“Who amongst you is already familiar with Materna?” – Insights for students at TU Dortmund

A company with its roots in Dortmund – and projects all over the place

Materna is an IT service provider headquartered in Dortmund – and so, in a sense, a neighbour of TU Dortmund University. With over 4,500 employees, including more than 120 students, the group works on digital solutions for over 1,200 clients from the public sector and industry – ranging from SMEs to large corporations.  

“We work on a project basis and in an agile way,” explained Michael Hagedorn. “That means we deliver results quickly, gather feedback and continue to develop iteratively.” In this way, digitalisation becomes more than just a buzzword; it becomes concrete practice – often with a direct impact on people’s lives. 

Change is about teamwork – not just technology 

A key point emphasised by Michael Hagedorn: digital transformation is not merely about building an app. “You can develop the best software – but if nobody uses it, it’s of no use.” That’s why, at Materna, training courses, workshops and active change management are just as much a part of the job as the code itself. After all, successful digital transformation requires not only technology, but above all people, communication and collaboration. 

And what’s in it for you? A great deal.

Materna focuses not only on long-term projects but also on nurturing young talent. The company offers a wide range of entry-level opportunities even whilst you’re still studying: work placements, part-time student jobs, dissertations – anything is possible. 

“It’s important to us to engage with young people early on and support them on their journey,” said Michael Hagedorn. “And after graduation? There are plenty of paths here – from development and consultancy right through to project management.” 

Conclusion: Regional opportunities, real prospects

The message of the day was clear: anyone who wants to stay in the region, help shape exciting IT projects and, at the same time, work in a modern, supportive environment should take a closer look at Materna. Its proximity to the university, flat hierarchies and openness to new ideas make the company an attractive employer – for anyone who wants to make a difference.

Further information for students is available here.