From trainee to manager: Dominik’s journey at the d.u.h.Group

The d.u.h.Group was a pioneer in the field of dual study programmes and, as early as 2009, established the dual Bachelor’s degree programme in the Münsterland region in collaboration with Münster University of Applied Sciences. As I’d wanted to combine academic study with practical training even whilst I was at school, the d.u.h.Group was the obvious choice for me. As well as the innovative training concept, I was impressed by the wide range of sectors and products covered by the d.u.h.Group’s engineering division. It was therefore clear to me that I had come across a company that is working towards a better future, both in terms of its core activities and its structure. Applying to the d.u.h.Group was therefore the obvious choice. Fortunately, our Managing Director, Michael Runge, gave me the chance to pursue this path

My job is multifaceted and varied. Every day, I have the opportunity to work with my colleagues to help develop the products of tomorrow and to assist our customers in bringing innovative products to market. What I particularly appreciate is that I get to work alongside highly motivated experts in our teams every day and can learn something new at any time. Furthermore, it is our customers who make my job special. It doesn’t matter whether we’re carrying out a small simulation task in the aerospace sector, designing a corporate identity for a textile machine, developing a better solution for the assembly of gearbox assemblies, or boosting digitalisation – and thus productivity – for customers in the e-mobility sector. All our clients are at the forefront of their respective industries, and it makes me proud to be able to help these companies on their journey.

The ideas of my colleagues and the solutions proposed by our clients, combined with the software from our technology partner Siemens, mean that every employee at the d.u.h.Group is compelled to develop their skills continuously. None of us can afford to let our expertise become stagnant and assume that we will still be successful with it in 5 or 10 years’ time – this applies to the company as a whole, but also to each and every one of us. That is why, after completing my Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, I went on to do a Master’s degree specialising in Applied Numerical Analysis, so that I could gain an even better understanding of the trend towards simulation technology. As my project experience and responsibilities grew, I ventured beyond the confines of engineering and studied Business Administration part-time. Naturally, I try to set an example with this thirst for knowledge and pass on what I’ve learnt to my team.

I don’t think there’s one single moment that has really stuck in my memory. What has left a lasting impression on me, however, is the collaboration, the team spirit, the trust and the general sense of camaraderie within the d.u.h.Group. Even as a work-study student, my experienced colleagues placed a great deal of trust in me and, with the right balance of recognition and constructive criticism, helped me to become a fully-fledged member of the team. Within the company, I was able to gain an insight into all business areas and apply my own skills where they were best needed. I still draw on these experiences today and ensure that every employee is deployed within the team in such a way that we achieve maximum success for our clients.

Be open-minded, curious and ask anything that interests you. There are no stupid questions, and everyone in the team loves sharing their knowledge.