Betriebswirt/Betriebswirtin (Hochschule) für Verkehr

Publications relevant to this profession include Aero International, Requirements and Opportunities for Commercial Traffic in Cities with Automated Electric Vehicles, Federal Rail Research Program, The Business Economist, DVZ Deutsche Verkehrs-Zeitung, Summit of Logistics Sages, Management Review Quarterly, Shaping Tomorrow's Mobility Holistically - Results from Three Years of the National Platform Future of Mobility, Nahverkehrs...praxis, Logistics Day, VerkehrsRundschau - Portal and Trade Journal for Freight Forwarding, Transport and Logistics, wiwi-online - The Companion Guide for Study & Career, ZfV Zeitschrift für Verkehrswissenschaft.

Sustainability is gaining importance in the transport and logistics sector. Companies are pursuing holistic strategies to reduce energy consumption and emissions, managing their warehouses sustainably, and shifting transport to more environmentally friendly modes like rail and inland waterways. Alternative drives such as hydrogen trucks and hybrid vehicles are becoming more significant. Online-based networks prevent empty runs, shorten idle times, and create transparency along the entire supply chain. Professionals and managers continuously adapt their working methods, expand their knowledge, and actively drive innovation. Additionally, the leasing of collaborative robots (cobots) is a trend, supporting specialists in industry and improving production speed and quality through automation. However, their acquisition can incur high costs, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.

To be successful in this field of study, interests in commercial-organizational and administrative-organizational activities are important. Examples of commercial-organizational activities include calculating transport offers for new customers and preparing cost and performance accounts by customer group. Examples of administrative-organizational activities include organizing scheduled transports.

Business economists for transport primarily work in offices and meeting rooms. Additionally, they may also work in warehouses, at customer sites, or in a home office/mobile setting.

Core competencies acquired or deepened during this Studium (university study) include business administration, controlling, freight transport, calculation, cost and performance accounting, logistics, marketing, mobility management, passenger transport, travel, road and traffic law, transport logistics, and traffic management. Further competencies that may be significant for this profession include bikesharing services, bookkeeping, carsharing services, charter transport, dispatching (freight and passenger transport), e-scooter sharing services, timetable planning, timetable software, financial management, research, IATA regulations, combined transport, customer consulting and support, scheduled services, air law, air transport management, mobility platforms, sustainability consulting, public transport, passage transport, human resources, travel law, ridesharing services, and sales. Competencies in business administration, finance, and controlling software are also relevant.

The ongoing digitalization of the working and professional world can change task areas and requirement profiles. For business economists in transport, opportunities may arise to deal with the following technologies, procedures, or systems: Augmented Analytics (e.g., using automatically prepared data to optimize traffic systems), Autonomous Transport Systems (e.g., planning and controlling the deployment of autonomous transport systems), Business Intelligence - BI (e.g., making operational and strategic decisions with the help of automatically analyzed data and the insights gained), Business Process Management Systems - BPM Systems (e.g., using software for analyzing and controlling business processes to increase efficiency), Connected Cars (e.g., analyzing current position and status data about drivers, vehicles, and driving situations to optimize vehicle and personnel deployment), Digital Topographic Maps - DTK.

Business administrators for transport independently plan, organize, and control business processes in the commercial-business management sector of transport associations and road, rail, and air transport companies. If they lead a team, they motivate their employees and coordinate their cooperation. This requires communication skills and assertiveness, and negotiation skills in customer discussions. They use their analytical and organizational skills, for example, when planning the deployment of transport means, creating control and monitoring information, determining cost-optimal order quantities and times, or optimizing information flow. When developing financing concepts, they think in terms of business economics. Foreign language skills and intercultural competencies are required, for example, when collaborating with customers and business partners from other countries. They primarily work in an office.

Business administrators for transport can become self-employed, for example, as management consultants.

Example collective bargaining gross basic salary (monthly): €5,634 to €7,102. Source: Statistisches Taschenbuch Tarifpolitik - WSI-Tarifarchiv. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

Road, rail transport; passenger transport by rail; freight transport by rail; scheduled passenger transport by road, e.g., public transport associations; non-scheduled passenger transport by road; other land passenger transport n.e.c.; freight transport by road; operation of infrastructure for road transport; operation of infrastructure for rail transport; operation of railway stations for passenger transport, including bus stations. Air, space transport; passenger transport by air, e.g., scheduled airlines; freight transport by air, e.g., air cargo companies; provision of other services for air transport n.e.c., e.g., airport operations. Forwarding, logistics; freight forwarders.

The activity usually requires a completed undergraduate (grundständig) degree in transport business administration. Leadership positions or specialized tasks usually require a master's (Masterstudium) degree. Activities in science and research often require a doctorate (Promotion) or habilitation (Habilitation).

Transport Business Administration (undergraduate - grundständig), Transport Business Administration (postgraduate - weiterführend)

Business administrators for transport find employment in, for example, road and rail transport companies, airline companies, freight forwarders, and logistics service providers.

German job title: Business Administrator (University of Applied Sciences) - Transport. English job title: Transport manager (m/f). French job titles: Responsable (m/f) - transport, Responsable (m/f) d'agence de transport de personnes, Responsable (m/f) d'exploitation des transports.

Some characteristics of work and social behavior are equally relevant for all professions and are therefore not mentioned separately. These include reliability, punctuality, honesty, ability to criticize, and appropriate manners. In addition, the following profession-specific characteristics are required to practice this academic profession: Willingness to perform and commit (e.g., readiness to actively and enthusiastically take on commercial analysis, planning, and leadership tasks in companies in the transport industry), perseverance / determination (e.g., planning long-term investment projects and sticking to their implementation despite temporary setbacks or short-term changes in priorities), conscientiousness (e.g., precise and error-free preparation of analyses on traffic volume or operating costs of transport carriers), sense of responsibility and willingness to take responsibility (e.g., taking responsibility for efficient and economical operations).

Business administrators for transport plan, organize, and monitor business activities in companies within the transport industry.

Relevant job and applicant portals include: AéroContact, aviationjobsearch.com, BARIG, Flightglobal, Ich fahr gut!, LOGjobs, SchienenJobs.de, Stellenblatt.de, TouristikCareer.

Relevant associations and organizations include: BG Verkehr, Bundesverband Deutscher Volks- und Betriebswirte e.V. (bdvb), Deutsche Verkehrswissenschaftliche Gesellschaft e. V. DVWG, Eisenbahn- und Verkehrsgewerkschaft (EVG), ver.di - Vereinte Dienstleistungsgewerkschaft.

This profession involves responsibility for people (e.g., guiding, motivating, and leading employees) and responsibility for assets (e.g., establishing short-, medium-, and long-term financing plans). Customer contact (e.g., visiting and advising customers in the field, preparing offers, conducting sales negotiations) and screen work (e.g., performing analysis, conceptualization, and planning tasks) are common. Additionally, working in office spaces (e.g., analyzing and modeling data) is part of this profession.

Career opportunities in this profession are spread across various fields: Controlling (Controller, Head of Controlling), Finance and Accounting (Calculator, Cost Accountant, Head of Finance and Accounting, Head of Cost Accounting), Warehouse, Materials Management, Logistics (Head of Logistics), Management, Corporate Leadership (Department Head, Commercial Operations Manager, Business Development Manager, Group/Team Leader, Branch Manager, Manager for Sustainable Mobility), Marketing, Advertising (Head of Marketing), Supervision and Control of Transport Operations (Fleet Manager, Air Traffic Manager), Teaching at Universities (Lecturer at Universities and Academies, Study Program Coordinator), Scientific Research (Scientific Researcher) are some of the possible positions.

Working tools include documents such as economic analyses, operational key figures, financing and marketing concepts, process and organizational plans, offer, order, and contract documents, calculations, balance sheets, defect and damage reports, statistics, map materials, timetables and flight schedules, and legal regulations (e.g., Road Traffic Regulations). Office equipment such as PCs, internet access, and telephones are also used.

Business economists for transport support economic decisions in transport companies. They analyze data, develop concepts, and implement projects. They plan the deployment of transport means and coordinate routes. Furthermore, they evaluate the efficiency of transport means and timetables/flight schedules. Based on statistics, they optimize workflows in transport management.

Adaptation training helps to keep professional knowledge current and adapt to new developments (e.g., in the areas of transport and forwarding, logistics, finance and accounting). Furthermore, the trend towards sustainability in the transport and logistics industry can develop into an important further training topic for business economists for transport.

Bachelor graduates can expand their professional and career opportunities through further studies, for example, in Transport Business Administration, Air Traffic Management, or Logistics, Supply Chain Management. A doctorate is generally required for a scientific career at a university; an habilitation (postdoctoral qualification) is usually needed for appointment as a university professor. A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector, in research, and in public administration.

Traffic business administrators organize and plan work processes, for example, by managing the deployment of transport means and optimizing distribution systems. They develop organizational concepts, process data for the realization of complex information systems (e.g., for traffic planning), and support company management in task development. They create and evaluate statistics (e.g., for the utilization of transport means), conduct economic efficiency analyses, and prepare contracts and offers. In finance and accounting, they provide financial data and analyses (e.g., for management), create financing plans, and, if necessary, carry out financing. They oversee commercial and financial accounting (external accounting) and prepare balance sheets, profit and loss statements according to commercial and tax law regulations. They also perform tasks in cost accounting (business accounting, internal accounting, cost calculation) and generate control information.

For traffic business administrators, several alternatives are available in the field of management and corporate leadership: Business Administrator (University) – Corporate Management, Master of Business Administration, Business Administrator (University) – Trade, Business Administrator (University) – International Economics, Business Administrator (University) – Automotive Economics, Economist. Common to these professions is the planning, monitoring, and organizing of operational processes, supporting economic decision-making processes, and negotiating with business partners and customers. Additionally, in the field of warehouse, materials management, and logistics, alternatives like Business Administrator (University) – Logistics exist. Common to these alternatives is the planning, monitoring, and organizing of processes in logistics and traffic, supporting economic decision-making processes, and negotiating with business partners and customers.

Traffic business administrators plan, organize, and monitor business activities in companies within the transport industry. They prepare decisions, plan and coordinate various tasks to relieve company management, and make independent decisions within their areas of responsibility. They address questions such as which mode of transport is most suitable for specific freight, how to optimally manage passenger flow at train stations and airports, and whether the routes and schedules of bus lines are profitable. They are knowledgeable about their own company and the competitive situation, and stay informed about innovative marketing concepts, new transport possibilities, and advantageous distribution systems. This enables them to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of available transport methods.

The exercise of possible activities in this field of study requires specific abilities, knowledge, and skills. These include numerical (calculating) thinking (e.g., applying mathematical and statistical methods for analyzing traffic flows), memorization (e.g., remembering names, data, transport plans, and regulations), and adaptability (e.g., quick and frequent switching between administrative tasks and conversations with customers or business partners under time pressure). Commercial aptitude (e.g., preparing profit and loss statements, for example, for traffic control systems) and the ability to plan and organize (e.g., planning the procurement of operating resources and services; scheduling driving personnel) are also necessary. Calculation skills (e.g., calculating different routes) are also an important part of this profession.

The exercise of this profession may involve certain physical requirements. This information may not necessarily apply to every activity profile or every professional application. For example, an undisturbed speaking ability is required to advise company management on innovative marketing concepts and distribution systems. Near vision – even corrected – is important for performing analysis, conceptual, and planning work on screen. Hearing and speech comprehension are also necessary for conducting customer surveys. This information does not form a basis for legal action and should not be understood as a medical fitness assessment. Actual physical fitness or unsuitability must always be determined on a case-by-case basis and taking into account possible reasonable accommodations.

The following lists professions or activities that have similarities to the original profession. These professions represent a possible alternative for applicants who cannot find a vacant position in their learned profession. Furthermore, employers can consider specialists from these professions as alternatives for filling a position in the original profession. Some alternative professions only include partial activities of the original profession, while others require an induction period, which can vary in length in individual cases. The following immediate employment and staffing alternatives are available for the profession of Business Administrator for Traffic: For partial activities and professional deployment possibilities (with/without induction): Fleet Manager, Air Traffic Manager. In related professions: Business Administrator (University), Business Administrator (University) – Service Management, Business Administrator (University).

Working as a Business Administrator for Transport does not require professional recognition if you have a foreign degree, as this profession is not regulated. However, there is an option to apply for an individual certificate evaluation for foreign university degrees through the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB). This can be helpful for applications in the German job market. For further information on living and working in Germany: The 'Working and Living in Germany' hotline, a central information hotline from the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF) and the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BA); information for people from abroad provided by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit; the Central International and Specialist Placement Service of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit; and 'Make it in Germany', the welcome portal for the skilled labor initiative for international skilled workers.

The following health limitations could lead to problems when performing this profession. This information may not necessarily apply to every activity profile or every professional application. Increasingly, there are also possibilities to compensate for limitations, for example, through technical aids. Speech disorders or speech impediments (e.g., advising company management on innovative marketing concepts and distribution systems), uncorrectable near vision impairment (e.g., performing analysis, conception, and planning work on a screen), hearing loss, hard of hearing, deafness, hearing disorders, or chronic ear conditions (e.g., conducting customer surveys) could pose issues. Please note: This information does not form a basis for legal action and should not be understood as a medical suitability assessment. The actual physical suitability or unsuitability must always be determined on a case-by-case basis and taking into account possible reasonable accommodations.

From an employer's perspective, the following alternatives are available for the profession of Business Administrator for Transport: In the field of management and corporate leadership, graduates with a Master of Business Administration or a Business Administrator (Hochschule) degree in Corporate Leadership, Management can be considered. Common aspects include: planning, monitoring, and organizing operational processes; supporting economic decision-making processes; negotiating with business partners and customers. In the field of warehousing, materials management, and logistics, graduates with a Business Administrator (Hochschule) degree in Logistics can be considered. Common aspects include: planning, monitoring, and organizing processes in logistics and transport; supporting economic decision-making processes; negotiating with business partners and customers. The mentioned alternatives may require an induction period, which can vary in length depending on the individual case.