Do you remember your first day at EnBW? What was your start at the company like?
Maurice: Yes, I remember my first days at EnBW very well. The start was truly exciting. We were invited to a joint breakfast, which was a great opportunity to get to know the first new faces before the actual onboarding program began. I was really looking forward to becoming part of this company and contributing to the broader mission of the energy transition. During the first few days, we attended many interesting presentations, took part in get-to-know-you activities, and already had our first topic-specific touchpoints. That made the onboarding experience very pleasant and motivating.
How did you become aware of the dual study program in Computer Science / Cyber Security?
Maurice: Since I completed my Abitur with a focus on computer science, I already had a good idea of what the field of cyber security entails. I also knew early on that I didn’t want to attend a traditional university. That’s why I specifically looked into dual study programs and eventually came across this model.
What convinced you to choose EnBW as your practical partner?
Maurice: During my research, I came across EnBW. What ultimately convinced me was the structure of the training and study program. EnBW covers both the technical and organizational aspects of information security. This gave me confidence from the very beginning that I would be able to develop flexibly later on, depending on the direction I want to take.
What exactly are you studying, and what does the program focus on?
Maurice: I am studying computer science with a specialization in cyber security. At its core, the program is about protecting digital infrastructures from attacks, identifying vulnerabilities, and making systems more resilient.
Cyber security is a very broad field. What fascinates you most about it personally?
Maurice: What fascinates me most is the diversity of cyber security. On the one hand, attack methods are constantly evolving, which means the field is continuously being put to the test. On the other hand, digital systems themselves are constantly changing – and so are the ways to protect them. It’s a continuous transformation, which makes the topic extremely exciting.
What does a typical workday look like for you, balancing study and practice?
Maurice: There isn’t really a “typical” workday for me. Every day brings something new. Most of the time, I work on study-related projects where I apply what I’ve learned in lectures directly to the company and its business. That said, I’d still say I type more search terms into Google each day than emails into Outlook.
Which tools or technologies do you work with on a regular basis?
Maurice: That strongly depends on the project. For example, when conducting forensic analyses, I mainly work with Kali Linux and related tools such as Autopsy for forensic data analysis or Axiom on Windows.
When programming or building systems, I often use VS-Code or work directly in the terminal. It really depends on the task at hand.
What has been your most exciting project so far?
Maurice: My most exciting project so far was analyzing supply chain security in the summer of 2025. The focus was on understanding which third-party providers we rely on for our operational business and to what extent they could potentially serve as attack vectors.
Was there a task that challenged you particularly?
Maurice: The most challenging experience for me was the cryptography exam in my second semester. The subject is very math-heavy, which made it especially demanding.
How do you approach new or particularly complex technical challenges?
Maurice: That naturally depends on the specific challenge. In general, I research everything I don’t know yet. From there, it’s mostly about diligence and systematically working my way through the topic.
What role does IT security play for a company like EnBW?
Maurice: IT security is essential for protecting our operational business, especially electricity generation. You only have to ask yourself one question: What would happen if we could no longer generate electricity? That alone shows how critical IT security really is.
How do you manage to balance studying, work, and your personal life?
Maurice: Once you’re settled into the system, it’s actually quite manageable. In the end, it’s mainly a matter of motivation and personal organization.
What continues to attract you to cyber security in the long term, also with regard to your career?
Maurice: In the long term, it’s the dynamics, versatility, and above all the relevance of cyber security that appeal to me, especially for companies operating critical infrastructure.
What advice would you give to someone considering a dual study program at EnBW?
Maurice: Don’t overthink it, just apply.
And finally, very spontaneously: If you had to describe your dual study program in three words, what would they be?
Maurice: Versatile. Full of opportunities. Future-proof.