Who’s Behind 42? — Maren Gräf, Board Member for People & Culture at Škoda Auto
With a background in law, Maren Gräf spent several years working for Volkswagen group throughout the world, before being appointed to Škoda Auto’s board in 2021. Having discovered 42 through Volkswagen group’s involvement with 42 Wolfsburg, she then spearheaded the launch of 42 Prague back in 2022. We sat down with her to discuss her career, what drove her to set up a 42 campus in Czechia and her vision for the future of education.
Could you please briefly introduce yourself and tell us more about your educational and professional background?
Certainly, I began my educational journey studying Law at The University of Göttingen, which laid a strong foundation for my professional career. Initially, I practiced law at a firm, but my path soon led me to Volkswagen. It was early in my career at Volkswagen that I made a pivotal move from law to Human Resources, a field that resonates more closely with my personal interests and values.
This transition opened up various management positions within Volkswagen AG, allowing me to focus on people and their development within the organization. One of the most enriching experiences was my three-year assignment in China, where I gained invaluable international exposure and insights.
Can you tell us more about the company you work for and what you do there?
I am a board member responsible for the People and Culture area at Škoda Auto, one of the largest companies in the Czech Republic, with over 34,000 employees and part of the Volkswagen Group family. In my role, I oversee all HR-related issues and processes, ensuring that we develop and implement effective strategies that align with our organizational goals.
My focus is on cultivating a positive and inclusive company culture that supports our employees’ growth and engagement. By driving strategic initiatives, I aim to enhance the overall employee experience and contribute to the company’s continued success.
How did you or people at Škoda Auto first come across 42? What did you think was particularly interesting about it?
I first became acquainted with 42 through 42 Wolfsburg during my time at Volkswagen. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to bring this unique educational concept to Prague. What intrigued me most about 42 is its innovative approach to education, where students have access to facilities and study materials whenever they need them, allowing them to learn at their own pace, which is great with people who have regular work or even for parents on parental leave.
It´s a great opportunity to bring more diversity to the workforce in the IT field. 42 Prague is a great example of that, being the fifth campus worldwide with the highest gender ratio of students.
What were the motivations behind Škoda’s decision to set up a 42 campus in Prague and to sponsor it?
As the automotive industry becomes increasingly digital, cars are evolving beyond mere transportation from point A to point B. They are transforming into smart mobile devices and movable personal spaces. This shift underscores the growing significance of IT in development, production, and the product itself.
At Škoda Auto, we saw the opportunity to establish a 42 campus in Prague as a strategic move to address these industry changes. The innovative educational model of 42, which allows students to access facilities and study materials anytime and learn at their own pace, aligns perfectly with our vision. We view this as a chance to upskill our employees in IT and to bring new, skilled IT experts to the market — individuals who think outside the box and can drive innovation in our products and processes.
By sponsoring the 42 campus, we are investing in the future of our industry and ensuring that we remain at the forefront of technological advancements.
In your opinion, what sets 42 apart from other coding schools?
In my opinion, what truly sets 42 apart from other coding schools is its flexibility, as I mentioned earlier.
However, it’s also the unique atmosphere that makes a significant difference. As there are no teachers or classes, students are driven to study successfully by their own motivation.
Additionally, the projects designed to test students’ capabilities are exceptional. These projects in the Core Curriculum or Specializations allow students to engage with real-life examples, providing a hands-on learning experience where they learn by doing. This approach not only enhances their technical skills but also prepares them for the challenges they will face in the real world, thanks to the unique peer-to-peer learning model that teaches valuable hard skills and soft skills such as teamwork, collaboration, giving/receiving feedback, or proactivity.
What are your hopes for the future of 42 in Prague?
My hopes for the future of 42 Prague are centered around growth and opportunity. I wish to see more of our employees pursuing the IT field and expanding their skill sets through the resources available at the campus. Additionally, I envision more students discovering new opportunities at Škoda Auto, contributing to our innovative journey.
I also hope that our campus continues to attract and nurture a diverse student body, fostering an inclusive environment where different perspectives and backgrounds come together to drive creativity and innovation.
And for the future of education?
For the future of education, I hope to see a shift towards lifelong learning, where individuals remain open to education even later in life. From my own experience, I understand the importance of continuous development and self-improvement. It’s crucial for personal and professional growth.
I also wish for educational systems to offer more opportunities that mirror the innovative approach of 42. By providing flexible, hands-on learning experiences and fostering environments where students can learn at their own pace from each other, we can empower individuals to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
A quick word to conclude our interview?
Thank you for allowing me to share our vision and efforts at Škoda Auto in collaboration with 42 Prague. As we navigate the exciting changes in the automotive and educational landscapes, our commitment to innovation and lifelong learning remains steadfast. I am optimistic about the future and eager to see how our initiatives will continue to empower individuals and drive progress. Together, we can build a brighter, more connected future.
