15 Years of Reto – AI in His Mind, Team Spirit in His Heart

From Student to AI Engineer—Helpful, Pragmatic, and Solution-Oriented

Reto Oswald has been with Online Consulting AG for 15 years. What began as an apprenticeship in computer science with a focus on application development has evolved into an impressive career. Today, Reto works as an AI Engineer on the AI Solutions team, developing innovative solutions for our clients.

After completing his apprenticeship, Reto remained with Online as a developer and, at the same time, earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from ZHAW. His enthusiasm for new technologies and his commitment to continuous professional development eventually led him into the world of artificial intelligence. Today, he is an integral part of our AI team.

Those who work with Reto especially appreciate his helpful and reliable nature. He makes time for others, enjoys discussing a wide variety of topics, and, with his sociable and humorous personality, helps create a pleasant team atmosphere.

A Valued Sparring Partner for the Team and Clients

Reto’s professional input is also highly valued—both within the team and by our clients. He makes strategic use of his pragmatic approach and his knack for finding practical solutions. Whether in workshops at home and abroad or when collaborating with project managers, consultants, and management to develop new AI solutions, Reto is fully engaged and thinks beyond existing approaches. Especially during brainstorming sessions, he often comes up with creative and unconventional ideas.

Reto also enjoys getting involved outside of his day-to-day work. Team events, lunches with colleagues, or unwinding after work with his coworkers are among his favorite moments at Online. The fact that his brother Marco—another member of his family—has been part of the Online family for many years makes this sense of connection even more special.

Between AI and Coffee Breaks—We Ask the Questions

What was your most memorable moment during your time at Online?

Actually, for me, it’s all the team events—each one holds its own special memories. If I had to pick just one, it would be the first team event at the Cube Hotel in Savognin. That’s where I first met our Polish colleagues. We spent a lot of time together, the weather was great, and the mountain scenery was just perfect. Since Savognin is a fairly small town, the whole group stayed together, and that’s exactly what made the trip so special.

If you could travel back in time with a time machine to a specific moment during your time at Online, which one would it be and why?

I actually try not to think too much about “what if?” scenarios. But if I had to pick one moment, it would be back in 2013, during my apprenticeship, when we were mining Bitcoin. Looking back, I probably would have taken that hobby a little more seriously.

Which song best describes your career at Online?

“Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley. I started here as an apprentice, and somehow it seems like a sort of “nothing will come between us until retirement” relationship has developed between Online and me.

If you were the CEO for a day, what would you change?

Let’s be clear: At 9:45 a.m., there would be a mandatory coffee break for everyone—no exceptions. More coffee, more conversation, and fewer people pretending they don’t have time for it.

In which other department would you like to work someday?

I’d love to work with Uschi in Business Operations sometime. Lately, I’ve been finding that I prefer hands-on work. As a software developer, you spend a lot of time hunting for bugs or figuring out why something that was working yesterday suddenly isn’t working today. It would be nice to solve real-world problems instead of digital ones for a change. And I’m sure I could learn a lot from Uschi.

Thank you very much, Reto, for 15 years of dedication, engaging discussions, and many shared experiences. We look forward to many more years with you!