Name	Thomas Kranawetter
Age	32
Pronouns	he/him
Nationality	Austrian
Languages	German (native), English (C1), Dutch (B1)

Bio

Hi, I'm Tom, 32, originally from Styria, Austria.
Computers and the internet have fascinated me since the first PC with an incredible 4GB hard drive and a large CRT monitor stood in our living room. I still remember the time when modems screamed in pain as they dialled into the internet, charging per minute. And my grandma would get upset if the phone line was busy on Sunday evenings because her nephew was surfing the web.

Even back then, I built websites for friends and the Big Band I played in, which received a new redesign every month. I taught myself HTML and CSS by studying the source code of other websites.

When I was 16 and decided to pursue an apprenticeship, my parents insisted I should learn something "proper." Due to a lack of IT apprenticeships at that time, I began training as a CNC specialist at Pankl Racing Systems.

It was a good compromise to merge programming with metal craftsmanship. Since precise work was always important to me and also enjoyable, I quickly transitioned towards quality assurance after my apprenticeship, changing departments within the company. I became a certified metrologist through AUKOM and spent many years writing measurement programs for ZEISS coordinate measuring machines.

In recent years, I was solely responsible for planning, creating, and maintaining these measurement programs. It was both a significant challenge and a tremendous opportunity for personal growth. Whether it was independent, solution-oriented work, project management, confident communication, or conflict resolution.

In 2024, my wife had the opportunity for a PhD candidacy position in the Netherlands. I stood at a crossroads. After 16 years in the automotive industry, it was time for a change and to try something new. Since I’ve learned a “proper job” now, I seized the opportunity to completely switch fields, through educational leave within a year, pursuing my passion, which I had since my teenage years. Thus, I started my journey to become a Full Stack Developer through various courses. With focus on the M.E.R.N. stack and responsive design.

Combined with my years of professional experience, the skills I acquired there, and the many new things I've learned, I believe it's the perfect blend to stay ahead for the future. And I think I've come a significant step closer to finding a new job that fulfils me, challenges me, and is enjoyable.

Hobbies and things I like

Running

Hiking

Diving

Photography

Traveling

Cooking

Drawing

Video Games

Stunning Landscapes

Mia

Coffee & Tea

Reading

Indie Music

... and Lucy ❤