Alexander Fromm is doing his doctorate at the Technical University of Munich and cooperating with SAP at the Software Campus. As part of the Software Campus, he got to know the SAP site in Sophia Antipolis, France.
Alexander, what is your research area?
In my research, I work on software solutions to protect data in service-oriented environments from unwanted use after initial access has been granted.
You are doing your Software Campus IT research project together with SAP SE – also in France.
Due to the technical overlap, I had the opportunity to gain practical experience at my industry partner SAP SE’s research lab in Sophia Antipolis (France) for a period of 5 weeks as part of my Software Campus project. I was not only able to deepen my knowledge in my field of research, e.g. by exchanging ideas and solutions, but also gained insights into other research areas, such as the Internet of Things.
How did you like the location?
About 250 people from different nations work at the research location Sophia. This has given me the unique opportunity to expand my network internationally. I have noticed that there is a very balanced work-life balance here. Beside excellent care of the physical well-being, there is also the possibility to relax with sporty activities (e.g. on one of the nearby soccer fields) or table football/video games during lunch breaks.
How did you manage your project from there?
In order to not lose sight of my Software Campus project during this time, I regularly had Skype conferences with my student staff. We discussed the current status, next steps and current problems. Despite the distance, the management effort was limited. However, I realized that some problems can be solved more effectively and efficiently in face-to-face meetings than from a distance via Skype.
Did you also have the chance to get to know the country and its people a little?
SAP Research Labs Sophia is located in the heart of the Côte d’Azur. So, I used the weekends to explore the surrounding region – Cannes, Antibe, Nice, and Monaco. I was very impressed by the beauty of the landscape and the cultural and historical background of the region. For example, Pablo Picasso lived in Antibes for a while and created impressive paintings, which can be admired in the “Picasso Museum” Antibes.
Alexander, thank you very much for your report!
SAP Working Abroad
With the Global Mobility Service Program, SAP offers its employees a diverse framework for working in offices abroad. This ranges from project-based assignments to re-locations:
Business trips for workshops or events can be scheduled for up to 3 months. For longer stays abroad, e.g. for project support between 3 and 6 months, the Performance Work Module supports you with a work visa. So-called secondments bring employees to a foreign branch for more than 6 months:
- With an assignment, usually between 6 and 36 months, e.g. to develop new features at a specific location, employees receive a business visa and a work permit for another country in addition to their existing employment contract.
- A re-location involves permanent work at the new location, where SAP supports the partner in finding a job or selecting a school for the children.
- Whoever works abroad at SAP’s request for more than 36 months will receive a new, local contract for this transfer.
- However, there is also the possibility of working from home on a project assignment for a branch abroad for an unlimited time.
Further information on the local websites of the SAP branches.
