Graduate interview: Angelique - Specialist for internal communication
06/04/2024After graduating, Angelique worked as a specialist for internal communications at Deutsche Bahn. She studied Media Communication at the University of Würzburg. However, it was also activities outside of her studies that promoted her personal growth and strengthened her soft skills. Her tip for career orientation: use your own network.
What did you study at the University of Würzburg?
Media Communication - both Bachelor's and Master's programmes.
What is your current job?
I currently work as a specialist for internal communications at Deutsche Bahn.
Which company/employer do you work for?
Deutsche Bahn
What tasks do you take on?
Coordination of communication formats for employees (events, dialogue, information events, intranet), interface between the specialist department and HR marketing (e.g. selecting suitable job fairs, finding suitable people), change communication, designing onboarding measures
How did you orientate yourself professionally during and after your studies?
Through internships, part-time jobs and voluntary work. I looked into many different professions and travelled to a number of career fairs. In addition, the exchange within my own network was particularly valuable.
Did you make use of certain university services for career guidance (e.g. Career Centre, alumni office, mentoring programme, guest lectures, etc.)?
Many seminars from the Career Centre (on applications, self-presentation, salary negotiations, etc.), lectures from GSIK and elective courses in the Master's programme, which are as varied as possible.
How did you find out about the position you have applied for? Is there a particular portal that you could recommend to students in the future?
Through a friend. But good jobs are also pushed on LinkedIn! All jobs at the railway and specific application tips can be found here: https://db.jobs/service/search/de-de/5441588?qli=true&query=&location=&targetGroup=&sort=pubExternalDate_tdt&country=&pageNum=0
What was your application process like and what was the timeline from first contact to acceptance?
I applied via the Deutsche Bahn portal. This was followed by a call from the HR manager and then I had two interviews with different people. In general, the Deutsche Bahn applicant portal keeps you informed about every step of the application process. You can check the current status at any time. The process is described here: https://db.jobs/de-de/bewerbungstipps/auswahlprozess-meistern
Were there any questions in the interview that you did not expect? If so, which ones?
Typical questions, actually. If there are typical questions that you should always have an answer to, then these are the ones: Why exactly this position? Why this company?
Which skills from your degree programme are helpful or essential for your current job?
Presentation skills help enormously, practical knowledge of video and image production, time management and the ability to understand complex social structures (psychological knowledge)
How have you acquired additional skills (e.g. workshops and seminars, internships, part-time job, associations, voluntary work, trainee, further training, etc.)?
Exactly that, workshops, seminars, part-time job, club, internships. Especially activities that were not necessarily related to my education helped me in my personal growth and extremely strengthened soft skills (such as networking).
Do you have any general tips for professional orientation and career planning?
Ask your friends and family where they see you working. That will give you good ideas.
What do you recommend to students who want to work in your industry or profession?
I'll play the old game: use your network! Ask acquaintances if you would like to join the same company or work in the same profession, that's where you'll get the most honest insights.
