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."

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."

Anne – senior account manager and mother

"I work as a senior account manager in the finished vehicle transport division and I am responsible for transports to and from Barcelona. On the so-called Spain corridor, new vehicles from various European production sites are transported to Barcelona or in the opposite direction, from Spain to Central and Eastern Europe.

I have been working for these transports since my return from parental leave. I am happy that I could take over such a versatile job after my parental leave. My job includes customer contact, preparing offers as well as partner management and coordination with our Spanish service providers on site. My spanish language skills are very beneficial, and I particularly like the international aspect of my job.

Since I work part-time, my colleagues support me and are available to address any inquiries from our partners and customers when needed. I can organize my working hours flexibly and work from home if I want to. This leaves me enough time for my daughter and my family."

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."

Thorben – account manager, pursuing a Bachelor's degree while working

"As an account manager, I have been working in sales for the past four years, specifically in the field of automotive components. I function as an interface between our company and our automotive customers. Being the first point of contact, transport inquiries and customer requests reach me firsthand.

Nine years ago, I began my professional journey with an apprenticeship as a specialist for freight forwarding and logistics services at DB Cargo. My training, followed by a job at DB Cargo and now at DB Cargo Logistics, has helped me a lot to identify and strengthen my professional interests.

For personal and professional development, I decided to pursue a part-time degree with a focus on economics and psychology. Due to my part-time studies, I can effectively link the theoretical knowledge with the practical experience – and vice versa. This opens up new opportunities for my colleagues and me. In addition to financial support, DB Cargo Logistics offers me a flexible working time arrangement that I can easily align with my lecture schedule. Moreover, my manager and colleagues have my back in the day-to-day business as well as in more stressful phases."

Kim – project manager, from trainee to a Master’s programme

"After my studies, I first started as a trainee at DB Cargo Logistics. Despite the pandemic, the 15-month trainee programme gave me the opportunity to gain a comprehensive insight into all units of the company and to prepare for my future job. I learned a lot during this time and made many contacts throughout the company – the trainee days were really great!

After the traineeship, I joined the product engineering team as a project manager, where we deal with the development of new, innovative products and services. My first project, for example, involved the selection and implementation of a process management software. I really like that my job is very versatile and wide-ranging.

Then I decided to start my Master's studies. I'm studying part-time now and it's working out very well. From the beginning, everyone – my supervisor as well as my colleagues – supported me in this decision. I was able to reduce my worktime easily and can manage my schedule flexibly."

Jacqueline – data scientist with a direct entry

"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."

Claudia – driver at the Automotive Terminal

"I work as a driver at the Automotive Terminal Bremen (ATB). Together with my 60 colleagues, we handle around 500 new vehicles every day and make sure they are loaded onto the right train or truck.

The new vehicles arrive at our terminal from various European production sites. On arrival, they are checked for rough damages or staining. In the check-in hall, they are examined more closely with the help of special lighting technology and inspection mirrors. Another field of activity is the work on the loading grounds. Here, the cars are moved to the assigned parking spaces and into the right position for loading onto the right train or truck. The railway crew finally drives the vehicles onto the train. This is millimetre work and requires a lot of precision.

We are not limited to one field of activity, and everyone can and does everything. That's what I like about my job, the versatility and variety. We work in 3 shifts, but usually in the same team. Hence, we know each other well and can always rely on each other."

Ann-Christin – operations manager who works shifts

"As an operations manager, I am the first point of contact for our customers, shippers, and other service providers. My daily work consists of three main responsibilities: monitoring transportation operations, intervening in case of disruptions and proactively identifying and resolving problems. Overall, it means having a challenging and diverse job where no workday is like the other.

Continuous learning is key, and with my apprenticeship as a specialist for freight forwarding and logistics services and prior professional experience as an operations manager at a major logistics service provider, I am no stranger to the logistics world.

Personally, what I enjoy most about my work is the quest for the best possible solution. As a team, we excel in developing quick solutions and fostering good collaboration."

Justin – career start as an apprentice for freight forwarding and logistics services

"As an apprentice, I rotate through the different departments in the company, which gives me a good insight into the different units and how the company operates. I can apply these experiences into my future career. Currently, my tasks involve organising and planning transports and checking whether they can be carried out as scheduled.

I find it particularly interesting that although you "only" work on the computer, you have so much responsibility. What I like most about this apprenticeship are the varied tasks. The collaboration with my colleagues is excellent, and that's why I particularly enjoy coming to the office, although I can also work from home.

After my apprenticeship, I could imagine studying and eventually working internationally in the freight forwarding industry. So far, I've only worked in two departments, but I'm already looking forward to the next experiences. I can recommend the apprenticeship at DB Cargo Logistics to anyone who is looking for a company with good working conditions and great colleagues – the work is really fun!"