Connecting Pieces and People as a Technology Consultant – An Interview

Bianca: Thank you for taking the time to conduct this interview with us, Austin. I’d like to begin by asking about your educational background, how you got started in the field, and what motivated your choice.

Austin: I completed my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Western Michigan University. Overall, I had a good experience, although it was definitely challenging. The program covers a wide range of topics, without focusing too deeply on one specific area. That was actually one of the main reasons I chose it. I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do after graduating, so I preferred a broader field of study. Engineering felt like a good fit, and in the end, it really was.

What the program gave me was the ability to take on a wide range of challenges. It also allowed me to continue learning in my professional life, which I really appreciate. I find it fascinating to see how different disciplines interact with mechanical engineering. The field itself is constantly evolving and becoming more cross-functional and integrated with other areas, and I really enjoy working in that kind of environment.

While I was at university, I was also working. My experience ranged from a full-time position at a factory producing medical devices to several internships in the automotive industry.

Bianca: How did you arrive at technology consulting, and specifically, at INVENSITY?

Austin: Honestly, I arrived here mostly by accident – and a bit of luck. A good friend of mine from high school had worked at INVENSITY a few years before I joined, and although he had already left the company around 2020, we reconnected at a party. During that conversation, he recommended INVENSITY to me.

What really intrigued me at the time was that INVENSITY has its roots as a German company. Since my wife and I had already been thinking about moving to Germany someday, this felt like an exciting opportunity to move closer to that life goal. On top of that, I had someone I trusted who could vouch for me, and that made getting the job feel more achievable. This was important, because I had the skills to be an engineer, but I didn’t yet know how to be a consultant.

Now that I’ve been with the company for a while, I can see how much importance we place on ambition and attitude – even before ability. I think they recognized that in me early on. From there, I just continued being authentically myself and open to learning. INVENSITY saw me for who I was and gave me the opportunity to grow into the role through many projects, all with their own unique challenges. I feel like I’ve truly done that.

Bianca: Let’s go deeper. In your opinion, how is your work important or meaningful in your area of expertise? And how does your work give you a greater sense of purpose?

Austin: Consulting turned out to be a role from which I can derive real meaning and satisfaction. Systems engineering, in particular, has been a great fit. It allows me to see the impact of my work, and that’s really important to me. The core of systems engineering is about bringing people together, creating an overview of complex systems, and connecting the right pieces to make it all work. A good systems engineer doesn’t have to know anything extremely well but has to know everything decently well.

Interestingly, many of the things I value in my work are the same things I’ve enjoyed in other roles or activities before.

First, I meet new people who are complete strangers at the beginning. I get to build trust with them and develop strong working relationships over time. Seeing that relationship grow and turning it into a real connection is very satisfying. People need to feel that what you do is genuinely in their best interest.

Second, I get to dive headfirst into topics that are often completely new to me, and I learn a lot by the end. We have a strong support network of colleagues with expertise in different areas who are always willing to help you get up to speed. And if you build a good relationship with the client, they’re usually open to supporting you as well.

Third, over the course of a project, I begin to connect the dots. I don’t just get to know the people involved, but I also develop a broader understanding of the topics themselves and how they interact with each other. I can synthesize different perspectives and apply what I’ve learned beyond the immediate project.

Bianca: As a last question: Do you have any advice for new starters or young professionals?

Austin: Yes, definitely. There are a few things that I think would have really helped me when I was just starting out.

1. Find your reason to get up in the morning. In Japanese, this is often referred to as ikigai. Ideally, it’s something that allows you to feel motivated and passionate about what you do, regardless of the specific role.

2. Don’t be afraid to mess up. Take chances, take risks, and accept that you might fail, especially in the beginning. That’s part of the process. That’s how we grow. Over time, things will start to click, and you’ll feel much more satisfied with your journey. At the same time, you’ll be growing in a direction that is meaningful to you.

3. Think about the strengths you already have and how you can apply them to your work. There will be situations where you might feel like you don’t have what it takes, but more often than not, you’re more capable than you think. It’s not about having the absolute perfect skill for every situation, it’s about knowing what strengths you have that can help you in any situation. As for the specific skills, you can always learn those things as you go.

It’s important to believe in yourself and to actively push back against your imposter syndrome. It’s very real, and everyone experiences it. I certainly felt it. We are often our own worst critic. But if you can move past that and also trust the people who believe in you, you can take ownership of your own path. Just go for it – you might be surprised by what you’re capable of.

Austin currently works as a Systems Engineering Consultant, where he acts as a bridge between multiple engineering disciplines. His role requires holistic thinking, strong analytical skills, and clear communication to ensure complex systems come together seamlessly. He is particularly driven by the challenge of connecting different perspectives and turning complexity into structured solutions.

Outside of his professional work, Austin expresses his creativity through music and has even founded a band within the company. In his free time, he enjoys rock climbing, experimenting in the kitchen, and playing as well as running tabletop RPGs with friends.

Interested in working at the intersection of engineering and innovation? Check out our career website and start on your career journey with us!