From Intern to Project Manager – A Story of Growth and Opportunity at Configura

Can you tell us about your journey at Configura- how did it all start?

Jonathan: Configura has since long sponsored the Computer Science Program at Linköping University, where I was a student. Configura hosted an event where they invited students to the office. Food was served and they informed the students about the company and showcased the products. To be completely honest, it was the promise of a free meal that made me attend—looking back, I'm really glad I went.

What initially attracted you to apply for your first job here as an intern?

Jonathan: I was fascinated by CET but what really caught my interest was the fact that the internship felt very “real”. We got to work on real features that felt valuable for the company. The quick feedback you get when programming in CET was also exciting.

How has Configura supported your career growth and development? 

Jonathan: My first full-time position at Configura was as developer on the classic platform where I worked with customers within commercial interiors. When R&D later needed extra resources, I got the chance to help improve the SketchUp import/export functionality. I like that Configura is flexible with what you work on and values bringing in different perspectives to the teams.

My manager at the time noticed that I enjoyed the customer-facing part of my job, so when the position in the Developer Support & Training team was open, he asked me to consider applying. Transitioning to a completely different role was scary at first but I quickly learned how helpful everyone at Configura is. In Swedish I would call the culture “prestigelös”. You never need to hesitate to ask for help.

How was the transition from a technical role as a developer to both a more educational role in support and a leadership position as a project manager?

Jonathan: Regardless of if it’s a new feature that needs to be implemented or if it’s a developer who is stuck, they are both problems that need to be solved. What I eventually learned working in a more educational role was that often the "why" was more important than the "how". That shift in mindset is something I’ve kept with me since.

What I enjoyed most with working in developer support was getting to see all of CET rather than working with one specific area. When I later made the transition into the role of Project Manager, all technical knowledge I gained from helping developers in need has been invaluable. It really helps in discussions with customers to have that technical viewpoint.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learned at each stage of your journey?

Jonathan: Each stage of my journey has taught me valuable lessons. As a Developer, I gained the technical know-how. In Developer Support and Training, I learned the importance of patience, empathy, and seeing the bigger picture. As a Project Manager, I developed skills in collaboration and learned how to ask the right questions. 

What new challenges have you faced in your current role?

Jonathan: Curbing my enthusiasm! It’s easy to get carried away with all the possibilities CET offers but in my role as Project Manager the project management triangle of time, cost and scope needs to be in focus.

 What do you want to learn or achieve next?

Jonathan: I want to be part of more customers’ journeys in CET, helping them unlock the full potential of the software. When talking to my senior colleagues, it’s easy to get humble in what you know. My goal now is to continue picking their brains.

What would you say to someone considering joining the company?

Jonathan: Join for the products and grand visions and stay for the colleagues.