Katharina Laake is a project manager at LIDROTEC, an innovative startup specializing in laser technology. LIDROTEC is a deep-tech spin-off developing innovative laser technology for precise chip separation—one of the most critical and complex processes in semiconductor manufacturing. The WORLDFACTORY at Ruhr University supported LIDROTEC throughout its startup process.
In an interview with her, physics student Jan Espey discusses the diverse demands placed on a project manager and her work in the dynamic world of startups.
Espey: What do you find most fulfilling about your work?
Laake: What I find most fulfilling about my work is the daily variety of tasks and the opportunity to collaborate with so many different people. Every day can bring new challenges that need to be overcome. That requires setting priorities effectively and finding quick solutions. That’s why every day is unique and exciting. Plus, you get to work with a wide variety of people involved in the project—whether they’re colleagues, suppliers, or customers. It’s never boring, and you get to learn about all kinds of areas within a company.
Espey: What career advancement opportunities are there in your field, especially when you start at a startup?
Laake: When you join a startup, you have great opportunities for career growth. Especially if you join a startup early on, you can develop in different directions and try out a lot of things. For example, when new employees are hired, you can express your interest in a position. And since the team is still small at the beginning, you’ll quickly learn a lot about your colleagues’ areas of work and can assess whether you’d enjoy those as well. This gives you a great opportunity to try out different areas of work and figure out where your strengths lie.
Espey: What advice would you give to someone studying physics who wants to transition into project management later on?
Laake: A great way to prepare for a career as a project manager is to write and complete your own thesis. In the process, you’ll learn how to break down a task into different work packages and complete them within a given timeframe. But interpersonal skills are also particularly important. Every day, you’ll be talking to many people, coordinating with them, or having to convince them of a course of action. That’s why it can be helpful to get involved in a club or organization where many people come together and take on tasks, or in a setting where you can practice facilitating discussions.
Photo: Katharina Laake © LIDROTEC
Recommended Links:
LIDROTEC WebsiteMore about Lidrotec's growth process