Yingnan, account manager and mother

"I work as an account manager for finished vehicle transports by rail from and to China. Before I went on maternity leave, I helped to implement new transport services from China to Germany, which was super exciting and allowed me to make good use of my language skills. When I returned from my parental leave, I was able to get straight into a new project for our China transports. In my first week back, it already felt like I'd never been away.

I'm now working part-time so that I have time for my son as well. My hours are very flexible and I have the option to work partly from home. Our Chinese customers and partners have high expectations and sometimes they need to be able to reach me outside of my regular working hours. When things are quieter or when my son needs me, I reduce my hours accordingly. I share the childcare with my husband."

Malte, Division manager – started as an intern

"As Equipment Division Manager, my team and I are responsible for all the transport equipment for our various industries, especially freight wagons, but also cargo containers such as containers or swap bodies. It is important that the equipment is available at the right time, in the right quantity and quality, and that it is suitable for the cargo. As customer requirements are constantly evolving, strategic fleet development and the preparation of major investment decisions are also part of the job.

I started working for the company as an intern in 2009 and also wrote my thesis on the topic of "transport equipment". I found it so interesting that I stayed on as an employee. I was soon able to take on more responsibility, lead a small team and then, after about five years, when my boss retired, I took over as divisional manager.

I like the fact that our business is constantly changing and that we always have new challenges to tackle. I also like the good mix of strategic and operational issues, from shaping the future to quickly transfer a wagon into maintenance."

Claudia, driver at the Automotive Terminal Bremen and works council member

"I work as a driver at the Automotive Terminal Bremen (ATB). With about 60 colleagues, we are responsible for checking incoming new vehicles and loading them onto the right train or truck. I enjoy the contact with colleagues from many different backgrounds and being outdoors in all weathers.

I am also a works council member and can therefore support and represent my colleagues - especially at the Bremen site, of course. I always have an open ear for their concerns and can try to find solutions together with my fellow works council members."

Steffen, shift operations manager

"As an operations manager, I manage our customers' inter-plant shipments. Besides the actual rail transport, we mainly take care of the pre- and on-carriage by road of containers, semi-trailers and swap bodies. We also organise and oversee direct deliveries by truck. With our intermodal logistics concepts, we link different modes of transport with each other. This means that even customers without their own private siding can be connected to the rail network.

This is an exciting and varied task, as you never know exactly what to expect at the start of a shift. We always have to be ready to find good solutions fast. Shift times are usually between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm. That makes me flexible. Sometimes I'm free weekday mornings, which is useful for getting things done. And sometimes I'm off in the afternoons, which means I can take my children swimming in summer. As a team, we have a great bond and can always rely on each other."

Benedikt, product manager and part-time Master's student

"I'm a product manager for the components industry. We're responsible for planning, optimisation and further development of transport concepts to move vehicle components across Europe. We work closely with our counterparts in Sales and also act as an interface for staff in the operating units and for our service providers in Germany and Europe. Our goal is always to develop the best possible solution for our customers. It's a challenging and fun job.

I also wanted to continue my own development and completed a Master's in international management in two and a half years alongside my work for DB Cargo Logistics. My employer was very supportive. I was able to arrange my working hours flexibly in order to prepare for exams and attend lectures."

Jacqueline, data scientist and direct entrant

"I started as a junior data scientist at DB Cargo Logistics in the data science department two years ago, immediately after my Master's degree.

We generate analyses and forecasts based on statistical models, for example for certain KPIs such as punctuality, train load factors and train path utilisation. The aim is to achieve greater transparency and optimise traffic in our industries using better control methods.

Since I enjoy dealing with numbers, this is a really exciting and diverse area to work in, though also a challenging one. I like being part of the team as we work together very constructively and appreciate each other. Our department is still in the process of being set up, which means I can get involved and help shape things."

Rilana, head of department – from student to manager

"I head the business integration department, which includes the business development, project management office and marketing teams. Our focus is on business development and the formulation of strategies with the individual industries. We coordinate the project portfolio and ensure internal and external communication.

I got to know rail logistics as a student during an internship with an automotive manufacturer. That made me want to deepen my knowledge. I started at DB Cargo Logistics in 2013. At that time, I was still studying for my degree. As an employee, I was later able to get involved in various sales and business development projects before helping to build my own project management team. In 2018, I was given responsibility for the entire strategic department.

What I particularly like about my job is that we can help shape and experience new developments from the very beginning. This gives us an overall picture of the company. It enables us to act as a link between departments and to work with people at all levels of the hierarchy. I appreciate the collaborative and dynamic way the company works and the creative freedom I am given."

Jochen, senior system engineer and expert for IT security

"As an expert in IT security, IT infrastructure and IT governance, I have been responsible for the continuous expansion of our secure hardware, software and system landscape since 2014, with a special focus on cyber security since 2019. This includes translating corporate requirements into effective concepts and implementing them together with our teams.

DB Cargo Logistics is always open to new ideas and technologies, especially when it comes to IT. We swiftly take on board new customer requirements and develop suitable solutions. Within the DB Group, we have the opportunity to network with colleagues throughout Europe, exchange specialist expertise and multiply knowledge. Flat hierarchies and a friendly working environment make this an appealing job and are combined with a great work-life balance, which also allows for a temporary reduction in working hours."

Kim, company-wide experience as a trainee

"After my degree I started as a trainee at DB Cargo Logistics. The 15-month trainee programme gives me the opportunity to gain a comprehensive insight into all areas of the company and to prepare for my target station. I started in Product Engineering, which provides cross-sector support in the implementation and design of relevant projects and topics and deals with the development of new, innovative products and services. My next trainee station took me to the Customer Service Centre, which is responsible for the operational implementation of transport concepts and forms an important interface to our customers. I also plan to spend some time abroad at a DB Cargo subsidiary.

The team immediately made me feel welcome and I was able to work on various projects from the very beginning. In the process, I can acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge to better understand the world of transport logistics."