Your entry
Ulrike Bäumer
Field of study: Information technology
Now: IT Security
Ulrike Bäumer has a degree in information technology and currently works in DLR’s IT security department at DLR. She began her journey at DLR as a dual student and shares her experiences and insights in this interview.
Ulrike, what do you look forward to when coming to work in the morning?
Ulrike: Working at the heart of DLR's IT department, I have the privilege of engaging with all of DLR's institutes and facilities. This diversity ensures that my work remains engaging and there’s never a dull moment.
The growing significance of information technology (IT) at DLR underscores the critical importance of IT security. IT security encompasses a wide spectrum of areas, with requirements for secure IT spanning the entire IT landscape, including IT organisation and processes. This broad scope keeps my work exciting and diverse on a daily basis.
What are you researching or working on?
Ulrike: Within the IT Security department, my primary responsibilities revolve around the conceptualisation of new enterprise-wide IT security services. I'm also involved in monitoring existing IT security services, which includes their ongoing development and liaising with the responsible IT service providers, particularly in addressing malfunctions.
„I’m primarily involved in designing new company-wide IT security services as well as supporting existing IT security services“
Additionally, I oversee the preparation, training, and support of local IT managers and IT security officers in crafting institute-specific IT concepts and related documentation ahead of IT audits. Last but not least, I play a pivotal role in planning, preparing, implementing, and enhancing training and awareness initiatives related to IT security for DLR institutes and facilities. This includes being technically responsible for the e-learning platform for IT security. The training we offer helps DLR employees become aware of various IT-specific attack scenarios in the workplace, such as phishing, ransomware and social engineering.
IT service manager for DLR IT security: Ulrike Bäumer
Credit:
What does your typical working day involve?
Ulrike: My typical workday primarily involves telecommuting with my laptop and utilising various central collaboration tools and third-party software to address a range of topics. Daily tasks include participating in online meetings, telephone conferences, responding to email inquiries and creating documentation, either in document form or online via wikis or team sites. On Wednesdays, I meet my colleagues at the Cologne site to discuss cross-departmental issues in person.
How does your work support the staff and goals of DLR?
Ulrike: With 15 years of experience in the IT department, I'm a trusted resource for colleagues across DLR's institutes and facilities when they encounter questions or challenges. I'm always ready to provide guidance and support to local IT contacts on a variety of topics.
My work in IT security significantly enhances the availability and reliability of DLR's central IT infrastructure. This benefit extends to my colleagues working in other areas within this infrastructure. Our efforts allow DLR employees to concentrate on their research tasks, with IT serving as a seamless, supporting element.
„There is no daylight between DLR and I!“
What are the highlights of your work?
Ulrike: I appreciate the recognition and praise that we or I receive from the institutes and facilities at DLR. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the IT department was commended for transitioning smoothly to remote work while maintaining high performance levels. Constructive criticism also plays a crucial role in our continuous improvement. Completing significant projects after intense periods or implementing new processes and IT services that enhance daily work for institutes and facilities is an immensely gratifying experience.
No room for boredom or monotony in the main IT department
Credit:
What special skills can you make good use of in your job?
Ulrike: My strong organisational skills empower me to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a clear overview. The ability to seamlessly switch between different roles and responsibilities has also been honed by balancing my role as a working parent with two elementary school-aged children.
Leave us a final thought.
I hold a deep appreciation for my employer, the German Aerospace Center, and particularly my role within the IT department.
During a recent gathering with friends from my student days, the fact that I remained loyal to my training company throughout my dual studies without seeking new opportunities was met with astonishment. I could only respond that I consistently find new challenges within DLR. Before my tenure in central IT, I had the opportunity to gain diverse experiences across various DLR institutes and facilities through my dual study programme. I also worked at the international office in Paris.
Since joining central IT, monotony is nowhere to be found. Thanks to the unparalleled work-life balance opportunities, there is truly no daylight between DLR and I!
