“Keep an open mind to anything new”
Pascal Roth studied computer science at ETH. He has been working at EPAM Systems, Inc. for four years. We spoke to Pascal about his work, his employer and what career recommendations he might have for ETH graduates.
Why did you decide to study this course? And why did you opt for ETH Zurich?
In 1985, we did not have Internet access to see the whole picture of all study opportunities. There wasn’t the same amount of course options that are available today. People often opted for an education that they were familiar with because another family member had already taken it. For me, it was civil engineering and architecture, as well as mathematics and physics. It was obvious to me that if I were to pursue an education in these fields of study, the rest of my professional life would be mapped out for me. What attracted me to studying informatics was the fact that it would give me great freedom in future career options.
I chose ETH Zurich because it has a very solid reputation and was the best place for me to study. At the time, I was not fluent in German. In order to study in Zurich, I moved from Neuenburg into a shared flat. At the start of my course, I really did jump right into the deep end: I volunteered to help a professor write his lecture notes on a MacIntosh computer. I did not have a clue how it worked. Up until then, I only had experience with my dad’s little IBM PC.
How did you get onto the career ladder?
While I was at university, I worked part-time in an engineering firm. I always knew that I wanted to move abroad because I had lived in New York when I was a kid. After graduating, my first job was with the Winterthur Insurance company. I had the option of relocating abroad in my second year. I worked in Sydney and between 1991 and 1993 lived there with my family, which by that time had grown somewhat. Then I moved to London before we were able to again put down our roots in Switzerland.
What is your current role at EPAM?
I am now an Account Manager or customer advisor for various large firms in different regions. I advise them on their choice of our services and answer any questions to help them find the best solution. The concept of “digitalisation” is key to my work.
Why did you choose this company?
My links to EPAM came via my personal network; they approached me. My answer to the next question explains why I decided to work for this company.
Why do you like working for this company? Or in other words: What do you appreciate most from your employer?
In 1993, Arkadiy Dobkin, CEO & President, founded external page EPAM with just a handful of people. Today, EPAM feels like a combination of a start-up and family-run business – while becoming an S&P 500 listed company in December 2021! This commitment and passion within the company impressed me. I also like to tell the following anecdote about what I like so much about my employer: Ark, as our CEO is known, is waiting for the elevator with a small crowd of employees. When the doors open and there is not enough space for everyone, Ark stands back and squeezes into the last place. I like that Ark is so down-to-earth and such a people-person with regards to the company despite how much it has grown. EPAM has built an excellent reputation based on word-of-mouth recommendations. Of course, the high quality of its services has helped too. And that is why I am very happy working for EPAM.
What particular abilities and skills did you learn during your time at ETH that you now apply to your job?
During my university days, I learned all of the basic engineering skills and discipline, so that today still I understand what’s going on and how to challenge people by asking the right questions.
What was your first project at EPAM? And what role did you assume in it?
My original job was to increase awareness about EPAM. I leveraged my network and thereby introduced people in Switzerland to the EPAM brand.
What do you find most interesting about your work at EPAM?
One of the most interesting things is the diversity of our customers. In my daily work, I speak three different languages, use different technical jargon and industry terms, and interact with different cultures and industry sectors. I also coach the project managers on site; I find this very exciting. I also acquire new customers and am responsible for contractual aspects. I really like the diversity of my work.
““EPAM lives for technology.” ”Pascal Roth
How would you describe the “company culture” at EPAM?
EPAM takes a very caring approach to its employees. Everyone understands that a company can only exist if there is an appreciation for teamwork and this also influences the company culture. Staff receive all the support and training needed to achieve this.
What advice do you have for young ETH graduates looking for a job?
I would tell the ETH graduates three things: keep an open mind to anything new and note interpersonal aspects and the professional culture or geography when choosing a job. Once you have work experience under your belt, your actual university degree is no longer of as much interest. Other things become more important, like working atmosphere, networks, training opportunities, and other things that have a big impact on our motivation and decisions.
For me, there is also a fundamental difference between working as an entrepreneur and an employee. But the longer you wait before making the switch to becoming an entrepreneur, the harder I think it becomes because it requires different skills, takes up a lot of time and comes with a huge amount of responsibility – towards both customers and employees. Your family background will be an important factor in what you decide (at first). I began my career as an employee, then became an entrepreneur and now I am an employee again.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
The fast pace of life today makes it hard to predict. I think my daily life will be a combination of making money, entrepreneurship, helping others and personal time. I hope to achieve them all. Then I will certainly be happy with my lot.