Jan Gredigk, born in 1977, learned the logistics industry from the bottom up: After training as a freight forwarding agent, he worked in various sales positions at logistics companies, including TNT and DPD. During his time at EF Express, the Essen native then completed a distance learning course in business law at the private DIPLOMA University in northern Hesse (2009 to 2012). Further distance learning followed at HWG LU, where Jan Gredigk studied in depth about strategic corporate management as well as key figures and analyses in the field of finance in the MBA program Finance, Strategy and Accounting from 2016 to 2018. During this time, he made another career change, which led him to the British logistics service provider GBA Logistics, where he is still Managing Director today.
What makes logistics an exciting career field for you?
J. Gredigk: The logistics industry is varied. It is subject to constant change, and in my field - transport logistics - you get deep insights into the entire supply chain of industrial customers. In addition, transport logistics is tending to take on more and more tasks in the value chain of our shippers. But the field itself is also changing, driven by digitalization. All of this makes logistics a very exciting professional environment.
What made you decide to do an MBA three and a half years after graduating with a bachelor's degree in business law?
On the one hand, there were private reasons, namely the goal of being able to organize my retirement provision more independently. The know-how I gained in the field of finance enables me to better assess investment options and to be more "independent" in my advisory discussions. On the other hand, I naturally also saw the deepening of knowledge in the area of M&A as an investment in my professional development.
This means that you have earned two degrees while working. What qualities should you bring with you for this?
Curiosity, an understanding environment (family/friends) and a bit of discipline.
What do you see as the main differences between a private and a state university?
I see the main difference in the group size and a higher degree of individualization. Here, the private university certainly has advantages, but the cost factor is also a not inconsiderable one.
What skills and abilities that you acquired in your training do you need in your everyday working life?
Since both universities were very practice-oriented, almost everything I learned benefits me in my day-to-day work.
When you think back to your time at HWG LU - what comes to mind spontaneously...?
Very good and motivated lecturers, a great study group and the sound of the alarm clock on Saturdays :-)
To what extent are you still in contact with your "old" university in Ludwigshafen?
Due to the regained daily life, there is actually no contact anymore....
After all, you have been a member of the HWG LU support association since last year. What prompted you to do so?
Since I have benefited greatly from the continuing education option, I would like this model to continue in the future. By becoming a member of the support association, I can at least make a small contribution to supporting my old university.
What advice would you give to current students and graduates?
They should enjoy their time. Don't give up, even if there is a phase when you would prefer to stay in bed on Saturdays. If possible, you should also try to try out/implement the knowledge you have gained at work.
Is there anything you would like the university management/your old department to take away?
Do not rely only on video conferencing or teaching for knowledge transfer. The cohesion in our group could only be created in presence and should not be underestimated. This has helped us all in many subjects.
Thank you very much for the interview!
Interview: Britta Käufer
