On 17 September 2025, InnoTrans and DVV Media Group hosted the second Eurailpress digital Career Boost event. Fourteen participants from the fields of railways, transport, urban mobility, sustainability, computing, engineering and construction were given 90 seconds each to introduce themselves to HR departments from the rail industry via livestreamed digital pitches. The recruiters then invited the candidates to one-to-one meetings in separate breakout rooms. "This format is unique because it puts candidates at the centre, making the job search more efficient. I was particularly motivated to participate because I am looking for a job after graduation and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to gain insights into new industries, such as the railway industry,” said Hamish Starling, a 21-year-old computer science student and the youngest participant in the Boost.

Wide variety of participants

The participants included a doctoral student specialising in urban mobility, several Master's students specialising in railway systems engineering, and a transport and mobility planner who holds a Master's degree in logistics, infrastructure, and mobility. Gaius George Gheordunescu, aged 49, was the oldest applicant. The mechanical engineer and agile process trainer said, 'For me, this event is a great opportunity to start what I hope will be a successful career in the rail industry. I found out about it on LinkedIn and will wholeheartedly recommend it whenever the opportunity arises.”

The participants' educational backgrounds and areas of specialisation were as diverse as their geographical origins, ranging from Latvia and the Netherlands to the UK, Switzerland, Romania, and Hamburg. There were even applicants with railway experience from Sudan, Malaysia, and India. 'The most enjoyable thing is experiencing the diversity of the participants, both in terms of their professional backgrounds and their approach to the pitches,' says Hugo Sütterlin, the project organiser at InnoTrans.

Convincing pitches and lots of potential

'We found the Eurailpress Career Boost Digital event very enriching. The pitches by the talented participants were convincing and demonstrated great potential. We discovered several exciting candidates, made initial contacts and are considering the next steps,” says Maider Urrutia from the Human Resources department at CAF.

One of these candidates is Hamish Starling. 'It was great to get this opportunity. CAF is a major player in the rail industry. I was hoping to get in touch with them,” he said. Participant Ali Zarroug was particularly pleased to receive an enquiry from Spitzke. 'I only got to know the company through this event. The conversation was very pleasant, and I am proud to have conducted the entire interview in German,” said the graduate of the Master's programme in Mobility and Transport Engineering at RWTH Aachen University, who also speaks fluent English and Arabic.

A welcome change for both sides

'It is certainly exciting for applicants to be able to present themselves in such a setting. At the same time, we as a company get an immediate first impression and can focus specifically on those who are of particular interest to us. The format also offers a welcome change for both sides and has led to some very pleasant and constructive conversations,” says Lucas Briesenick, HR manager at SPITZKE.

“I think the digital boost lowers the barrier to entry for applicants. They don't have to pay any travel expenses. They can also pitch from a location of their choice where they feel comfortable and safe. For recruiters, the digital boost is a great platform for identifying who can present themselves in the digital world via virtual channels and platforms. After all, remote meetings are part of daily business in many jobs," says Daniela Hennig, Head of Event Management, Technology and Transport at DVV Media Group.

At InnoTrans 2026, which will take place in Berlin from 22 to 25 September 2026, the Eurailpress Career Boost will once again be held live on stage as part of the InnoTrans Campus.

"It is particularly valuable when the Eurailpress Career Boost actually leads to a job. The shortage of skilled workers remains a challenge for the industry. With the Eurailpress Career Boost, we offer a format that showcases young talent and helps companies access new skilled workers,” says Kerstin Schulz, Director of InnoTrans.

InnoTrans is the leading international trade fair for transport technology, held every two years in Berlin. The five segments of InnoTrans comprise Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction. InnoTrans is organised by Messe Berlin. The 15th InnoTrans will take place from 22 to 25 September 2026 at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Messe Berlin is organising InnoTrans Asia specifically for the Asian market from 7 to 9 September 2027 at the Singapore EXPO grounds. For more information, visit www.innotrans.de and www.innotrans-asia.com.

Berlin has been a trade fair venue for over 200 years, and for many decades one of the most important worldwide. As the trade fair company owned by the capital, every year Messe Berlin conceives, markets and organises hundreds of live events. It aims to be an outstanding host for visitors to every event, to give individuals an optimum boost for their business and ensure fair conditions for everyone. This approach is reflected in the company’s slogan ‘Messe Berlin – Hosting the World’.

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