Our series “4 questions for…” brings you wide-ranging and often surprising insights into our daily work here at Kaufland e-commerce. This time, Johannes is going to talk about his dual studies with us.
1. Johannes, you recently completed your dual study programme and you are now working full-time for us as a Junior Vendor Manager – congratulations, first of all! Would you like to tell us more about your degree programme?
I studied Digital Commerce Management at the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University. This was a new degree programme in the field of business administration, but with a focus on digitalisation and retail. I alternated between practical work in the company at Kaufland e-commerce and theory at university. The theory phases always lasted 12 weeks, whereas the practical phases were sometimes a little longer. During the practical phase, I was free to choose which departments I wanted to familiarise myself with in the company and where I wanted to work. This gave me the opportunity to shape my career entirely based on my interests.
2. How does it feel to work full-time at Kaufland e-commerce now?
It feels very good to be an integral part of the Vendor Management Team at Kaufland e-commerce. The responsibility I have been given makes my position particularly exciting and just perfect for me! The huge advantage that I feel now compared to my time as a dual student is that I’m always involved in what is going on in the company and in ongoing projects and innovations. I now have continuity in my work routine.
3. Why did you decide to stay with Kaufland e-commerce?
I decided to stay with Kaufland e-commerce after my studies because I find the atmosphere within the teams very relaxed. I really appreciate the mentality towards how tasks are handled here – the agile approach, or teamwork for more complex tasks. You can then draw on the experience of your older colleagues! It also helps me a lot that I got to know a lot of different departments during my studies, so I always know the right person to turn to in my current position.
4. Would you do a dual study programme again or would you rather be a full-time student?
I would definitely do a dual study programme again, as it gives you the opportunity to put the theory that you’ve learned directly into practice. It also allows you to quickly determine which theoretical content is actually implemented in everyday working life and you discover the differences between theory and practice. A dual study programme also offers the opportunity to gain professional experience at an early stage. That’s why it’s the ideal starting point for a professional career.
Thank you so much for the interesting insights, Johannes!