Francesca Riani
You originally joined Checkmk as a Working Student and successfully transitioned into your full-time role as a Junior Event Marketing Manager last October. How was that transition for you, and what excited you most about taking on this new responsibility?
Honestly, it felt pretty seamless. I think because I was already given a lot of responsibility as a student, I didn't wake up in October feeling like a different person, I just felt more settled. What I love most about the new role is the responsibility. Having that ownership and seeing my own ideas come to life is definitely the best part.
Before diving into marketing and graduating with 1st Class Honors, you gained valuable experience in sales and even accounting. How do those past experiences – along with skills like public speaking – help you in your event marketing role today?
It’s a funny mix but I use it all. My time in accounting means I’m not intimidated by a massive spreadsheet. Sales gave me a bit of a “thick skin" and taught me how to think about what the people attending our events actually want as well as how to negotiate with our suppliers. I’ve always genuinely enjoyed public speaking and the rush of challenging myself in front of an audience.
Event marketing requires a lot of organization, creativity, and quick thinking. What does a typical workday look like for you, and what is your favorite part about planning and executing events for Checkmk?
A huge part of my world right now is supporting the Checkmk Conference and managing our Partner Day. My favorite moment is always the day we go live. We spend months planning all the small details, and suddenly, the event arrives and it comes to life with real spaces and people. One morning I'll be brainstorming our conference designs to make sure they look cool, and the next I might be doing a deep dive into logistical spreadsheets. It's this diversity in my role that makes my job exciting.
You’ve been part of the Checkmk team for over two years now. Looking back at your time here, is there a specific event, campaign, or project that you are particularly proud of?
I’m really proud of how I delivered our Partner Day last year. Moving from a support role as a working student to actually leading the execution of the event was a big "I can do this" moment for me. When I saw the event packed with people and that the team was happy, it was a great feeling.
Organizing events can sometimes be unpredictable, and things don't always go exactly as planned. What is the most exciting challenge you face in your day-to-day work, and how do you usually tackle it?
The unpredictability is definitely challenging. Whether it’s a tech glitch or something not arriving on time, I’ve learned to just stay flexible. I feel like you can’t survive in events if you’re too rigid. We usually have a plan A, B C and D, so if something doesn't go to plan we’re pretty good at figuring it out.
When the event is successfully wrapped up and your laptop is finally closed – what is your favorite way to unwind in or around Munich to recharge your batteries?
I like to get outside. Munich is perfect for that. I love hopping on my bike to explore the city. Whether riding through the English Garden or a longer cycle along the Isar River, the fresh air and movement are the ultimate ways to clear my head.
If I have a bit more time, I’ll head south toward the mountains. There is something incredibly grounding about the Bavarian Alps. I often go walking around a nice lake or hiking to the top of a mountain and look at the breathtaking views which always help me reset.
What do you think makes Checkmk or your team in particular special?
It sounds cliché, but it’s the people. There’s no "that’s not my job" attitude here. If we’re setting up for an event and someone needs a hand, everyone jumps in, regardless of their title. Knowing I have a team that shows up makes my work so much easier to enjoy.
Do you remember a particularly interesting, exciting or beautiful experience you had at Checkmk? If so, can you tell us about it?
It has to be my very first Checkmk Conference. Up until then, I’d spent months looking at the event through spreadsheets, emails, and design mockups on my laptop. But walking into the venue and seeing the atmosphere and it all 'live' for the first time was really special.
How did you come to Checkmk? What made you decide to join?
To be perfectly honest, I stumbled upon Checkmk on a student job board while finishing my degree. At the time, I didn't know much about the company, but that changed the moment I stepped into my first interview.
The interview with Melina and Nina left me feeling genuinely inspired and eager to work at Checkmk because I could see a group of people who were genuinely passionate about what they were building. That energy was contagious, and I walked away thinking, I have to work with them. Almost three years later, I’m so glad I followed that gut feeling!