Jan Gredigk, born in 1977, got to know the logistics industry from the ground up: after training as a 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 of Applied Sciences in North Hesse (2009 to 2012). This was followed by a further distance learning course at HWG LU, where Jan Gredigk studied strategic corporate management as well as key figures and analyses in the field of finance on 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 sector is varied. It is subject to constant change, and in my field - transportation logistics - you get a deep insight into the entire supply chain of industrial customers. In addition, transport logistics tends to take on more and more tasks in the value chain of our shippers. But the sector itself is also changing, driven by digitalization. All of this makes logistics a very exciting professional environment.
What prompted you to do an MBA three and a half years after completing your 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 knowledge I gained in the area of finance enables me to better classify investment options and to be more "independent" in my advisory discussions. On the other hand, I naturally also saw the deepening of my knowledge in the field of M&A as an investment in my professional development.
You have therefore obtained two degrees while working. What qualities do you need 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. The private university certainly has advantages here, but the cost factor is also not insignificant.
What skills and abilities that you have acquired during your training do you need in your everyday working life?
As both universities were very practice-oriented, I benefit from almost everything I learned in my day-to-day work.
When you think back to your time at HWG LU, what comes to mind...?
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 return to everyday life, there is actually no longer any contact...
At least you've been a member of the HWG LU Friends' Association since last year. What prompted you to join?
As I have benefited greatly from the further education option, I would like this model to continue in the future. By becoming a member of the Friends' 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 want to stay in bed on Saturdays. If possible, you should also try to try out/implement the knowledge you have gained in the company.
Is there anything you would like to pass on to the university management/your old Department?
Don't just rely on video conferencing or teaching when transferring knowledge. The cohesion in our group could only develop in presence and should not be underestimated. It has helped us all progress in many subjects.
Thank you very much for the interview!
Interview: Britta Käufer
