Becoming an IT expert
After finishing secondary school, Thomas taught himself coding through online tutorials, solving algorithmic coding challenges (which he – up to this day – loves to polish until it’s tight), programming microcontrollers, experimenting with image processing, and 3D modelling. However, he could not find a job because he had no formal education or experience. That was until he applied to Cloudflight and absolutely crushed the coding test.
Initially joining part-time, he balanced his work with demanding software engineering studies at TU Wien. Now full-time, Thomas has eight years under his belt. He spent four years on a large client project, designing and improving large data processing infrastructures. He leads a team, mentors others, and is stepping into technical architecture. “Coding’s the core, but I’m learning to see the bigger system,” he says. It’s steady growth from real work, not hype.
The YouTube Hobby
For 11 years, Thomas has run a YouTube channel digging into Windows quirks: crashing systems by deleting files, revealing Excel 95 Easter eggs, or faking malware for laughs. He’s toyed with breaking Windows in creative ways and even built a “computer toaster” that went viral on TikTok. Definitely give his channel a look if you want to try 5 different ways to BSoD your rig.
Thomas would not call himself a Youtuber though, and could not imagine working in this business full-time, with a lot of pressure to constantly deliver new entertaining content.
His path shows what sticking with it can do, no matter if a Youtube channel or an engineering career. From self-taught to team lead, he’s earned his spot through hard problems and harder solutions.
