WHAT DOES
"WÖLFELING IT" MEAN,
CLARISSA RAPPS?

Clarissa Rapps is a Senior Engineer at Wölfel. The conversation with her highlights what working at our company is all about: Solutions are developed collaboratively – for the most challenging tasks. Skills are specifically promoted within the team. Room for creativity is provided for projects.

[Translate to English:] Porträt von Clarissa Rapps

Listen to the entire interview in full length (only available in german)

How did you make your way here, Clarissa?

I started with an internship at Wölfel, just to get a two- or three-week taste of what working here would be like. Then I decided to stay on as a working student and eventually wrote my bachelor's thesis at Wölfel - and that's how I ended up joining the company.

How long have you been here now?

I started in November 2015 as a working student.

When we’re dealing with a demolition project, we first review the documents provided to us. Then we usually go on a site visit to assess the conditions firsthand and compare them with the planning documents.

Absolutely. We’re always happy to have students who want to support us. They are a great help, especially when it comes to drawing plans. And in demolition projects, we try to take students to the site so they can see the structure in real life – and, if possible, even be present during the demolition.

 

[Translate to English:] Clarissa Rapps und Arbeitskollegen

Well, I get up early, feed my cats, and ease into the day. Wölfel offers flex time, I usually arrive at the office around 8:00 or 8:30. First, I check and respond to any emails that came in overnight, and then I continue working on our projects with my colleagues.

 

[Translate to English:] Clarissa Rapps und Kollege vor Häuser

For me, it’s key that we always work together as a team, that no one feels abandoned, and that team spirit is highly valued. I believe discussions and exchanges – also across departments – are essential to all of our projects.

I believe it means we are willing to take on particularly tricky projects, embrace challenges, work together to find solutions, and essentially, that no nut is too tough for us to crack.

 

I’d say we’re not an engineering firm for standard tasks. Clients come to us when they face complex issues – for example involving dynamic effects – and aren’t sure how to proceed.

 

[Translate to English:] Sprengabbruch

We use Microsoft Teams, which makes communication smooth. Some of my colleagues in Structural Dynamics are based in Hamburg, and coordination with them works very well.

[Translate to English:] Clarissa Rapps und Kollegin am Laptop

What’s great is that no one is ever expected to work alone. You always have colleagues in the background supporting you. Today, I lead the Structural Dynamics business unit with a team of seven. I must say, I never felt on my own - my managers and the company leadership have always supported and challenged me.

 

I wouldn't have thought so at the beginning, but really strong friendships have formed at work because we spend a lot of time together. We often meet up after work. In Würzburg, there are several lovely wine festivals we can attend, or the Kiliani fair, or even a short SUP tour.

 

Absolutely. We all approach work with joy, that's what makes it so great.

 

[Translate to English:] Wölfel-Mitarbeitende in Fotobox