The Economic Makers Promote Logistics Careers in Munich

A “FireCamp” with around 80 students and a panel discussion on careers in logistics with over 100 interested viewers: The Economic Makers achieved great success with these and other activities at transport logistic 2023.

(Bremen/Munich) With their “Open Space Lounge” located near the West entrance at the transition to Hall B1, the Economic Makers provided an ideally situated point of contact for participants, logistics enthusiasts, and media representatives. Throughout the fair, discussions were held on five central future topics – globalization & supply chains, digitalization & processes, the working world of logistics, climate change & sustainability, and future technologies. The Economic Makers will publish excerpts of the results on social media in the coming months.

Introducing Young Talents to Logistics

The image initiative attracted attention due to its activities at the fair. Especially the experimental format titled “FireCamp,” which started on Friday with a panel discussion on careers in the Forum of Hall A3, drew around 80 students and trainees to the international trade fair for logistics, mobility, IT, and supply chain management. Here, potential young professionals could get firsthand insights from participating companies in the initiative about Germany’s third-largest economic sector. The most frequently asked questions revolved around internships and training.

In the discussion round with Economic Makers spokesperson Frauke Heistermann, Loxxess co-partner Christina Thurner, Julia Jocher, responsible for project and innovation management at Group7, as well as HR experts Jennifer Hönig (Human Resources Development Specialist) and Dirk Opfer (HR Business Partner) from DHL, along with trainees from DHL and Group7, the participants presented their career entries into logistics and reported on their current jobs. It quickly became clear how diverse and future-oriented nearly all areas of activity in logistics are. The young talents responded positively, as Economic Makers spokesperson Frauke Heistermann explains: “You could tell that the students wanted to learn more about jobs in logistics. It was immensely helpful that they could actively participate in the discussion and exchange ideas directly with the trainees.”

In the subsequent independent tour of the fair, the students were tasked with gathering information at participating booths and getting their visit stamped on a pass. As a reward, attractive prizes like AirPods Max and Bluetooth speakers were raffled among the participants in the early afternoon.

Prof. Dr. Nils Finger, Professor of Supply Chain Management at CBS International Business School, who conducted the raffle together with co-initiator Jens Tosse, expressed his enthusiasm and stated that Friday at “transport logistic” – traditionally focused on careers – is one of the most important days of the fair: “The shortage of skilled workers is becoming increasingly severe, and the demands for skill sets in the industry are growing rapidly. We are engaging in this context in a multifaceted way. Improving the image of logistics among younger generations is also a personal concern for me, and we see how we can successfully introduce and retain motivated students in logistics through various initiatives and practical teaching.”

Forum Discussion on Careers in Logistics

On the topic of concerns about young talent, offerings for young talents, career changes, and career paths in logistics, Ramona Lerch, responsible for communication and public relations at the Port of Trier, Stephan Opel, managing director of the freight cooperation NG.network, Larissa Eger, co-founder and board member of neocargo AG, and Andreas Schumann, chairman of the Federal Association of Courier, Express, and Postal Services, discussed on Tuesday in the Forum of Hall A4 under the moderation of co-initiator Uwe Berndt. The core message from the discussants: Logistics must do more to become attractive to skilled workers.

Logistics Must Pay Skilled Workers Fairly

For example, Stephan Opel stated: “Logistics must pay its skilled workers fairly and, above all, treat them fairly.” For too long, the industry has relied on the fact that the job areas themselves would have a certain appeal and attract interested individuals. However, especially in competition with other industries, logistics must do even more for its positive external image. “Initiatives like the Economic Makers are already doing very good and important work here,” explained Ramona Lerch. She emphasized that communication is just one lever for a more positive public perception. Uwe Berndt summarized it as follows: “Communication can improve the image of the industry, but not the working conditions.”

Photo: © Die Wirtschaftsmacher / Image Caption: Frauke Heistermann (Die Wirtschaftsmacher) welcomes Munich students at the Economic Makers’ “FireCamp”