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Testimonial
PreMaster Program

Technical sales

My name is Jonas, I’m 24 and I come from Kiel. After completing my degree in mechanical engineering (B. Eng.) at the Kiel University of Applied Sciences in the winter semester of 2018, I was keen to gain some practical experience before commencing my studies for a master’s degree. As part of a “European Project Semester”, I had the opportunity to write my bachelor’s thesis a the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) in Valencia, Spain. After working with the multinational interdisciplinary team, I knew that I wanted to gain more experience in a large, international company.

As I was passionate about both technology and interface skills during my studies, I looked for a way in which I could combine the two.

The PreMaster Program from Bosch Rexroth in technical sales was the ideal solution.

How long have you been with the company?

I’ve been on the PreMaster Program at Bosch Rexroth AG since April 1, 2019. My business phase lasted a year. The master's phase with integrated student work at the company is now starting, and I expect it to be completed in winter 2021.

What is your position at Bosch Rexroth?

Portrait of a student

I’m currently working in technical sales for mobile hydraulics, assisting with both in-house and field service. The Sales Unit in Ratingen looks after customers within a radius of approx. 200 km and is the first point of contact for any inquiries. The varied tasks include preparing quotations with a price and delivery time, clarifying technical issues, negotiating prices, and acquiring new customers. I particularly enjoy acting as a link – a) between the different departments in the company and b) with external customers. This requires good communication skills as well as a good deal of tact and instinct.

Can you describe the PreMaster Program? What was the highlight for you?

Just two weeks into the business phase, I was given the opportunity as part of my PreMasters to attend Bauma, the biggest trade fair in the world and the leading trade fair for the entire construction machinery industry. Here I gained an insight into my new working environment, got to know Bosch Rexroth’s products, and was able to experience the integration and application of these from the customer’s point of view. This was a fantastic start to what turned out to be an incredibly informative and exciting year at Bosch Rexroth.

My qualification plan was decided on together with my sponsor and mentor. This sets out the different areas of the company in which you will be posted and further training measures for the entire year in the business phase. I started out with some practical work at the service center in Bochum, which gave me an introduction to hydraulics and the Bosch Rexroth product range. I then spent six weeks in design and development in the transmission units department in Dortmund. Here, I worked within a dynamic team on the further development of a gear unit, enabling me to acquire valuable experience in the product development process as well as in project management.

In the fall, I then moved again, spending two weeks in the service & independent aftermarket area. The insights I gained into service processes, the remanufacturing business, and the supply of spare parts to the aftermarket also helped me with my later day-to-day sales tasks. I was able to spend time at the lead plant for mobile hydraulics in Elchingen as well as at a further plant for large series in Horb am Neckar.

I had a full schedule of exciting opportunities throughout my year on the program, including various training courses and customer visits, a departmental workshop in Schwieberdingen, visiting the Renningen research center, as well as networking opportunities with other trainees and young professionals.

How did you find the working environment and corporate culture at Bosch Rexroth?

I found the cooperation at Bosch Rexroth particularly positive during my business phase. Through the training courses I attended and spending time in different areas of the company, I was able to get to know lots of new colleagues and managers. I experienced a high level of friendliness, collegiality, and helpfulness. The managers were always approachable and offered helpful solutions to problems. I always felt that I was in good hands and looked forward to coming to work.

Looking back, I couldn't have asked for any more during the year of my business phase:

Experiencing how different departments work, undergoing a broad range of training, and attending special events, such as the Bauma trade fair and networking events, all helped me to grow and develop. The assistance I received from colleagues in my host department and the support provided by the HR department, my sponsor, and my mentor could not have been better. I am very grateful for the experiences I have had.

I’m now looking forward to embarking on the master’s phase with Bosch Rexroth. I have chosen to study for a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering (M. Sc.) at the University of Applied Sciences in Düsseldorf alongside a student work placement. I'm excited to see what else awaits me!

Join our PreMaster Program

Work with Bosch Rexroth to gain invaluable practical experience in the period between your bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

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