PRESS NEWS: 10 years of the Young Professional Program

• Tailor-made leadership development at Quehenberger Logistics
• Combination of business fundamentals and practical examples from logistics

In a rapidly changing world, it is becoming increasingly important for companies to focus on clear direction – and their own employees are their most valuable resource. To optimally meet market demands, Quehenberger Logistics develops well-designed training programs that continuously promote and enhance employee qualifications.

Tailor-Made University Program for Future Leaders
For ten years, Quehenberger has offered a tailor-made university program for future leaders, implemented in cooperation with SMBS (University of Salzburg, Business School) – the Young Professional Program, or YPP for short. “In our fast-paced times, it is the companies that think and act with a future-oriented mindset that not only master the challenges of competition but also fully exploit the potential for success. Developing and retaining employees through further training forms the basis for strong and qualified leaders,” explains Stephanie Lichtenberg, MBA, CEO of SMBS. The postgraduate program combines fundamental business principles with practical examples from the logistics sector. Every two years, a new cohort of around 15 aspiring leaders begins the program. The language of instruction is English, underscoring the program's international focus. "For us as an international company, it is crucial to bring together competent employees from across Europe," says Christian Fürstaller, CEO of Quehenberger Logistics.

Key Areas of the Young Professional Program

In eleven modules, participants deepen their knowledge in the areas of strategic management, business administration, leadership skills, digitalization strategy, and quality management. A key aspect addressed in all areas is innovation. "For this reason, innovation management, as well as digitalization and automation, play a special role in our training program, the YPP," explains Klaus Hrazdira. The training and development of future leaders is crucial for a company's future orientation. “The tenth anniversary of the Quehenberger Young Professional Program in cooperation with SMBS is not only a sign of successful collaboration, but also proof of Quehenberger Logistics’ innovative spirit and vision,” summarizes SMBS CEO Lichtenberg.

From Young Professional Program to Executive MBA

Each participant completes the program with a research project that is integrated into Quehenberger’s operations. Many graduates of the Young Professional Program also take the opportunity to pursue an Executive MBA. This includes Sebastian Kittl, who has worked at Quehenberger since 2010 and is currently working on his doctoral dissertation alongside the YPP. “The program gave me the opportunity to combine university theory with practical experience and to further my professional development,” explains Kittl. The YPP offers not only the chance to deepen one’s knowledge, but also to advance one’s career.