Technical Sales Engineer

Apurva works as a Technical Sales Engineer in the operations department of Hitex. Before she decided to join the team, she worked as a student assistant at Hitex. Read here why she decided to pursue a career at Hitex and what her work is like.

The Operations team is like a well-oiled machine, and I've been fortunate to be a part of it. I've had opportunities to work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, sales, and logistics. This collaboration has not only broadened my understanding of the business, but has also helped me build strong relationships.

Apurva Dilip Kerkar

What did you study and why did you decide to work for Hitex during your studies?

I have completed my Master’s from Hochschule Karlsruhe in Sensor system technology and Bachelor’s degree from India in Instrumentation engineering.
My interest in working at Hitex was due to my previous work experience in Technical Sales as well as the interest in electronics and components.

Apurva Kerkar Portrait
Technical Sales Engineer Apurva Kerkar

Can you tell us about your journey from being a student at Hitex to now working in the Operations team? What inspired you to pursue a career at Hitex?

As a former student at Hitex, I had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the company's operations and culture. During my time as a student, I was impressed by the company's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The experience not only deepened my understanding of the industry but also instilled in me a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences.

After completing my studies, I was inspired to pursue a career at Hitex due to the company's excellence and its dedication to fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment. I was drawn to the Operations team, in particular, because of their focus on leveraging expertise in embedded systems and production to drive business success.

When I joined the Operations team, I was warmly welcomed by my colleagues, who were friendly, approachable, and eager to share their knowledge and expertise. The environment was indeed very friendly and welcoming, which made the transition to a professional role seamless. Throughout my journey, I have been consistently impressed by the company's commitment to its employees' growth and development, and I feel fortunate to be a part of the Hitex team.

Is there a normal working day that you can describe for us?

A typical day for me at Hitex starts with reviewing our "Angebotsliste", a list of open inquiries and production requests. I check this list every morning to stay on top of new inquiries and updates. If there are any new production requests, they are directed to my colleague and me, and we take it from there. This daily routine helps me stay organized and ensures that we're responding promptly to customer inquiries and production needs.
In addition to reviewing the "Angebotsliste", my daily routine typically includes:

Apurva Kerkar working
Apurva manages entire quotes from start to finish, coordinating with internal teams, communicating with customers, and ensuring production schedules are met.
  • Coordinating with internal teams: I work closely with our production, logistics, and engineering teams to ensure that customer requests are fulfilled efficiently and effectively.
  • Communicating with customers: I'm in regular contact with customers to provide updates on their production requests, answer questions, and address any concerns they may have.
  • Managing project deadlines: I'm responsible for ensuring that project deadlines are met, and that customers receive their products on time.
  • Analyzing sales data: I review sales data and analytics to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.

What skills and experiences from your time as a student do you find most valuable in your current role? What did you learn as a student that you use in your work now?

As a student, I had the opportunity to develop skills and gain experiences that have proven to be invaluable in my current role at Hitex. One of the most significant skills I developed was the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities. As a student, I was responsible for completing fewer tasks which are given to me on time, which helped me develop my time management and organizational skills.
Now, as a full-time employee in the Operations department, I've taken on more responsibilities and am accountable for managing entire quotes from start to finish. This means I'm responsible for coordinating with internal teams, communicating with customers, and ensuring that production schedules are met. The skills I developed as a student, such as time management, organization, and attention to detail, have been essential in helping me succeed in this role.

How would you describe the culture and working environment at Hitex, especially from the perspective of someone who has experienced it both as a student and as an employee?

When it comes to describing the culture and working environment at a company, it's essential to consider multiple aspects. From my perspective:

Apurva Kerkar and Tejas Kulkarni
In operations, teamwork is crucial for managing projects and solving problems to deliver excellent customer experiences.
  • Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: As a student, I have benefited from guidance and mentorship from my experienced colleagues (Mr. Christophe Frogier and Mr. Tejas Kulkarni). As a full-time employee, I continued to learn from other colleagues’ knowledge and expertise.
  • Team Dynamics and Work Environment: As a student working in Hitex operations department, I was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to team projects and learn from experienced professionals. The open communication and feedback culture helped me grow. In Operations, teamwork is crucial in managing complex projects and resolving unexpected issues. I'm proud to be part of a team that embodies the spirit of collaboration, where everyone is willing to lend a hand and support each other in times of need.
  • Work-Life Balance and Benefits: With the transition from student to full-time employee, I was fascinated to know how Hitex supports work-life balance and flexibility, including flexible working hours, remote work options, and employee wellness programs.

What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates considering a career at Hitex?

  1. Research Hitex's products, services, values, and culture.
  2. Identify your strengths and interests and how they align with Hitex's needs.
  3. Develop relevant skills and knowledge and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
  4. Be open-minded, adaptable, and willing to learn and grow.
  5. Showcase your skills and achievements in your application materials and during interviews.
  6. Assess whether Hitex's culture and values align with your own goals and work style.
  7. Ask questions and seek feedback during the application and interview process.
  8. Stay proactive and persistent in your job search, and be true to yourself

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

I'd like to emphasize the exceptional effort and dedication of the Operations team at Hitex. We truly exemplify a customer-centric approach, going above and beyond to deliver every project with utmost care and attention to detail. Our commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of the work, from planning to execution, ensuring that customers receive high-quality solutions that meet their unique needs. The Operations team at Hitex is driven by a passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences, which has been instrumental in the company's success. By collaborating with Hitex, you can tap into their extensive knowledge in embedded systems and production, enabling you to speed up your product development, minimize costs, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

Thank you for sharing your journey and experiences with us, Apurva! I am confident that your tips and insights will help others get a great start at Hitex. We are proud to have you as a valuable member of the Hitex team.

Want to become a part of Hitex?

Hitex has experienced talent from diverse backgrounds including engineering, production and operations, marketing and sales. We are always on the lookout for qualified and dedicated individuals in all areas. Do you want to be a part of the secure embedded world of tomorrow? We look forward to meeting you!

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