René Freitag
Graduated in March 2005

Career

Outside the Bundesbank

• August 1995 – July 1997
  Trained as a bank clerk
• August 1997 – July 2002
  I began my career as a bank clerk at a private bank, where I worked for several years looking after private customers, while completing my studies in banking in evening classes. After working several years there, I decided to start the dual study programme at the Bundesbank's University of Applied Sciences in Hachenburg.

At the Bundesbank

• October 2002 – March 2005
  Studied at the Bundesbank's University of Applied Sciences, Hachenburg, graduating as a business economist.
• April 2005 – November 2012
  After my career development examination, my first post was in a staff relations team at Central Office, as I had requested. I worked there for seven and a half years as a clerical officer, carrying out a range of tasks.
• December 2012 – April 2015
  Human resources manager for junior staff in the Intermediate and Upper Intermediate Service. In this role, I recruited, looked after and found initial positions for our junior staff, and was thus also responsible for our Hachenburg graduates.
• Since April 2015
  In April 2015, I switched to the neighbouring section and have since been the human resources manager for Higher Service employees in several departments as well as for junior staff in the Higher Service (those in the Bundesbank civil servant training programme and other graduate trainees).

Interview

What tasks are you currently working on?

I am currently the human resources manager for Higher Service employees in various departments as well as for the Bundesbank civil servant training and graduate trainee programmes.

How did your studies at the Bundesbank's University of Applied Sciences prepare you for the requirements of your job, especially your current position?

As the course at the university in Hachenburg is general in nature, it not only gives students knowledge of key topics such as banking supervision, but also imparts broad-based knowledge, thus enabling graduates to work in almost all areas of the Bank. However, it is also clear that the in-depth specialist knowledge that is required for each and every position can be acquired by on-the-job training and specialist further training.

In what way has studying at the Bundesbank's University of Applied Sciences influenced you?

One of the key features of studying at Hachenburg is undoubtedly living together in close proximity in the castle. That is not always easy and sharing a room during the foundation course is a completely new experience for many. But this living close together creates links and friendships that often last for years. The nice thing is that you then keep meeting former fellow students in your daily work, which often has a very positive impact when you work together.

What was the biggest challenge you faced while studying?

The biggest challenge for me was undoubtedly the enormous amount you had to learn in a short space of time.

Do you still feel connected to "your" university?

Do I feel connected to Hachenburg? Yes, I still do. My work takes me to Hachenburg several times a year and each time it's a nice feeling to be back in the Westerwald. And with no exam stress!