Meet The Team: Interview with Yury Zhuk and Matthias Wisniowski
A very warm welcome to Yury and Matthias, our newest team members. As Data Scientists they will support us in pushing the boundaries in AI. Happy reading!
Yury, first of all, could you start by explaining how you ended up at craftworks?
The story started a long time ago. I posted on a Hacker News job-seeking post in 2019, and Simon contacted me, which is when I applied. craftworks was already on my radar because of the Vienna Data Science Meet-up. After many delays I finally got here.
Matthias, what about you? Why are you with us at craftworks?
I found a craftworks job-posting on brutkasten. I was looking for a Computer Vision / Data Science Position at a startup, it was as straightforward as that. I also really like the application in an industrial setting, making machines work more efficiently is fun.
Yury, what did you do before craftworks?
I worked at a few startups (Kantify and Cerebri AI) doing data science and ML engineering work.
Matthias, what did you do before craftworks?
I was an early employee at Cruise Inc. in San Francisco, working on perception for Self Driving Cars.
Yury, what’s one thing you’re learning now, and why is it important to you?
One thing is learning to play Tischkick — My colleagues are really good at this game so I have to catch up! From a professional point of view I’m learning a lot about object detection with my current project in the wood industry.
Matthias, what do you bring in as an experienced Data Scientist at craftworks?
My specialization is in Computer Vision, Cameras, Robotics and Machine Learning on images.
Yury, could you describe craftworks in 3 words?
Professional, effective, capable
Matthias, could you describe craftworks in 3 words?
Polite, collaborative, principle oriented
Which craftworks value is most important to you and why?
Yury: Quality is number one – I think, in order for people to believe in what they work on. High standard, happy clients, happy colleagues means work is more meaningful.
Matthias: Lifelong Learning is number one – keeps it interesting. There’s a new framework coming out every day and you need to stay at the top of things. I also think it’s a good long term investment to have that be part of your company culture.
Mac or PC?
Yury: Mac or Linux
Matthias: Mac
Yury, which season is your favorite?
Spring – it’s warm but not too warm. Nature starts to bloom and the scents are nice and you can start with the summer activities.
Matthias, what is your favourite meal?
I’m into all kinds of soups!
Yury, what places would you suggest a tourist to visit in Vienna as a person from abroad?
I´ll recommend Museum Openings, new exhibitions with free wine and free art as well as the Christmas markets in winter. The district all around Hofburg is amazing. and last but not least the Donauinsel.
Matthias, what is your favorite place in the world?
New Zealand
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
Yury: Flying for faster travel (and more fun than teleportation)
Are you a coffee person or tea person?
Matthias : Coffee
What three words would your teammate use to describe you?
Matthias describing Yury: very kind, tea-person, good-spirited
Yury describing Matthias: eager to help out, focused, really nice
Yury, how do you start your working day?
With tea, a whole liter of tea (green or black). I start by checking messages and then I collect all the things and problems from the previous day, and try to solve them.
Matthias, how do you end your working day?
Ideally I get to have a brief chat with my colleagues here as I walk out. I’m looking forward to when everyone is back at the office at full capacity after Covid.
Yury, what do you like the most about craftworks?
After 4 weeks, I like my colleagues – everyone is friendly. Easy to talk to. All are happy to help – very welcoming.
Mathias, what difference do you notice compared to your previous employment?
People at craftworks seem to care more about a person and not just about the results of your work. It makes it easier to trust and collaborate, to share your thoughts with people instead of always trying to present the best version of everything. I’m all about teamwork and getting people’s input.
Yury, which music is playing on your player right now?
Sadagora Hot Dub (Shantel Remix) by Amsterdam Klezmer Band
Matthias, which music do you really like?
Gregorian chant. I spent a week at a monastery last year and was really inspired! Eg The Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz – In Paradisum
Which Board Game do you like the most?
Yury: Settlers of Catan
Matthias: Sushi Go
Thank you Yury and Matthias!
Thank you for reading our interviews!