More than just a working student experience: Meet Saiyam from our Software Development team!

At Yunex Traffic, we are a global leader in intelligent traffic systems, developing and bringing to life innovative solutions to ensure our roads become safer, smoother and more sustainable – and our students are an important part of that journey.

In this blog, Saiyam Jain, a recent working student in software development, shares his experience of stepping into the world of intelligent traffic systems for the first time. From discovering the complexity behind everyday traffic lights to building skills across frontend, backend and DevOps, it’s a story of growth, support and real-world impact. Hear first-hand from Saiyam as he reflects on his experience below!

Discovering the world behind the traffic lights

In 2024, I joined Yunex Traffic as a working student in software development, and since then, my journey has been nothing short of transformative. Before stepping into the role, I believed traffic lights were just about three colors, but I quickly realized that traffic management is an intricate system powered by advanced technology and innovation.

Right from the beginning, the team ensured I had the right foundation. In my first few days, I attended a three-day ITS course, which provided me with an in-depth understanding of traffic management systems and the software products used in the company.

What impressed me most was how well-organized both the company and the team were. Although I had studied Agile and Scrum methodologies at university, this was my first opportunity to experience them in practice. Daily stand-up meetings, refinement sessions, bi-weekly sprint meetings and PI Planning events all played an important role in the development process. Seeing how systematically these processes were followed gave me a deeper understanding of professional software development and helped strengthen my own work discipline and collaboration skills.

Finding my way in a new team

Being part of a large organization with well-organized workflows, structured meetings and clear team roles made my onboarding smooth. My team has consisted of ten skilled professionals, each specializing in various aspects of software development. Despite being new, I never felt lost. A special thanks to Claudia Ullmann, our Scrum Master, who took the time to explain everything during my onboarding sessions. Ever since, Claudia has always been available whenever I needed guidance on team-related matters.

Learning through real projects

During my time as a working student, I had the opportunity to work with modern technologies such as React, Grafana and Kubernetes. React is a popular JavaScript library used to build interactive user interfaces and web applications. Grafana is a visualization platform that transforms complex data into meaningful dashboards and charts, helping users monitor and understand important information at a glance, and Kubernetes is an orchestration platform that automates the deployment, scaling and management of containerized applications, making it easier to run software reliably in production environments.

My learning curve skyrocketed as I tackled different tasks, bridging the gap between the theory I learned at university and its real-world application. During my time at Yunex Traffic, one of my responsibilities has been building Grafana dashboards based on traffic data. The goal was not only to display data but to present it in a meaningful and intuitive way so that customers could quickly understand traffic patterns, system performance and key operational insights. This experience taught me the importance of data visualization and how effective dashboards can support better decision-making. Building Grafana dashboards also contributed extensively to Green Wave (enabling traffic engineers to visualize signal coordination across corridors using real-time traffic data for smoother traffic flow) and Quality Management Software, where I developed new features and fixed bugs in our React-based applications.

These projects allowed me to work on software used in real traffic management environments, giving me valuable hands-on experience while strengthening the concepts I was studying in my courses.

At Yunex Traffic, I never felt like “just” a working student. I was given responsibilities that challenged me and helped me grow. Our Team Lead, Suneet Kumar, and Product Owner, Stefan Krissel, played a crucial role in my journey, always taking the time to explain tasks in depth and providing support whenever needed. With their mentorship, I was not confined to a single domain; instead, I explored frontend, backend and DevOps-related tasks.

My day-to-day work environment and flexibility

Beyond technical skills, the work culture here has left a lasting impression on me. The work-life balance and flexible working hours allowed me to manage both my studies and my job efficiently. The environment is welcoming and the office space is modern and comfortable, equipped with everything I needed to work productively.

One of the biggest highlights of my experience has been my one-on-one sessions with my line manager, Jan Verner. He is always open to discussions – whether they are about professional development, organizational matters or personal growth. Knowing that I had such a strong support system gave me the confidence to work without stress.

What I would say to other students

For any student looking for an opportunity to gain experience, grow their network and work in a structured yet flexible environment, Yunex Traffic is the place to be. Here, I have never been just a student – I have been a valued member of the team. The exposure, the mentorship and the hands-on experience I have gained has significantly boosted my skills and learning curve.

I highly encourage other students, trainees and working professionals to explore opportunities at Yunex Traffic. It is a place where learning never stops and growth is a continuous journey. If you are looking for a workplace that challenges you, supports you and helps you develop into a well-rounded professional, look no further!

Thanks for sharing your experience with us Saiyam – it’s been great to learn more about your journey with #TeamYunexTraffic!