From newbie to specialist
Early 2021: It's a rainy day in the Hanseatic city and, like every weekday, Deborah Neumann, also known as Debby, drives the thirty-minute journey to work - the agt in Hamburg, Hammerbrook.
On this particular day, opening her email inbox brought unexpected recognition: a promotion to Key Account Credit Controller, shining proof that hard work and dedication lead to well-deserved success. She was delighted to realize that her efforts had ushered in a new, exciting phase of her career.
In a busy conference room of a high-rise building in Hamburg, we meet a busy young professional. With her attention divided between our conversation and her cell phone, she prepares for an upcoming meeting. Despite the narrow window of time her demanding role leaves her, she takes a moment to reflect on her professional journey. She shares her story: a journey from event industry trainee to Key Account Credit Controller, a journey of self-discovery and constant drive that has propelled her forward in her career.
Interviewer: Debby, I'm delighted that you've taken the time to tell us your story. First of all, how are you and would you like to briefly introduce yourself?
Debby: I'm doing great. I'm Deborah Neumann, 28 years old and I'm from Hamburg. My hobby is singing. In fact, I also sing in a church choir and often organize events in my private life. Planning and organizing are also part of my interests outside of work. I simply like clear structures.
Get to know us better and find out what makes us special, who is behind the work and how we harmonize with each other on a daily basis.
Career paths and development opportunities at agt
Interviewer: You like to plan. I'm sure that will have helped you in your career?
Debby: Totally. Before my apprenticeship, I wasn't nearly as structured as I am now. The training period at agt has definitely shaped me.
Interviewer : Your title is "Key Account Credit Controller". What does that mean?
Debby: My responsibilities consist of looking after the largest online mail order company. I am also primarily responsible for the invoicing system for key account customers. This also includes checking the invoices and costs for our orders.
Interviewer: If you were to look at the skills, what should an applicant or trainee event manager consider beforehand?
Debby: You should be able to think logically and if you have experience with Excel, that's also an advantage. In terms of soft skills, you should have stamina and enough drive.
Interviewer: Drive is the keyword for you. You've already had a stellar career at agt in your younger years. What has been your greatest success so far?
Debby: During the training period, each trainee is given the task of planning an event completely independently. You even get to choose your own team. I had the task of planning an Oktoberfest-themed company party for our customer. Everything went according to plan and our customer was overjoyed with how smoothly everything went. I realized for myself that I was very satisfied with my performance and happy that the customer and his guests were happy too.
Interviewer: That sounds like a lot of work. As the saying goes, "Apprenticeships are not master years". Is this true for you?
Debby: At agt, if you are seen to be contributing and your ideas are well thought out, you will be given the chance to move up. I'm not an exception either. At agt, everyone is treated equally and everyone is listened to. That's why I knew very quickly that I wanted to be taken on after my apprenticeship. The working atmosphere is simply cool.
Interviewer: Was there anything you found particularly good during your apprenticeship?
Debby: There are good benefits such as an HVV ticket subsidy, lots of excursions and company parties.
Interviewer: You are still quite young, can you imagine working in this job forever?
Debby: I know that I would like to move into the wedding industry at some point because my skills and interests overlap there. The good thing is that the wedding sector at agt is currently expanding and growing rapidly. As I mentioned earlier, as an employee at agt you get the chance to develop professionally and personally. That would be my vision for the future. But I am also very happy with my current position.
Interviewer: Thank you, Debby, and I think we've gotten a great insight into your career at agt!
Debby was promoted to Key Account Credit Controller as a result of her commitment and achievements in training.
The structured and targeted training at agt has contributed significantly to this development.
As Key Account Credit Controller, she has a high level of responsibility for customer service and accounting.
Outside of work, her organizational skills and passion for music and events are also reflected in her professional role.
Related Posts
In our agt Bus World, we provide information about current developments in our company, as well as the latest topics and events in the bus and mobility industry.
In our agt Bus World, we provide information about current developments in our company, as well as the latest topics and events in the bus and mobility industry.
Dual vocational training in Germany is facing growing challenges: falling applicant numbers, changing expectations of Generation Z and new requirements due to digitalization. Our apprentice Ron, who began his training as an office management assistant at agt in 2020 and now works as a project manager, is shown how successful training works. Key factors are the gradual transfer of responsibility and practical challenges.
Career paths are often characterized by challenges, learning moments and the right support. Janina's story impressively demonstrates how commitment, continuous training and the opportunities within a company can lead to impressive success. From starting out to the position of Sales Manager, her career reflects what can be achieved with motivation and the right support.