Skip to main content
Professional Development Journey (PDJ)

Unlock potential

Three colleagues engaged in a collaborative discussion, with one standing and presenting near a flip chart in a modern workspace.

Empowering careers through the Professional Development Journey

At ETAS, growth is more than a goal – it’s a journey. This Career Story highlights the transformative experiences of participants in our Professional Development Journey (PDJ). Designed to support technical experts in developing their skills and expanding their horizons, the PDJ is a structured, global initiative that fosters both personal and professional development.

In this story, we explore how individuals like Matthias, Lukas, and Deepa have embraced the program to elevate their careers, connect with a global network of experts, and contribute to groundbreaking projects in software and IT. From receiving tailored feedback to building meaningful professional relationships, the PDJ is empowering ETAS associates to shape the future of the automotive industry.

Program overview

At ETAS, we understand the value of continuous professional growth and are committed to empowering our associates to develop in their careers. The Professional Development Journey (PDJ) is a global, Bosch-wide, voluntary initiative specifically crafted to enhance career opportunities for technical experts. Focused on the Profession of Software/IT, the PDJ provides a structured path that evaluates both soft and technical skills through a defined Skill Matrix. This approach allows participants to gain valuable insights into their strengths and areas for growth, with the added benefit of receiving specific recommendations for personal development from experts in the respective profession.

As Matthias, one of the program participants, shares, "The PDJ was a fantastic opportunity to gauge my current knowledge level and find areas for improvement. By participating, I gained not only technical insights but also a broadened network of ETAS experts."

Similarly, Lukas, another participant, reflects, "I joined the PDJ to get feedback beyond my immediate circle. It helped me look at my development from a fresh perspective."

Empower your growth journey

Personalized skill development

Receive structured feedback on both technical and soft skills, empowering you to grow with a clear, tailored development path.

Global expert community

Connect with a network of professionals across ETAS, fostering knowledge exchange and expanding your influence.

Career advancement opportunities

Take ownership of your career with self-nomination, expert evaluations, and visibility within the organization, all designed to enhance your professional journey.

Benefits of joining PDJ

The Professional Development Journey (PDJ) provides participants with a structured and personalized pathway for career growth. Through certified feedback and tailored recommendations, associates can better navigate their professional development while building valuable networks across the organization. Deepa, an expert in the program, highlights the impact of her role: "I enjoy sharing my expertise to support others in their career journey, helping them see new perspectives on familiar challenges."

For ETAS, the PDJ is more than a development program; it’s a strategic tool to identify and nurture internal talent. By integrating promising associates into tailored networks and initiatives, ETAS creates opportunities for growth and collaboration that align with both individual and organizational goals.

Key takeaways from the PDJ experience

The PDJ isn’t just about skill-building – it’s a comprehensive journey that equips participants with the tools and confidence to excel. Upon completing the program, participants gain:

  • Multi-perspective feedback: Receive technical feedback from Profession Experts, providing clear guidance on strengths and growth areas.
  • Personal development plan: Actionable recommendations for advancing skills and increasing career readiness.
  • Recognition and visibility: Certification of your PDJ level, increasing your professional profile within the organization.
  • Expanded networks: Opportunities to connect with international peers and mentors who offer valuable support and inspiration.
  • Self-awareness: A deeper understanding of your strengths, interests, and goals through reflective exercises and feedback.

Additionally, the PDJ helps associates boost their job satisfaction by encouraging self-reflection and fostering a sense of purpose in their roles.

With these benefits, the PDJ supports not just individual growth but also the collaborative spirit and innovation that drive ETAS forward.

"The PDJ is a great opportunity for participants to explore their personal development with comprehensive 360-degree feedback, which lays the foundation for meaningful next steps in supporting both internal and external customers effectively."

Kai Pinnow, PDJ Profession Owner Software

Participant stories

The PDJ isn’t just about skill-building - it’s about self-discovery, networking, and gaining confidence. For Matthias, one of the most valuable aspects of the PDJ was connecting with ETAS’s vast network of experts. "The feedback helped me structure my work better and reach out to others with specific questions," he explains. Lukas found value in learning to systematically analyze feedback, helping him refine his approach to projects and direct customer interactions.

Picture of Matthias Bartelt

Matthias Bartelt

Matthias earned his degree in Computer Science from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in 2010. Following his studies, he spent over a decade working with IBM, where he gained deep expertise across various IT security fields. In 2021, Matthias joined ETAS, drawn by the opportunity to apply his skills within the automotive security sector. He began his journey in our Cybersecurity department, contributing to the Vehicle Security Operations Center (VSOC) project, an innovative platform for monitoring and analyzing security incidents in connected vehicles. Today, Matthias continues to advance ETAS's commitment to safety and innovation within the automotive industry.

Picture of Deepa Patil

Deepa Patil

Deepa earned her Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering in India, followed by a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Darmstadt University. Her connection with Bosch began in Bengaluru, where she started as a Software Developer. Later, she completed her Master’s thesis at Bosch in Schwieberdingen, which led to her continued career in Germany. In 2022, Deepa joined ETAS as a Scrum Master in Feuerbach. Her role focuses on enhancing team performance and supporting competence development. With experience spanning DevOps, Product Ownership for LiDAR software, and moderation, Deepa thrives on fostering collaboration and driving technical excellence. She is passionate about shaping the future of automotive technology through teamwork and innovation.

Picture of Lukas Grotz

Lukas Grotz

In 2016, Lukas earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Automation from the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) in Stuttgart, in cooperation with Bosch. As he neared the end of his studies in 2019, he was introduced to ETAS by two team leaders who recognized his enthusiasm for innovative technology. Lukas initially joined the Blue Devices team, contributing to cloud-based CI/CD systems. After 2.5 years, he realized his true interest lay in cloud-centric software engineering rather than embedded systems. This led him to move internally, where he now serves as a Senior Software Engineer and Tech Lead, advancing and shaping ETAS’s cloud CI/CD landscape.

Future pathways for PDJ at ETAS

Following the success of PDJ in the Profession Software Engineer, we have introduced another Profession, the Cybersecurity Engineer. This step further solidifies our commitment to fostering a diverse and skilled workforce across multiple specializations.

Through the PDJ, we reinforce a culture of continuous growth and cross-functional support, positioning each participant to contribute meaningfully to their teams and the organization as a whole. Whether in Software or Cybersecurity, the PDJ will continue to unlock potential and pave the way for empowered, collaborative careers at ETAS.

Contact us

Do you have any questions? Feel free to send us a message. We will be more than happy to help.

Contact us today!