Paul: Senior Software Engineer with a calming influence

Paul is a Senior Software Engineer at HSE. In his interview, he talks about why his job is exactly what he wanted and how he likes his vacations to be silent.

What do you do at HSE?

Paul: I’m a Senior Software Engineer and am currently working on a project to develop an automated laboratory system. I’m responsible for a variety of parts of the device software. Now, I’m writing software that customers need to produce the devices.

What’s your background?

Paul: I have degrees in Biotechnology and Computer Science. I have worked as a software developer for 25 years, 15 of them as a freelancer. This extensive professional experience means I bring a wealth of expertise to my work.

What's your motivation?

Paul: My motivation comes from my passion for the life sciences and the exciting opportunities of laboratory automation. Software development is more than just a job for me, it's also my hobby. I love taking a playful and creative approach to tasks and finding innovative solutions.

Is the role all that you imagined it would be?

Paul: I didn't have any specific expectations, but the role is exactly what I wanted, and I really enjoy it.

What do you like about HSE?

Paul: I particularly appreciate the teamwork and interdisciplinary approach at HSE. You don't just stay within your field of expertise, you also learn a lot from other departments. The mutual exchange is really valuable. The combination of specialized development and service, along with the competence and experience of our employees, creates an outstanding working environment.

What do most people not know about you?

Paul: I also teach mindfulness and stress management, which are both personal hobbies of mine and key areas for my own development. I frequently meditate and spend about 80% of my vacations on silent retreats, both for personal development and to deepen my role as a teacher.

What trends should we keep an eye on?

Paul: We are already well positioned, especially in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). It is important to continue integrating AI into a variety of fields such as programming, documentation, and presentation. It's only a matter of time before AI becomes part of our products and includes self-learning systems. 

Another trend is mindfulness. Mindfulness-based methods such as MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction) help employees to feel less stressed, improve their concentration, and prevent burnout.