Kaan Berk Yaman, 23, doesn't just write code: the computer science student also spends a lot of time thinking. For a year now, he has been working as a research assistant at the Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB, researching a formal programming language for network protocols.
I always wanted to study abroad and considered various options. England was out of the question; the costs of studying there are simply too high. I chose the KIT because it is ranked very highly. I also like the idea of studying in a medium-sized city, not in a big city. That's why I did my bachelor's degree here in Karlsruhe and am now in my third semester of the master's program.
In 2018, I took a language course in Heidelberg for a year, trying to learn as much German as possible in a short period of time. I saw this as a great opportunity. I already knew English from school, but you can't get very far with just two languages. I also had a strong interest in linguistics as a hobby and a personal interest in learning a new language as methodically as possible by looking at its structure.
At my high school in Istanbul, where I completed my international baccalaureate, I took an advanced course in chemistry and considered studying chemistry or German. But I also had a penchant for technology and liked tinkering with computers. So I discussed with my parents for a long time what I should choose.
Yes, I don't have enough time for everything. That's a shame. I can still deal with German studies as a hobby, but too much time has passed for chemistry, I'm no longer in my element. A big wish of mine would be to combine German studies and computer linguistics in the future. Because my interest in linguistics and the analysis of grammars is still there.
Through a job ad. I knew immediately that I wanted to be part of the project! You are given full responsibility and can add value. That's the great thing about Fraunhofer: you are taken very seriously from day one!
Twenty hours a week. I find it very practical to be able to work from home and to organize my working hours flexibly. Twice a week, I meet with my supervisor. It's very analytical work. I don't just sit at the computer for eight hours writing code. I spend a lot of time thinking, because I have to find the solutions myself. You can't just recreate things here. That's what's so exciting: there's always something fresh!
I work with a programming language called Prosper. We are trying to develop a formal, well-defined programming language for defining network protocols. Until now, such protocols have been defined in natural language, which makes the definition open to interpretation. This causes confusion. If the language can be unambiguously interpreted, it is easier to work well together. Having standardized functions: This could be revolutionary if it achieves a certain quality!
It definitely helps to be curious, able to work independently and interested in research in the field of computer science. You need a project that you believe in.
I can see myself staying at Fraunhofer and doing a PhD. I don't think I'll ever want to just write code; I'll always want to be involved in research. I like the experimental aspect of research: the freedom to find and implement a new approach.
The interview was conducted by Monika Goetsch.
Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB