For Prof. Dr. Rainer Telesko, requirements and software engineering are like a laboratory: a place where ideas are tested and analytical skills are honed. With patience, clarity and a great deal of tenacity, he guides students in understanding fundamental concepts and preparing them for the working world of tomorrow.
What do you teach, and what fascinates you about your field?
I teach Requirements and Programming. What fascinates me is the ability to experiment much like in a laboratory. The computer is my “lab”, similar to working with test tubes and pipettes in chemistry.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I really enjoy trying things out, live with students and discussing code together. I’m always impressed by how quickly some students grasp concepts and are able to read and understand code.
What skills do students gain in your classes?
In my teaching, I focus on developing students’ analytical skills and methodological knowledge. I believe these need to be practiced continuously throughout their studies until they truly stick.
How would you describe your teaching style?
I aim to explain things in a way that allows everyone to understand the basic concepts within a lesson. I’m also happy to repeat things and slow down the pace when needed.
What advice would you give to future students?
The job market is evolving and becoming more dynamic, not just because of developments like AI. In this environment, it will be increasingly valuable to showcase concrete projects on your CV to stand out to employers.
Grades are still important, but practical experience often makes the real difference. These projects can be small course assignments, a practical project, or your bachelor’s thesis. They don’t necessarily have to be programming-focused, projects are simply a great way to demonstrate skills like teamwork and analytical thinking in an authentic way.
What should students know about you?
I don’t give up easily and pursue my goals with persistence.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy jogging, skiing, and going to the gym. I’m also an opera enthusiast and sometimes travel quite far to see special performances (e.g., Verona, Paris, and so on). To unwind, I also like to play the piano from time to time.

Bachelor of Science Wirtschaftsinformatik

Bachelor of Science Business Information Technology
Contact

Prof. Dr. Rainer Telesko
- Phone
- +41 62 957 24 87
- rainer.telesko@fhnw.ch