Zuzana Kocáková | msg life Slovakia Stránka

UI vs UX: What’s the difference?

Posted on 13. 10. 202125. 08. 2025 by Zuzana Kocáková

UX and UI are two acronyms that are often mentioned by programmers and marketers. They are usually referred to as UI UX design, so it’s clear at a glance that they have something to do with design. However, many don’t know in detail what the term UI UX designer means, each of which is a separate profession. What exactly are the professions, what UX stands for and what UI means, and what is the difference between UX and UI?

UX stands for user experience and most often refers to a profession dealing with user experience. It focuses on the user’s experience, feelings and overall first impression when interacting with any system, software, application or website. A UX designer tries to design all the functional elements in the right places so that the user goes through the whole process on the site as comfortably as possible and has the best feeling after leaving the site. The optimal goal is for the customer to return later to repeat the purchase and recommend the brand to friends and acquaintances.

UI is an abbreviation of user interface. UI design deals with the choice of colours, fonts, photos and their layout. It also determines the layout of important elements on the page and, of course, their appearance. These elements must be properly designed and positioned to make sense to the user.

UX and UI for web design

Although UX UI design are familiar terms, some people state them incorrectly or use them synonymously. You ask: What UX designer does? You definitely don’t need to look for UX in the UI, but simply put, UX is in charge of how the system works, and UI is in charge of how the system looks. Thus, UX and UI complement each other when creating websites or apps. Both are essentially about the same thing – meeting the needs and making the user experience more enjoyable.

The purpose is to create a web design that will ensure easy and at the same time maximally efficient use of the system. UX design and UI design are therefore interconnected. In general, a web designer is still a professional who specializes in creating visually appealing and functional websites. And this includes both of the above, for example, if it is a website design, including the preparation of a design manual.

The misconception that customer loyalty to a brand is largely linked to ease and convenience of use, that is with UX, has long been overcome. Today, we know that it creates loyalty along with UI. The quality of a software, website or application is directly proportional to the communication between UX and UI designers, their ability to coordinate and agree, and also to anticipate different situations in advance. UI UX design is full of challenges!

UX and UI differences

In practice, it is sometimes difficult to specify what work a UI and ux designer does and the difference between UI and UX design, as they are very closely related. That’s why a lot of jokes are made about them. For example, if the UI designer asks what size the questionnaire should be to get the customer’s attention, the UX designer will ask if we need the questionnaire at all.

If we wanted to show the difference between UX and UI design with a real-world example, just imagine a woman’s hair straightener. The UX displays its heating to different temperatures, teflon plates and a handle designed to hang when not in use. The UI includes the colour of the straightener and clearly labelled buttons. This is one example of the challenges UX and UI designers have to deal with.

It’s crucial to integrate UX web design early on.

Setting up the UX design of the website and apps should be done from the start with UX designers, the people responsible for UX design. Website owners often mistakenly think that a good UX setup will take a few hours or days and then they’ll never have to go back to it. Well the opposite is true. A UX designer may be a magician in a sense, but even his magic has its limits. Still not clear on what a UX designer does? Let’s take a closer look.

Any proposal for the creation of a website or a change of the existing state is based on data research and testing of options. Data analytics can show exactly how a user moves their mouse around the web, or it can show the web pages that a user has left. If a user isn’t clicking where we want them to click, or is leaving early, something needs to change.

What UX designer does

At the beginning, a survey is carried out to gather as much information as possible. It is easier to do such an overview when editing an existing page. However, if the making of a web starts from scratch, questionnaires, surveys and market analysis are used.

From the collected data, so-called personas are created for the page. They are fictitious persons, visitors to the site, who are supposed to encompass a certain group of people. Their age, occupation, financial security, hobbies, etc. are selected. There can be more than one persona, and the behaviour of users on the site is predicted by them. The UX designer then designs the architecture of the website. At this stage, the UX designer creates the entire logical structure of the future website, links, interconnections and paths through the site.

A wireframe design is created directly during or immediately after the creation of the architecture. The wireframe is the first sketch of the page. It contains only black-and-white areas without images and texts, indicating the different elements on the page. Usually the sections are just connected by crossed lines, so the whole drawing really looks like a wire-frame model or scaffolding.

Wireframing can be created with pencil on paper, which is often the most common first step. The best wireframes are then digitized. This design will help to understand better how the product will appear on computer, tablet and mobile screens. On paper, however, it’s harder to estimate how many elements can fit comfortably on a regular phone.

A UX web designer has three basic goals when creating wireframes:

show basic content,
draw the layout of the primary structural units,
outline and describe the user interface.

The wireframe is then used to create a prototype of the website, which is a “clickable” version of the website without graphics. The prototype is always tested before the graphics are added. The role of any IT tester is to ensure that websites, software applications or systems are working properly and meet the set requirements and specifications. The aim is to see if the site is intuitive, easy to understand, manoeuvrable and functional. This is also a short definition of what is the UX meaning.

Creative work of a designer in UX and UI — The structure and appearance of the website is created together by the UX and UI designer.

The task of a UI designer

A UI designer should have a strong aesthetic sense. They decide how the website will look like. A UI designer selects colours, combines them, chooses fonts, button shapes, animations of transitions or effects, in short, everything that is visible to the naked eye on the page. The user interface must have a uniform tone and colour matching, supervising the client’s corporate colours and logos so that the company’s branding is observed. In vain will be the UX designer convinced that the space on the top right is ideal for the cart icon, if according to the client’s rules the logo should be there.

The UI design makes sure that all elements are in the right place, in the right colour and size and that they look visually uniform, aesthetic and functional. If the UI designer is absent, it may show up as too many colours used on the page, poor contrast between the background and the font or an unfortunate font choice. These are all factors that strongly influence the user experience on the web. In a nutshell, what UX means and what UX design focuses on, is understanding the needs and preferences of users. It includes all interactions, impressions and reactions that a user experiences when using a product, service or system.

Problems and tasks of a UX designer

The problems that a UX designer regularly solves are many. Depending on the site from which the visitor leaves prematurely, it may turn out that the website has an annoying CAPTCHA control. The website may lack a filter or have a filter but it is insufficient or confusing. The site may have too many pop-ups or mandatory registration for purchase. All of this can cause customer loss and the goal of the UX designer is to prevent it.

Favourite creative job

UX designer is one of the most popular creative jobs. Their job may not be the easiest, but it’s fun and enjoyable if you like to design. A UX designer needs to be able to read data to design the best website structure that the user will immediately like. In the same way, the UI designer must create the right look for the website or application so that it looks appealing, uniform and meets the client’s requirements. Moreover, the two professions work closely together to jointly design the best possible web or other creation.

Our company is constantly looking for new talented people for these positions. When we find such colleagues, we take care of them properly. See for yourself and check out our great employee benefits. If you are interested to work for us, check out the current job offers in our company.

Current open offer: UX/UI Developer – Digital Solutions

We are currently offering you a home office or full remote job. If you have experience in frontend application development and knowledge of design standards, speak English or German, join our team. UX and UI design will become the main focus of your work.

You will design and develop innovative solutions and become part of an agile team. You will also implement digital services for the insurance industry. As part of your job, you will work closely with owners and developers.

ISTQB certification as a benefit for IT testers

Posted on 04. 10. 202125. 08. 2025 by Zuzana Kocáková

You can get it for free as one of the company benefits for employees at msg life Slovakia.

Software testing is one of the most essential parts in the development of any program. The task of an IT tester is to detect weaknesses that could pose a risk or make the user’s work unpleasant. Software testing methods vary and are constantly changing as technology evolves. This is why there is a difference in the individual testers’ level. The international ISTQB certification can train them in the process or, on the contrary, test their knowledge. You can get it for free as one of the employee benefits of working at msg life Slovakia.

ISTQB certification (International Software Testing Qualifications Board) is one of the most well-known certifications in the field of software application testing. In each country, certification is covered by the country’s authority, which must meet the ISTQB criteria, meaning it is authorized to carry out certification. After getting this certification, you will not only take your skills to a new level, but they will be accepted outside of Slovakia.

The ISTQB certification process is the same in each country. The course can be taken even without IT experience, but it is always an advantage if the candidate is already familiar with the subject. You can get a basic, advanced or expert level certification. “However, the ISTQB CTFL foundation level is a prerequisite for higher levels of certification,” explains Michal, a business consultant.

The course can be taken online or in person, depending on the candidate’s preference. “For the Platinum partner, ISTQB courses are also done on-site at the company’s headquarters or online at a time agreed by us, if there are enough candidates.” adds Lukas, software tester. Before obtaining a valid certification, the applicant must complete theoretical training supplemented by practical demonstrations.

At the foundation level you can choose to take the course in Slovak or English, higher levels can be taken only in English. “Preparation for the ISTQB certification takes place at least once a week due to the candidates’ workload and one lesson lasts approximately 1.5 hours,” says Michal. Obtaining the certification takes approximately seven weeks.

The course is free

Successful candidates of the course receive a valid certification, which is published in the register of successful candidates on the official ISTQB portal. The recruiter can verify ISTQB certification validity by the candidate’s name. At the moment, this certificate is seen as an advantage at a job interview, but it is also possible to get it afterwards, while you are working with us – even if you have already failed the course once. “In this case, it is no longer necessary to go through the whole preparatory course again,” adds Michal.

“If a candidate is not sure of their knowledge after completing the training, they do not have to go to the next certification date, but at a later date. If they decide to retake the exam, they must, of course, pay the certification fee,” adds Michal. However, this is not the case at msg life Slovakia, where the second attempt is paid for by our company.

ISTQB certification is an advantage for the candidate — Successful candidate of the course will receive an internationally valid certification.

The employer thus increases the professional level of employees and gains a competitive advantage. Successful candidates of the ISTQB certification course will have opportunities for career growth and will become familiar with the tester’s code of ethics.

They do not have to worry that this knowledge will be outdated in a few years’ time. “The basic principles in the field of testing remain more or less unchanged, but the ISTQB of course reflects developments and updates its syllabus. The foundation level, which introduces the candidate to the basic principles, is therefore not time-limited. At some higher levels, certification is already time-limited,” explains Michal.

It is possible to attempt to obtain a certification without completing the course, but it is very unlikely that a candidate will pass the exams without preparation. “There are a number of free learning options available on the Internet, but especially for practical tasks I recommend consulting someone experienced or taking a course,” adds Lukas, a software application tester.

A job where you can grow in your career and keep learning

Thanks to your job at msg life Slovakia you will get the opportunity to get not only the ISTQB software testing certification – you can achieve much more with us. Our competitive advantage is clearly our employee benefits from which each candidate can choose what they enjoy the most. Someone will be interested in regular adrenaline teambuilding, relaxing massages, own fitness center or the possibility to get a MultiSport card. But we offer you something extra – the opportunity to attend regular language courses or various training courses to help you progress.

If you are passionate about IT and have the desire to work on yourself, we are happy to help you in your career development. If you are looking for stable job in the form of a home office, where you can occasionally go to the office for a coffee with colleagues, be sure to check out our job offers in the field of consulting and software testing.

See our latest job offers, send us your CV and join the team that helps us improve the world of insurance!

What does an Integration Architect do? Michal will tell you

Posted on 27. 09. 202125. 08. 2025 by Zuzana Kocáková

Michal joined msg life Slovakia more than half a year ago, during the period of strict pandemic measures. Despite his slight fears, the onboarding went beyond expectations and thanks to his helpful fellow developers and testers, Michal got used to his new job very quickly. Are you interested in working as a non-life insurance integration architect? Read this interview to find out more.

How long have you been with msg life Slovakia?

I have been working here for seven months.

What kind of job do you work in?

I joined msg life Slovakia as an integration architect for non-life insurance.

How did you get into this job?

The most common way. When I was young, I was interested in computers, games and everything around it, so it was easy for me to choose a university. Later on, my career evolved from a developer towards release management, integration and architecture.

What attracted you to working at msg life Slovakia? Why did you choose us?

I was intrigued by the job offer as I had previously worked as a release manager architect. Often I had dealt with integration with other systems directly at the customer’s site. And also employee benefits were interesting. Although I am not employed on a permanent basis, but a freelancer, msg life Slovakia treats me in the same way and I appreciate that very much. And I would definitely add the overall care to make the person feel comfortable and like one big family at work.

How is working for us different from your previous work experience?

Certainly the use of foreign languages, as both customers and many colleagues are from German-speaking countries. Also the use of technology and setting standards. In everything, there is an effort to be consistent.

How was your onboarding during the second wave of the pandemic?

I was, to tell you the truth, a bit worried about onboarding. Firstly, I joined during the restrictions, not knowing exactly what to expect, and secondly, I knew I was going to work for Nexinsure, our sister company. The training itself would normally be more challenging, as everyone – colleagues and customers alike – are located in Germany. In the end, however, I worried unnecessarily.

Was the online boarding only lectures or also study materials?

First, I spent three days in person at the workplace. I was given the technical equipment and also basic information on where to find study materials and what to study. I also received training on how to use the ERP system to schedule tasks, request leave or record project time.

Then I studied the materials in the home office and after the first two weeks I started working on the project, because every help was needed. So the initial training was accelerated by practice, but I personally preferred this approach. In addition, I was helped by my colleagues who initially accompanied me and were always willing to give me advice and help.

How do you think the online form of onboarding was different?

The online form of onboarding was deprived of the possibility to ask questions in person, directly to colleagues in the office. After all, when everyone is present in the office, asking and answering is much faster than online via communication tools. Anyway, everything went fine and despite all the restrictions and online communication, my training went according to plan.

What is your job description for Nexinsure?

I work as a technical project manager/architect on a Uniqa project. My job is to oversee the project to make sure everything is technically designed correctly. Compliance with the standard is followed, production issues are resolved and integration is addressed, especially internally between components, but also externally with other systems such as Nexinsure with Life or with client systems. At the same time, this job is also about helping developers with a project if they are not sure about something, whether it is related to the development environment, test environments, build, or component deployment.

Besides working for Nexinsure, are you working on other projects?

Not at the moment, I’m working one hundred percent for Nexinsure.

Which banks and insurance companies are Nexinsure’s main customers?

These are mainly insurers from the DACH region (an acronym for the German-speaking part of Europe, where D stands for Germany, the letter A stands for Austria and CH stands for Confoederatio Helvetica, i.e. Switzerland). These include Uniqa, Die Postbeamtenkrankenkasse (PbeaKK), Debeka, Ministerium der Finanzen des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen (FM NRW), CLE, Ergo, FWUAT, Gothaer, Die Krankenversorgung der Bundesbahnbeamten (KVB), Die Versicherungskammer Bayern (VKB) and many others.

Are you the only one from the Slovak branch involved in the work for Nexinsure?

As far as I know, I am the only integration architect, but there are other testers and developers working on the project for Nexinsure. The company will also open new job positions for this project in the near future.

What does your normal working day look like?

My normal working day is always different, it depends on many variables. Sometimes I have multiple meetings a day, other times I solve a lot of production problems where I communicate a lot with developers on the project as well as architects or developers on the standards side. Other times, I deal with a broken environment or other requirement. What is interesting about this job is the variety, i.e. that the working days are not monotonous and the tasks change.

What is your job about?

The main role is to assist the project technically, make the right decisions and help solve technical problems. In this work, it is important to have a sense of perspective as well as an overview of what is important, what is a priority.

Job description of the integration architect Michal — *The non-life insurance integration architect communicates with developers and resolves issues that arise during development.*

Who do you communicate with to solve problems?

Within the project I communicate with all participants, from the project manager to the developers. And also with the product (standard) side – it depends on which component the problem is related to. I communicate with everyone – from product owners to developers – to understand the bug and to be able to tell which solution would be best for the project. If it’s a deeper problem, I communicate with the architects on the product side.

What project are you working on right now?

I am working on a Uniqa Life project (life insurance) and also on a PnC project (non-life insurance), where two companies from the msg family – Life and Nexinsure – are working together.

What apps do you use at work?

I can’t do without Eclipse, since we program in Java. Knowledge of one of the SQL tools for working with databases such as Oracle SQL Developer or Squirrel is also required. I also regularly use tools for working with SVN and GIT – Tortoise or GIT GUI. Minor configuration modifications I do either directly with commands in the Linux environment via the console with Putty or mRemoteNG, or when I need to, I download the files using WinSCP and edit them in Notepad++. All these tools can be mastered very quickly.

What skills are important for your job?

A broad technological outlook, very good analytical problem-solving thinking, team communication skills as well as the ability to work in a stressful situation are definitely required. It is good to know how to navigate in Java, Bean or Spring. Also what the terms SOAP and REST mean, not to mention XML, Maven, Jenkins, Docker. My knowledge of the insurance industry from previous jobs has also helped me a lot.

What do you like most about your job?

Certainly the fact that the work is not monotonous, and the fact that these are such large-scale projects that I still have a lot to learn, even after six months. I also like the team, both at Life and Nexinsure.

What are your colleagues like?

Excellent, so far I haven’t encountered any reluctance or negativity from them. They are not only great to work with, but also great to joke with.

A pleasant team at work is important — *Michal, the integration architect, enjoys the pleasant team at work.*

What qualities should your new colleague have to fit in?

A new colleague should not lack consistency, adaptability, analytical thinking, be able to accept criticism and like to laugh.

Three characteristics that come to your mind when you say msg life Slovakia?

Great team, family atmosphere, fair approach.

Are you interested in Michal’s work? Join our team as an Integration Architect or IT Talent with German Language.

The most used programming languages: which is the best to learn?

Posted on 20. 09. 202125. 08. 2025 by Zuzana Kocáková

Are you one of those people who are interested in programming? Are you asking yourself what is programming, how hard is it to learn to program, how to get started in IT and what programming language is right for you?

Today, the most popular programming languages are Python, Java, JavaScript and SQL, which are widely used for web application development, task automation, enterprise system development and database management. With JavaScript being the most widely used programming language in IT for computer programs, it dominates the field of web development and provides interactivity and dynamism for many web applications. An overview of the most popular programming languages will give you a little insight into the world of IT and help you figure out what programming language should I learn. You don’t have to start your new career as CTO of a technology company right away. Start as a junior programmer and gain valuable experience and the opportunity to grow your career. Gradually, you’ll discover which programming language for beginners should you learn.

How to choose a programming language

Choosing which programming language to learn is not difficult. What types of programming languages do we have, how to choose the right one and what are the differences between them? There are some programming languages that you can only learn if you already know another language related to them. And secondly, there are too many programming languages, so there is probably no one who knows them all. If you’re looking for a way to learn how to program and are hesitant about which programming language to choose, you need to ask yourself a basic question first. It is not which programming language is easy to learn or which programming language is most in demand. Ask yourself, what do you actually want to create in that language? To do this, you need to know at least the most basic differences.

Frontend vs backend: Differences in programming context

Programming languages are not specifically limited to frontend or backend programming. Some languages are used on both sides (for example JavaScript). In addition, there are frameworks and technologies that are designed specifically for frontend or backend needs and specialized development in each part of a web application.

Frontend development

Yes, the term “Front-End” (or “frontend”) is used in programming and web development. This term refers to the part of a web application or software that is visible and interactive to the user. Frontend means that you create what the user sees at the computer at the end. Front-End development includes design, user interface and features that are directly accessible and controllable through a web browser or other interface.
A frontend developer focuses on implementing design and functionality that is presented directly to the user.
This includes graphical elements such as text colours, images, diagrams, buttons, navigation menus and more to ensure that the website is responsive and fast.
This is often associated with programming languages and technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript. On the other hand, the “Back-End” part is responsible for data processing.

Backend development

On the other hand, the term “Back-End” (or “backend”) is again used in the field of programming and software development to refer to the part of a web application or software that runs in the background, i.e. on the server side. The Back-End is responsible for processing data, interacting with the database, managing server operations and providing information to the Front-End that is visible and controlled by the user.

Backend developer uses various programming languages and technologies such as PHP, Ruby, Python, Java and frameworks such as Node.js, Django, Ruby on Rails, etc. Together with Front-End, they form a complete web application or software. These two parts work together to form a functional user interface.

Sometimes a programmer’s decision of what programming language to choose is a decision between higher and lower programming languages. This depends on the specific requirements of the project, the preferences of the programme and the character of the task that needs be solved. Here are some aspects that could influence the choice.

What are higher programming languages

In computer science, they are a label for programming languages with a greater degree of abstraction. A higher level programming language or higher-level language is designed with a high level of abstraction that allows programmers to work without the need to delve deeply into the specific technical details of the hardware and operating system. These languages have their own definition of grammar and syntax, which makes them easier to understand and use.
Higher level programming languages include Java, Python, Ruby and Swift, JavaScript, C#. They are suitable for fast development and easier implementation of programs.

What are lower programming languages

The term “lower level programming language” is used in IT to refer to a group of programming languages that minimize or completely eliminate abstraction from the functioning of the processor in a computer. The term “lower” indicates a minimal or no degree of difference between a given programming language and the machine instructions of a processor or its instruction set. As a result, lower level programming languages are often considered to be “tightly coupled to hardware”.
Lower level programming languages include Assembler, the intermediate-level C language, C++: An Extension of C, Rust, Fortran, Assembly Language.

Programming languages are divided into frontend and backend. Frontend means that you create what the user sees at the computer at the end. Backend programming languages are the ones that stand in the background and create the processes whose result you see on the monitor. These are the basic types of programming languages. Maybe you are aware of the meaning and use of languages, you just have no idea what you would enjoy. We have therefore written down the characteristics for the most commonly used programming languages.

The student learns to work with programming language code — The right choice of programming language for a beginner is important for the job market.

HTML language

HTML is a hypertext markup language. Hypertext means that it can contain links to other pages, for example, and markup means that it uses tags, called markup tags. The HTML programming language is not inherently a programming language. In fact, programming is the process by which you say “If A happens, do B.” HTML can’t do that. It is only responsible for the information that is displayed on the web.

However, it is a communication language without which websites do not work, so everyone who plans to work on web development should know at least its basics. To master it, just understand that each command has an opening and closing tag and memorize a few basic tags. For creating HTML files, you can use the programs you already have on your computer, such as Notepad or Notepad++.

CSS Programming – Cascading Style Sheets

The abbreviation CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. HTML tells you what should be on the page, CSS tells you what it should look like. The combination of HTML and CSS is enough to create simple, static web pages. The only interactive element will be the links. You can’t create user accounts or any other dynamic elements. You don’t really need CSS in the IT world if you don’t want to create websites. But the logic of cascades is very helpful in more complex programs and the ability to place an element in the right place is always useful too.

JavaScript programming language

JavaScript has become the main programming language of the frontend, so together with HTML and CSS, it completes the trinity, with which you can already create real web pages. JavaScript is responsible for interactivity. JavaScript throws you a red warning if you enter a phone number in the wrong format in a web form, and is the one who can anger the average user by repeating the phrase “Password is not strong enough, choose another one”.

It often introduces new tools, which may not suit everyone. You’re constantly learning new things, and as is the case with new things, some of them don’t always quite work out. However, it still has old and proven tools. So-called frameworks, which could be loosely translated as superstructures, are very popular. The best of them at the moment are Angular and React for example. React is used when a user changes something on a web page – React redraws a specific element. In addition, Angular also has tools for communicating with the database.

Programming is creative and often teamwork — Knowledge of programming languages will soon be essential in most work areas.

PHP programming language

PHP is an abbreviation probably known to everyone who is at least a little bit interested in programming. It belongs to object-oriented languages, but it is not a requirement to write objectively. Objects are certain data structures. They have its qualities, methods and events by which the object performs the actions for which it was programmed. The abbreviation PHP stands for Personal Home Page Tools, because in the beginning the language was intended for easy creation of web pages. Gradually, however, the system became a widely used tool, and so the abbreviation came to be explained as Hypertext Preprocessor.

It is the most widely used open source scripting language and is mainly used for writing code for web applications. It is a dynamic language, so on the web it is responsible, for example, for accepting passwords at login, managing users, moderating discussions and so on. It can work with relational databases such as MySQL, while still maintaining simplicity of writing. A PHP programmer gains a great advantage when using PHP programming because of its compatibility not only with Linux, but also with the common Windows operating system.

Programming in PHP is very similar to other programming languages, so if you’ve encountered one in the past, you won’t have much trouble with it. If you are entering the world of programming, PHP is a good first choice. The composition is quite simple and can be learned quickly. It’s similar to JavaScript, Java and C++, which is also not a bad introduction in case you find out later that you want to switch to these languages. The world-famous WordPress, Joomla or PrestaShop run on PHP.

Java programming language

It is universal, object-oriented and probably the most stable programming language. It is used in the backend of those projects for which reliability is important. Thus, it is often the first choice of architects of business applications, such as banking systems. Java may be competing with more modern languages like Kotlin, but it still tops the popularity charts. The basics of Java is made up of classes, which makes it a bit more difficult for a beginner to understand than Python.

Its advantages include accuracy, safety and clarity. Due to the policies of its manufacturer, which is Oracle, it works in such a way that it does not need modifications to work with different operating systems. This made it a staple for Android. If you choose Java programming language, you’ll have no problem finding a well-paid job.

“If you like new challenges and you control .”

Maria, HR manager

Python programming language

It is one of the simplest programming languages and is often the first choice when learning programming. Its clear structure is relatively easy to understand, but its robustness invites the programmer to get lost in the structure and commands. Being as popular as it is, it kind of completes the vicious circle – it has a lot of third-party libraries and excellent cooperation with other systems, which in turn makes it more popular, thus expanding its integration. Compared to Java, it has wider code, which comes at the expense of speed. For a massive project where performance would play a significant role, it probably wouldn’t be the best choice. Yet such projects do exist.

Although Python is often referred to as a “scripting language”, it is used to develop many large software projects. It has been used for popular games such as World of Tanks or Sims 4 and is also used by Google. Its supporters prefer to call it a high-level dynamic programming language because the term “scripting language” is associated with languages that are only used for simple shell scripts or with languages like JavaScript. They are simpler and for most purposes less capable than “real” programming languages like Python.

SQL language

Structured Query Language or SQL programming language is not a general programming language, its essence is to access relational databases. A relational database is a set of tables which have some relationship between. You can very easily imagine it as Excel, only in a web interface and much more complex. SQL is used as response to a request for information, usually in the form of a table. For example, SQL is what searches for songs from a particular artist from a selected year on a music website. Thus, this language is definitely needed by anyone who plans to process data.

“The basics of SQL are sufficient for candidates who apply for the position of Consultant / IT Tester in Bratislava, Zilina and Kosice. However, if you already have an active knowledge of this program and a very good knowledge of the German language, be sure to check out our job offer for a Non-Life Insurance Specialist / IT Tester. We are currently looking for colleagues in Bratislava, Zilina and Kosice.”

Maria, HR manager

C programming language

The C programming language is slightly higher level than Assembler and is probably the oldest structure-oriented programming language. It is one of the more difficult to learn because it requires prior theoretical knowledge. Programming in C language requires certain steps and understanding of basic concepts especially for novice programmers. Therefore, the C programming language for beginners can be a challenge! It is the basis for many kinds of programming languages, such as C++, Java C#, JavaScript and Pearl. It is used to develop system applications under Windows, UNIX and Linux operating systems.

C++ programming language

C++ programming language is a younger, lighter and more modern version of the C language. C++ works on a variety of platforms, is fast and powerful. This makes it suitable for complex games or complex mathematical simulations.

C# programming language

It reads “C Sharp” and is based on the C, C++ and Java programming languages. It is Java’s biggest competitor and is equally focused on all kinds of applications – web, desktop and mobile. It is also known as the primary language for designing games powered by the Unity platform.

Kotlin programming language

It is a relatively young, modern programming language inspired by languages such as Java, Python, Scala, Groovy, C# and others. It picked the best of them and quite successfully missed the mistakes. One of the best features of this language is its ability to cooperate with Java, it can use all its libraries and frameworks. When deciding between programming in Kotlin vs Java, the two can work together quite smoothly within the same project at the same time due to their compatibility. Kotlin is interoperable with Java, which means that there is the ability to combine code written in both languages in a single project. Currently, Kotlin is the strongly preferred programming language for Android.

Golang programming language (Go)

This language was created by Google. Its main feature is simplicity of use, as well as good code readability, efficiency and speed. It is used for servers and desktop applications. It is not yet used very often in Slovakia, but it is expected to become more widespread in the near future. It has excellent performance thanks to good memory management and resource release for individual elements. It is growing into a strong competitor to Python.

If you’re interested in one of the languages, you’re on the right track to enter the world of IT. Try to get into one and in time you’ll see where your desire to code takes you. You may end up with languages and tools that are not open-source, but these are more expensive to train and to buy licenses for. Open-source solutions are clearly the most suitable for a novice programmer and the most desirable for small and medium-sized jobs nowadays.

If you are looking for a job opportunity to break into the world of IT, we at msg-life Slovakia have an open door for you. On our website, you can discover attractive job opportunities related to the field, such as positions for Java developers or IT testers. Both will open doors for you to grow professionally and develop your skills.

The problem comes when you leave work and can’t switch off, says colleague Peter after overcoming tetany symptoms

Posted on 13. 09. 202125. 08. 2025 by Zuzana Kocáková

Read how to successfully fight tetany symptoms.

Peter has been working for fourteen years as an IT administrator in msg life Slovakia. Although he says he enjoys his work, over time he started to accumulate responsibilities, he was in charge of a team of people, more responsibility and went through a difficult period. When the first health problems appeared, he visited a doctor who diagnosed him with tetany – a stress-related disease.

At first Peter did not want to admit the psychological causes of his illness and for a long time he did not confide his problem to anyone. It took him three years to resolve the problem and although he says he is proud to have dealt with it on his own, he considers this time lost. Today, he sees similar symptoms in many people in his neighbourhood, which is why he decided to talk about the disease. He believes that tetany should not be underestimated and can be caught at the first sign.

How did your health problems start?

I was never sick, so I didn’t even go to the doctor often. About five years ago, however, my health problems began to accumulate. I felt like I couldn’t breathe, I felt like I was going to pass out, and even though I was at rest, my heart was pounding. I tried to breathe through it somehow, but after two weeks similar symptoms returned. Muscle cramps, constant whistling in the ear, abdominal pain or digestive problems were added. These are all pretty common diagnoses, but for me it was happening all at once and more and more frequently. I tried to modify my diet, but when it didn’t work for a long time, I started to solve the problem with my doctor.

Which doctor did you see?

At first I thought I was having a heart attack, so I went to the emergency room where they examined me. They prescribed me magnesium and said there was nothing wrong with me. Later, when the problems persisted, I went to see my general practitioner, who did a complete examination. There was a very nice young doctor working there at the time who seemed interested in solving the problem. My results were fine, but in the meantime my doctor had changed. The young lady was replaced by an older lady who looked at the medical record and approached the problem differently. She said that the symptoms were clear, supposedly it was tetany.

What was the first thing that came to your mind when you heard the diagnosis?

I had no idea what was going on. The first thing that came to my mind was tetanus, then I tried to look up the name of the disease on the internet. I found out that it is a nervous disorder from a deficiency of minerals such as magnesium or calcium, but it can also be the result of an exhausted nervous system that is constantly “on alert” and agitated.

This can be caused by persistent stress or various stimuli that the person is not even aware of, but his head is still processing. Eventually, this is reflected in the state of health. I was surprised to learn that cattle also suffer from tetany because they often lack the necessary nutrients or are stressed. But lately it is also becoming more common in humans.

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How did the doctor solve your problem?

She told me that antidepressants would solve the tetany. She prescribed various nutritional supplements and recommended I see a psychiatrist. I immediately refused this and told myself that if it was bad enough and it was psychological in origin, I would try to solve the problem myself first. Maybe that’s what finally made me do something about it.

Why did you refuse to see a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist will obviously help a person who wants to be helped. I didn’t trust him. I didn’t trust that I would go to a psychiatrist and he would listen to me and help me. I understand what his role is, also that he’s a professional. He can certainly make a diagnosis and refer patients, but he was a stranger to me. I had no need to confide in him as my friend. I had a problem with having to “complain” to a stranger.

Until some time ago, I wasn’t even interested in presenting that I was dealing with something like that. Apparently the doctor didn’t mean it in a bad way. I am, however, proud that I decided to deal with it myself, even though the time it took me to get over it is kind of lost. Maybe if I had seen a psychiatrist, the problem would have been resolved sooner.

How long did it take you to recover from tetany?

I had a period where I felt bad for a few months, then I got better. But I never knew if I did something right or wrong. For example, my first child was born at that time and I was spending some time at home, so that might have had an effect. Today I have three children and my condition has always been better after the birth of a child. But then there was always a deterioration, so I visited the ambulance again.

In the meantime, however, my doctor has changed again, which has probably helped me the most of all. He looked at the previous records and asked me if I was stressed at work. When I answered that there was some, he wrote me a PN for one week. When I returned for a check-up after seven days, I told him that my condition had only improved by half. So he wrote me off for another two weeks and my condition had improved considerably.

That’s when I realized that the cause was work and I knew what to focus on. Since then, I’ve been trying to change my approach to work. After three years I got rid of tetany completely. For a long enough time my problem was admitting to myself that it was psychological in nature. Probably also because I had never been ill before and suddenly I had a number of health problems. I found this unbelievable and I didn’t attribute it to the psyche. I only understood it when I spent three weeks at home.

Psychiatric tetany symptoms — The psychological symptoms of tetany include irritability, lack of focus and restlessness.

What exactly did you change when you returned to work?

I tried to do it in a way that I enjoyed. Not to give it a high priority, to organize my duties differently than before and to minimize stress. I’ve started to approach communication with colleagues more directly, although I’m not always successful, but I’m trying to improve. Suddenly my ear stopped whistling, my nervous system calmed down, I didn’t feel cramps and the symptoms gradually stopped until they disappeared completely.

I work mostly from the office, so work has picked up in those three weeks, but I’ve come to realize that when you disappear from one day to the next, the world doesn’t come crashing down. Either someone else will do some of the work, or others will manage without me. No one is irreplaceable.

Were you a pedant at work before?

I wouldn’t define it that way, rather, maybe it was a problem when I didn’t clear some issues with people right away. Then I kept thinking about how to explain my point to them. If one doesn’t clarify things, one doesn’t find inner peace, one keeps coming back to them, and so it builds up. The problem comes when you leave work and you can’t switch off. You think about work on the way home from work, when you get home, or in the evening watching TV. That’s not right.

Have you also dealt with your problem directly with people at work?

No, I tried to solve it myself, mainly by changing the management of the work. I’m in a management position, so I had the opportunity to make a difference. I’ve tried to take less on and delegate more. I’ve also adjusted my lifestyle. I’ve relaxed more , played more sports and kept to a sleep schedule. I did not inform the management about my problem. I didn’t trust my colleagues with my diagnosis either, so they had no way to help me. However, socialising, for example at work, helped me. When we talked in the kitchen or during breaks, I could feel that my condition was improving.

So have you tried to socialize more?

Most of the time I was tired or in pain. I was lying at home, doing nothing, not feeling fit. When you have cramps in your stomach, you don’t really feel like going out. But when I finally got over it and relaxed, it helped me. Moreover, I found out that I was not suffering from this problem alone.

Who else in your area suffers from tetany?

I encounter that friends and colleagues alike experience similar conditions. Now that I know that many people suffer from tetany, I try to talk about it. If someone has just one of the symptoms, such as insomnia, it doesn’t mean it’s tetany. However, when someone lists symptoms similar to what I had, I try to advise them what helped me. For many people it starts in a similar way – heart problems, depression. Many doctors prescribe antidepressants , the procedure is apparently the same.

Do you think this is an underestimated problem?

Definitely, because it can lead to a variety of other health problems. For me, it was a shock because I had never been sick and suddenly I had a lot of problems all at once. Whistling in the ear on a daily basis is nothing pleasant, it can lead to other psychological problems. Some people find it harder to cope, especially if one is alone.

What role did your personal life play in your case?

I didn’t trust my partner with the problem for a long time either. I tried to mask it, but later she noticed something was wrong. Then together we tried to figure out what might be causing me stress and she supported me. With the kids, I was more able to relax. My personal life wasn’t causing me any additional stress. Rather, it was when I came home and dealt with other “world” events. To some extent, that had some effect on me as well.

What kind of “world events” you mean?

A lot of people come home from work and look at posts or comments on Facebook. A lot of times people get angry and deal not only with work and private issues, but also with issues that are ultimately out of their control. It is important to realise that many things are out of one’s control unless one is somehow an insider. It is not necessary to keep track of all the information every day and be indignant about what we cannot change. Stress comes from that as well, and I think our brains are not built to handle that much information on a daily basis. Maybe it’s also the “pressure of the times” and being too over-informed.

Have you limited your use of social media?

Even if you turn off social media, you still get annoyed at how someone could have an opinion and how it could be refuted. Maybe the problem is that I don’t engage in the comments at all. I did, however, decide to cancel my Facebook account altogether and it helped. I mainly use Twitter. I don’t have my friends there and just surround myself with IT news and what interests me. If I look at the news there once a day then I don’t have the time or the need to look at Facebook where, apart from that news, there would be a lot of other unnecessary news that could have a negative impact on me.

It’s important to surround myself with something that doesn’t cause me stress. Paradoxically, technology is supposed to make our lives easier, but it often does the opposite. I think people were not prepared for the advent of something like social media. They don’t know how to use them. That’s why I often compare them to a pub. If you’re in the mood and you’re the type, you’ll shout in the pub. But the others, and it’s usually the majority, don’t respond to that.

What else helped you in your battle with tetany?

I also tried to take all the prescribed nutritional supplements regularly during the treatment. Apparently this helped to some extent, but I don’t think it had that much of an effect. A doctor can detect vitamin deficiencies from blood tests, but I always had everything within the normal range. That’s why I think it’s mostly about the psyche.

The doctor also recommended me to leave coffee out of my diet. It makes you feel energized and it really works for me. The fact that my nervous system was sufficiently stimulated meant that there was no need to stimulate it further. I think this also helped me a lot. Before, I drank one coffee a day. Then I cut it out and when I had one of those again, some of my symptoms came back.

Taking vitamins and adjusting your lifestyle — Tetany can be treated by administering vitamins and adjusting your lifestyle.

Can you spot now that your tetany is coming back again?

Occasionally I happen to pick up the first signals again. But now I can distinguish them, so I can catch it and take a break. I try to really relax during the holidays and take three weeks off every year. When I took a week off in a bad period, I needed another week or two to get much better. That’s why I take every single day off, including the extra vacation that msg life provides as part of the company benefits program.

What other employee benefits do you use to relax?

Apart from holidays, I also go to the company fitness centre now and then. I do sports rather occasionally, but I think it doesn’t matter what one does or where one does it. The important thing is to switch off. I do well at home with my kids, they keep me one hundred percent occupied, so then I don’t have time to think about other things. And that’s the main thing. Otherwise, I can also unwind with computer games. These are also stressful in their own way, but you switch off the game and don’t deal with it any further, unlike work.

Balance between work and personal life — In the treatment of tetany, it is important to achieve a balance between work and personal life.

What lessons did overcoming tetany teach you?

It’s not good to take work too seriously, especially if the body is signalling to us that it’s time to slow down. It’s also important to realise that some things are out of our control. We should also be able to switch off, and for longer periods of time. Many people don’t do this and are not used to it. Someone should keep an eye on that, in my opinion. Even given the accelerated information and stress filled times we live in.

Changing jobs – 5 signs that tell you when to change job

Posted on 06. 09. 202125. 08. 2025 by Zuzana Kocáková

Read on how to know when to change jobs and find new one, for example, in IT.

Terms such as burnout or sabbatical are often used in connection with a change of job or profession. But unless your problems at work have a deeper cause, it may be time to consider the first step – changing jobs. When is the time to change job? We’ve written down some unquestionable signs that will point you in the right direction.

The definition of a dream job is different for everyone. Someone seeks a quiet office job in a pleasant team, another prefers an active profession that involves travelling and making new contacts. In either case, however, you may find that if you do the job for a long time or very intensively, you grow overwhelmed, slip into a stereotype or stop seeing the point of it. Sometimes you can even accumulate more than one of these situations at the same time and start to wonder whether it’s the right time to change jobs.

1. You are not progressing in your career

Once upon a time, people saw work mainly as a way to make a living. Today, however, many people expect more from a job than just a regular wage, and no wonder. You spend eight hours a day at work, so it’s logical that you wouldn’t just expect financial reward. One example of this is that you learn something new at work and get ahead.

“Moving up to the position of Test Manager was already a long-term goal when I applied for the Tester/Consultant position in December 2017 and I’m glad I got this opportunity.”

Patrik, Test manager

That is why msg life Slovakia takes care of the regular education of its employees through professional or free online language courses. The education of employees is thus continuously updated, employees advance in their careers and their work performance does not stagnate. It is stagnation that can lead to job comfort and, consequently, to stereotyping, which is often the first signal that one needs to move on.

2. You don’t enjoy your work

Hand in hand with the stereotype at work goes the fact that your profession no longer fulfils you. Work you were once passionate about suddenly loses meaning, you count down the minutes until you have to leave and you feel unproductive, bored or even disgusted. This is another signal that something is wrong in your working life. If you find that you’re not enjoying your work, you need to take a vacation and cut yourself off from all things work-related. At msg life Slovakia, we provide our employees with up to 5 extra vacation daysso that they can regain new strength and inspiration. If after two weeks of relaxation you find that your work is a waste of time, it’s the right time to start looking around for something more promising.

When you're tired of work, it's the best time to for a change. — If you are not enjoying your work, that’s another sign for change.

3. Your job is ruining your health

Probably the most compelling reason to change careers is when your job is ruining your health. Even an office job can have an impact on your body. For example, in the form of stress. If you have a job over your head and take it home with you, it can affect more than just your personal life. Stress can quickly manifest itself in the form of headaches, stomach aches or even twitching limbs. With prolonged stress, these warning signs can escalate into health complications. That is why msg life Slovakia has set up a workplace for its employees a rest area, massages and has also introduced flexible working hours. If you also suffer from stress, you should look around for a job where there is less pressure on you and you can switch off from your work duties when you get home.

“I use every single day off, including the extra holiday that msg life provides as part of the company benefits programme. In addition to the holiday, I also go to the company fitness centre every now and then. I do sports rather occasionally, but I think it doesn’t matter what one does or where one does it.”

Peter, IT administrator

4. You don’t feel comfortable in the teamwork

Unpleasant colleagues or management are guaranteed to be among the most unpleasant reasons why people consider changing jobs. Not being accepted into a team, persistent conflicts in the workplace or strict management is unfortunately a widespread phenomenon nowadays as well. Sometimes the atmosphere can be relaxed corporate teambuildingwhere tensions are reduced and colleagues get to know each other better. Worse, however, is if you find yourself in a team or a company that has different values, a culture that does not suit you or even has a bad influence on you. In this case, you should urgently start looking for a place where you can surround yourself with inspiring and honest people. After all, if you spend eight hours a day in an unpleasant environment, there is a high probability that over time you will become like your colleagues.

“My colleagues are cool, they are happy to help and some of them are also active in sports, which makes me very happy. When we can, we go for a run or sign up for a sporting event.”

Michal, software developer

5. Your work is financially undervalued

Many workers are dissatisfied with the level of pay. But if that is the only problem, many are willing to persevere in work they find fulfilling and enjoyable and, over time, gradually work their way up to their dream salary. In fact, the salary itself is often not the only thing you should consider at work. It’s also the working environment. Many employers come up with various benefits to motivate their workers. These include, for example, occasional financial bonuses and rewards. However, if the underpayment persists and the other reasons mentioned above are added, it’s time to start looking for a new job. Especially if you’re sure you could get your dream salary for your skills and experience elsewhere when you start. This can be confirmed not only by colleagues employed on a permanent basis, but also by our students, who gain valuable experience in software development and testing with us and work part-time alongside their studies at university.

“The financial evaluation is very motivating for me to stay working here after school.”

Michal, student – IT tester

How to know when to change jobs?

If you have found yourself in several of the above mentioned points and have been considering a career change for a while, you should finally take the plunge. How to get started? First, make sure you have enough savings in case the search for a new job takes longer than you expected. Give yourself a break and try to get clear on what you would find fulfilling to do. Sometimes it might help to read job descriptionsyou’ll find that some jobs are more interesting than they seem. Then explore what opportunities are available in the market. Are there job vacanciesthat you would enjoy doing? Are they well paid? Are they in your area? If you answer these basic questions, you should also clarify whether you are willing to study, retrain or attend training on a regular basis. Once you have identified what you want to do in your life, all you have to do is choose the right company that is stable, progressive and cares about its employees. Then all you need to do is create a good CV, mentioning your skills and abilities on your CV. Next, prepare for the interview and pass it successfully. We believe that if you are determined and persevere, you have a chance to get a great job. Maybe, for example, in our company, which is always looking for new employees from the IT and insurance sector. If you don’t have the necessary education in this field, it doesn’t matter. At msg life Slovakia we are always looking for new talent. Fill out the short form, attach your CV and take part in our online selection process. Maybe you will become a new member of our team!

6 reasons to work and study at the same time

Posted on 30. 08. 202125. 08. 2025 by Zuzana Kocáková

It can sometimes be challenging to work and study at the same time. That’s why many university students prefer to focus entirely on their studies. What they don’t realise is that they are depriving themselves of years of work experience and the possibility of an easier job after graduation. In fact, experience is one of the main criteria that recruiters look for in graduates. Therefore, if you want to avoid the hassle of finding a job, check out the possibilities of part-time job alongside school and come to work in a fast-growing IT company that has adapted working conditions for students. One of the solutions can be an online part-time job for students. An IT part-time job at msg life Slovakia has several advantages. In addition to gaining valuable experience and feedback on your work, you will become a full-fledged member of the team and can benefit from our employee benefits just like regular employees. We also try to think about another aspect – the human side. We know that working alongside school can be challenging. But with us, you’ll be surrounded by a friendly team who will always be willing to help. Plus, you’ll set up your part-time job so that it doesn’t interfere with your schedule. You can work from home during lectures or exams. You’ll gain real-life experience during your studies, which you’ll add to your abilities and skills in CV. The presence of students in msg life Slovakia is a great benefit for us. It opens us up to new, young and innovative ways of looking at the world. What are the main reasons to work and study concurrently and to get your part time job at msg life Slovakia?

You can do what you’re good at

Doing what you enjoy is one of the best feelings. Sometimes this criterion is even more important than the financial reward, because it means you don’t have to struggle to get up for work every morning. We at msg life Slovakia see it the same way and we also know that this is doubly true for younger candidates. They are still finding their place in professional life. That’s why we often give them free hand to show us what they can do and what they are good at. That’s why we created the IT Talent job position, which allows them to showcase their skills and creativity. Read the article We are looking for IT Talent.

Study and work at msg life Slovakia — *The tasks given to office assistant Natalia give room for her creativity.*

You’ll work when you want to work

Flexible working hours are a benefit that attracts many employees today. According to surveys, it can even increase work productivity and helps to improve work-life balance. It is particularly important for student temporary workers. It helps them to adapt their working hours so that they can combine work and study. With us, you can arrange your working hours in a way that suits you and adapt them to your schedule or exams. Students also use the home office as needed, but many are quickly drawn back to the office, especially because of the friendly atmosphere.

Gain experience and learn something new

Practice is more than all the diplomas put together. When you graduate, your CV will not only include your degree, but also your valuable professional experience. One of many advantages of larger companies is that you are constantly learning new things, often outside your field. At msg life Slovakia we already have more than 200 developers, mathematicians, analysts and consultants who are constantly communicating with each other. So it doesn’t matter whether you are in development or marketing, you will be able to gain insight into different areas. You can even participate in international projects.

You can enjoy the same benefits as an employee

Students in msg life Slovakia are treated all equally same as our employees. They are as much a part of our company and company culture as full-time employees. That is why they are entitled to the same benefits as our internal employees. They can try out the fitness centre for free, take various training and language courses, or become part of our team events during team building. Our internal survey shows that the summer company lunches in the relaxation area were also a great success.

Work and study simultaneously with msg life Slovakia — *Student Dominika works at msg life Slovakia in HR.*

Become financially independent while you’re still at school

If you work and study simultaneously it can give you benefit of financial literacy and independence. It doesn’t matter if it’s partial or full financial independence. You will have the money at your disposal, and you alone will decide how to use it. According to our surveys, students most often spend the money they earn on basic needs, but having enough income also gives them the opportunity to travel or fund their hobbies. For others, a good evaluation may inspire them to turn a part-time job into a full-time job after their studies.

You can stay with us after your studies

At msg life Slovakia we are always looking for smart and talented people. This is evidenced by our long list of job offers. If the company discovers the ideal candidates during their student days and they prove themselves, there is no reason not to continue their working relationship. This view is mostly mutual, many students who work for us describe msg life Slovakia as an ideal employer. Some of them have also had experience with temporary jobs elsewhere and, as they admitted, it was only with us that they finally found the right balance between work and personal life.

Michal works as a tester at msg life Slovakia — *During his time at msg life Slovakia, Michal has gained insight into various professions.*

What do our students at msg life Slovakia say about their work?

Do you have the opportunity to do what you love at msg life Slovakia?

Natália (21), office assistant: “At msg life Slovakia I got the opportunity to contribute with what I am good at. Most often, I come across assignments related to keyword analysis. Although it is not an area I study, I really enjoy working in the marketing sphere and I see it as a great opportunity to gain valuable new experience, so I often give room for creativity and imagination. I also like the fact that I can come up with new suggestions and ideas at any time when solving any task.” Laura (21), data analyst: “My position mainly involves working with data, but it is also closely related to marketing. As I study mathematics, I am very comfortable working with data. I really like the overlap between IT and mathematics, which is a perfect fit for our company. That’s why I would also like to be involved in the development process of one of our products later on.”

Do you get an insight into professions other than your own at msg life?

Natália (21), office assistant: “I am constantly looking into the world of IT, marketing but also into the organizational running of the company. I met with the help of more experienced colleagues who always guided me and advised me if I was lost in my tasks.” Laura (21), data analyst: “My work requires collaboration with colleagues from different fields, which is always very rewarding, and I get to gain insight into different professions. For example, into HR, marketing and very marginally testing.” Michal (21), tester: “I work with analysts, administrators, developers and other team members. During my work, I’ve been able to get a glimpse into these professions as well. Occasionally, I also interact with an international team of colleagues.”

Have you attended any training courses within msg life Slovakia?

Natália (21), office assistant: “I learned how to work better with SEO tools and gained more insight in this area. The language course has helped me not to forget English completely and I can continue to improve.”

Does part-time job help you to become financially independent?

Natália (21), office assistant: “I am very satisfied with the financial evaluation. Thanks to my part-time job I am not dependent on my parents at all. Probably most of the money is spent on things like accommodation, food, beauty products, clothes and so on. However, I am also very happy to spend money on travel and trips with friends.” Laura (21), data analyst: “Absolutely yes. I mainly invest the money I earn in sports and travel, but I always save or reinvest some of it.” Michal (21), tester: “The financial evaluation is very motivating for me to stay working here after school.”

Which of the employee benefits do you use the most?

Laura (21), data analyst: “Definitely flexibility :-), but also the gym, teambuilding and last but not least the company culture is a great benefit for me.” Michal (21), tester: “At the moment, I’m making the most of the common company lunches in the relaxation area, which are held every Wednesday during summer.”

Do you have flexible working hours with us? When do you usually work?

Natália (21), office assistant: “I consider it a perfect benefit! Since there is no one holding me down at work and no time constraints, I feel freer, which definitely reflects positively on my work performance. I arrive at work already around 7 a.m. and work until about 4 p.m. ” Laura (21), data analyst: ” With my school and other activities, this is an invaluable advantage. During the summer, I tend to work early mornings, but during the semester I catch up on work in the evenings.” Michal (21), tester: “I usually do part of my work in the morning and then, depending on the time, I work a few hours in the evening.”

How often do you work from home? Do you have any limits on it (outside of pandemics)?

Natália (21), office assistant: “I have not encountered any limitation of working from home at msg life Slovakia. I use it a maximum of five times a month when I am out of Bratislava. However, I prefer to work in the office, where there is a better atmosphere and more comfort.” Laura (21), data analyst: “During the semester, the home office is more convenient for me as I would otherwise lose time travelling. However, when I have the opportunity to work a full day, I would definitely choose to work in the office.”

How do you manage to work and study at the same time?

Natália (21), office assistant: “I have no problem coping with work and study. At msg life Slovakia they offered me that I don’t have to physically come to the office in case of a busy school day. I just connect online and work from the comfort of my home.” Laura (21), data analyst: “Work and study can be managed just fine with the right time management, but during exams I tend to focus more on school and spend less time on work. However, I make sure to set aside enough time to relax as well.” Michal (21), tester: “I think that a temporary job in the IT sector at msg life Slovakia can be very effectively linked to school, especially thanks to the attitude and tolerance of my colleagues.”

Will you stay working at msg life Slovakia after graduation?

Natália (21), office assistant: “The main motivation I see is the opportunity to develop in what I am good at. I am not limited at my work, quite the opposite. I have also found great colleagues at msg life Slovakia, who are always happy to help and discuss various topics at any time. I also see great strength in teambuilding, which can strengthen team spirit. msg life Slovakia takes great care of this, which I personally appreciate very much.” Laura (21), data analyst: “For me, flexibility is definitely motivating, not many companies can offer it to employees to such an extent. Of course, there are more reasons than that – I enjoy my work and it is well paid. I have the perfect colleagues and the overall atmosphere in the company is very refreshing. The company values its employees and gives them the opportunity to grow. Moreover, I have only found a true work-life balance here.” Michal (21), tester: “I’ve been here for a little over a year now and I’d like to stay. msg life Slovakia is an ideal employer for me as a student. There are many reasons: the opportunity to gain experience, the financial compensation, the great team and the chill colleagues. I work in a pleasant environment and I have a great team of colleagues around me.” If you are convinced by the experience of our students, don’t hesitate to take a look at our job offers for students, e.g. IT Tester junior – student. We are currently looking for employees in all three branches – Bratislava, Zilina and Kosice. Become a new member of the team that will help us move the world of insurance forward! Just send your CV and take an online interview.

We are looking for IT Talent with German. Start your IT career with us!

Posted on 16. 08. 202125. 08. 2025 by Zuzana Kocáková

Our team consists of more than 200 colleagues and we are constantly growing. As we continue to evolve our IT services, we continue to look for new colleagues. Current open positions include developers, testers and project managers. We know that sometimes it’s challenging to choose the ideal job position. To make your decision easier, you can apply for the IT Talent position. All you have to do is send us your CV, tell us what you’re good at and, if possible, we’ll make you a tailored offer. Get the perfect IT job in one of the IT companies in Slovakia this month!

German language is essential

Are you a talent in the IT or insurance industry and do you speak German at a communication level? Then there’s a good chance you’ll fit in well with our IT company and team.
Do not hesitate to send us your CV and cover letter in German.
We will present you with a specific offer from our open positions for which you would be a suitable candidate.
However, when we discover your talent for something special, we will be happy to create a tailor-made job for you.
That way, you don’t have to wonder where to look for a job that would suit you perfectly.
What is talent, you ask?
For us, any candidate who not only has exceptional skills, but also the desire and passion for the job.
Our IT talent recruiters actively seek out similar profiles and are happy to build an internal talent pool.
Join the pool and become one of the best IT companies in Bratislava. You’ll need to speak German almost every day, ideally if it’s business German.
Therefore, the ability to actively communicate in German is one of the important prerequisites.
However, if you feel that you have gaps in this area, we can give you room for improvement through our language courses that you take during your working hours.
Ideally, however, if you have used German in the past and just need a refresher.
You’ll also benefit from a good knowledge of business English.
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact one of our IT recruiters.

Everyday communication in German — In msg life, you will communicate in German on a daily basis.

We are looking for employees with IT talent

Start a career in IT with our IT company as IT talent with German language or IT talent with English and gain valuable experience and skills that you can put to good use.
Previous technical experience is an advantage with us, but not essential for every position.
It will definitely be a plus if you show enthusiasm and interest when you first contact us.
This is also reflected in general theoretical IT knowledge or proficiency in simpler technologies.
The ability to quickly understand the issues is important for training.
The potential for entering the IT world lies in a strong analytical mindset.
Previous experience in the insurance industry is not a prerequisite for most positions with us.
However, you will certainly be familiar with this area, more or less, as our clients are leading insurance companies such as Axa, Generali and Aegon.
Above all, a willingness and ability to get to grips with the subject matter is important.
Experience or at least theoretical knowledge of life or non-life insurance is an advantage in the training process, especially for yourself.

Analytical thinking and IT segment — Analytical thinking is the foundation for entering the IT world.

Interest, motivation, potential and responsibility

We enjoy coming to work and find what we do fulfilling. This is also one of the basic prerequisites for a successful candidate. Motivation to progress is an important factor that we focus on already in the employee selection process. If you approach your work with a natural interest, your setting will quickly reflect in the results. Such an approach ultimately leads to mutual satisfaction – you as an employee and us as an employer. You will also be motivated by the approach of like-minded colleagues. The pleasant atmosphere will literally draw you in and kick-start your hidden potential. We know from experience that your personality and direction are what you can build on. The most important thing is inside you. Everything else is just tools. That’s why we love to help you discover your hidden talents. So do your best to show us what you’ve got. Start by preparing a CV that will make it easy for us to spot your talent. Politeness combined with openness are necessary for teamwork. If you’re no stranger to them, you have the opportunity to show them from the start of the employee selection process. We need to be able to rely on you, so you can’t do without a certain amount of autonomy and responsibility.

Pleasant atmosphere at msg life Slovakia — The pleasant atmosphere at msg life Slovakia is mainly created by our friendly colleagues.

7 reasons why learn German

Posted on 09. 08. 202125. 08. 2025 by Zuzana Kocáková

There are many reasons to learn German. Find out which ones they are.

It is said “As many languages you know, as many times you are a human being”. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to know more than one foreign language. There are indeed many reasons to learn languages. The main one, however, is that knowing the language of other nations can bring you great opportunities (not just career opportunities). In addition, a foreign language gives you the opportunity to meet new people, keep an open mind and perceive the world from a different perspective.

German language is used even in Africa

Despite all the jokes you’ve heard about German so far, the language is indeed well represented in Europe. In the European Union, it is the most widely spoken mother tongue. German is spoken in 38 countries around the world and for 7 countries German is the official or dominant language. There are also significant German-speaking populations in the USA, Canada, Brazil and Argentina. A few German-speaking regions could even be found in Africa – in the former German colonies.

Even if you’re not travelling to German language speaking countries or regions, German language will find you literally around every corner thanks to tourists. In fact, Germans are considered eager tourists and lead in the ranking of spending money on travel. Not counting 2020, which affected tourism worldwide, Germans spent more than €80 million on foreign travel in 2019.

German will make it easier for you to learn other languages

The days of contrastive linguistics are long gone. Referring to another foreign language can support the learning of a new language, as evidenced by research from recent decades. German belongs to the West Germanic subgroup of the Germanic languages. If you can speak it, it makes it easier to learn other Germanic languages such as Danish, Swedish, Dutch or Norwegian. Thanks to the related language groups, each new language is easier to learn than the one before. The benefits relate not only to vocabulary, but also to learning strategies and techniques.

There is also evidence that students who have learned English as a first foreign language have a head start in German language learning. A good command of English is a great advantage because the two languages share the same language group and a broad base. It applies to international words from Latin, common Germanic backgrounds and Anglicisms. In addition to verbs, we find many adjectives that are identical in both languages.

German is the language of success and intelligence

I’m sure you’re familiar with brands like Adidas, BMW and Audi. They are all of German origin. Germany is a country that dominates the world of brands and finance. The German economy is the strongest in Europe and maintains a strong fourth place in the world. Germany is also famous for its high level of engineering, which ranks among the world’s elite. It is therefore no wonder that German is the lingua franca of Central and Eastern Europe – a term that denotes a business language that is also a language of communication for cultural and diplomatic needs and is also used as a means of information exchange between scientists.

German can also be described as the official language of science, because Germany as a country leads the way in science and research. A lot of scientific studies have been published in German. The fact that German is the language of intelligence is evidenced by the 92 Nobel Prizes won by scientists from the three main German-speaking countries.

You’re already using German, even though you may not know about it

Many German words have penetrated into our native language; you would hardly find another Slavic language that uses as much German as Slovak language. German words have been with us for centuries. We owe this to the rich trade relations with Austria and the German minorities who lived in Spis and in the mining towns. Among the Germanisms we still use today are, for example, the words: target – cieľ (Ziel), sugar – cukor (Zucker), blanket – deka (Decke), fine – fajn (fein), coin – minca (Münze), hit – trafiť – (treffen)…

Another advantage of learning German language is that you don’t need to learn a new type of alphabet like you do with Russian, Chinese or Arabic. If you’re worried that learning German language will be time-consuming, don’t be, because German offers a range of handy shortcuts for faster and more efficient learning. You can really start at any age, even if you can only say hello in German.

German is full of surprises

Most languages, including English and German, combine smaller words into longer ones. The Germans, however, have taken this practice to the extreme. You don’t believe me? Just search for funny German words or the longest compound words in the search engine, some of them have more than 30 or 40 letters. Surprisingly long words, they give even a “Muttersprachler” a hard time, perhaps because many of them are artificially created and are not used in informal language.

German is generally the language with the longest words, with an average of 13 letters. German compound words are unrivalled in the world. The Guinness Book of World Records once listed a German word with 79 letters, and the longest commonly used word today is “Rechtsschutzversicherungsgesellschaften” with 39 letters. It indicates insurance companies providing legal protection. So yes, it does exist and is used.

A man looking at a monitor grabs his head while learning difficult German words — The German language is full of surprises.

German opens up a new career not only in IT

After the pandemic, the job market is opening up again and there are many job offers with the requirement to know German language. With them come new career opportunities that are often above average. Nowadays, almost all employers are looking for multilingual employees, and German language skills could be the key to your dream job.

There are over 2,000 Austrian and 600 German companies active in Slovakia and the top topic for the near future is the shortage of qualified employees. Although many of the work teams are international and use English, a high level in German helps in better relationship building. Currently, our largest job portal offers up to 1,602 positions with German language. There are over 500 offers in the Bratislava region, 178 offers in the Kosice region and 166 offers in the Zilina region. Knowledge of the German language is guaranteed to boost your CV, whatever industry you work in.

German language opens the door to msg life Slovakia

You can also use your knowledge of German at msg life Slovakia, a subsidiary of the German group msg life Gruppe. This international group has been offering professional IT and consulting services in the insurance and finance segments for more than 40 years. We have been successfully growing on the Slovak market since 2000. In our offices in Bratislava, Zilina and Kosice you can find a really great job in the field of software development.

You will use German in your daily communication, especially with your colleagues from Germany. For some positions, such as our Business Analyst for the area of migration with German language, you will be the direct contact for our customers, which are the large insurance companies in the German market such as AXA and UNIQA.

We have a variety of interesting positions with the opportunity to use your excellent German language skills at a minimum B2 level:

You can find all our latest job offers here on the careers page.

We are breaking down language barriers

At msg life Slovakia we are constantly improving our foreign language skills. Our quality German and English tutors provide German language learning online to help you improve and progress. Our courses are free of charge and are among the many benefits we offer you as an employee. Part of the German course even counts towards working hours. They are also suitable for colleagues with A1-A2 level and will gradually help you to get to a higher level. You can read about language levels in our next article.

Do you speak German and know your way around the IT world, but there is not an offer in our job offers that you are completely interested in? Never mind, write to us or send us your CV. For smart people with German, possible programming experience or experience in the insurance industry, we have an offer of IT Talent with German Language.