christopher-Robin Ebbinghaus embarked on his journey with WiseTech as a software developer in 2022, drawn to the company’s inclusive culture, unique rotation program and emphasis on learning and development.
We spoke to Christopher-Robin about his journey with WiseTech so far, the importance of bringing your true self to work, and why WiseTech's business model and impactful work in the logistics industry makes it an exciting place to build a career.
What sparked your interest in software development?
As a kid, I loved Lego and was always playing videogames. Back in 2017, I did a night course where we wrote games in browser, which was an eye-opening experience for me. Being able to create something on a computer that other people can use was incredible. I can write a word document, but that's just text. But creating software on a computer that other people can use, that was truly special. Everything clicked, everything made sense, and it really sparked something in me. That then continued into a formal education in games programming.
Ever since, I have become fascinated with the unique challenges that games offer because everything has to run within a certain time frame, and you have a very limited box that you can create in. I found the creativity that arises through these constraints. Sometimes limiting oneself can drive innovation and has been pushing games forward to the amazing heights that they've reached.
Ultimately, I just really enjoy solving problems and that's universal to all programming anywhere I go.
Can you share how you landed your role at WiseTech and what intrigued you about the opportunity?
I was working at a company that does document processing and received a message on LinkedIn from a WiseTech recruiter asking me about a job opportunity. At first, I wasn't sure because I'd gotten a ton of requests from recruiters in the past.
I asked the WiseTech talent contact what technologies the company uses, and their response was “we don’t mind what your tech background is. We understand that most developers can pick up a framework or language with good mentoring and a little time.”. So, I thought, that's even better of an answer than just telling me they use C#, so I'll give it a shot, and here I am.
How would you describe the culture at WiseTech?
I would describe the culture at WiseTech as diverse, inclusive, and open to anyone. WiseTech is focused on the product, and on making things better for both our customers and our developers.
I definitely feel I can bring my true self to work. I mean, if I didn't, then I probably wouldn't be working here because I like being the person that causes change and I like bringing about that change myself.
I actually referred someone to WiseTech who is sitting upstairs right now. I really didn't have to sell him much beyond the solid foundation and the wonderful people you get to work with, as well as the amazing problems you get to solve.
I think WiseTech hires the most capable, the most enthusiastic and interested people that are out there. We don’t necessarily hire on experience or technology, but on attitude and
engagement. Are you interested in learning? Are you interested in developing? Welcome to WiseTech.
What are your thoughts on WiseTech’s rotation program?
I don't think there is anything that is quite like the rotation program outside of WiseTech. I know there are a few different companies that try to take a similar approach. But as far as I've seen, nobody does exactly what WiseTech does and it's such a refreshing strategy.
I have the freedom to go anywhere and try anything I want within the company. I've heard stories of developers becoming accountants just through the rotation program. It gives you the ability to really find what you love doing most here in WiseTech, and if you don't want to stay there anymore, you have the opportunity to move to a different team. I think it's great and that's one of the reasons I'm so enthusiastic about furthering my career here.
What do you find compelling about working in logistics as a software developer?
What I find most interesting about logistics is the scale. Knowing that the line of code I write will be used by a customer that is shipping cargo across the world that hundreds, maybe even thousands of people are depending on, is pretty extraordinary.
It could be life-saving equipment, or it could just be teddy bears, but being able to work on such a vital part of the logistics industry and at the size that WiseTech operates is a very unique opportunity that I don't think exists anywhere else inside or outside the software industry.
To me, WiseTech has been incredible in how stable its business is. I can’t think of any other company that has this solid of a foundation, because we're providing a vital service to vital companies in an industry that continues to grow, and that’s pretty exciting.