The independent consulting and market research company trendence conducts an annual ‘Graduate Barometer’ survey of German students. It is regarded as Germany’s largest employer survey. The findings reflect the mood of graduates and show their expectations and preferences with regard to choice of employer. This year, Drees & Sommer is among the Top 100 German employers for future engineers – and the only consulting company from the construction and real estate sector.
“In times of skills shortages and competition for creatives, every company faces the challenge of attracting young professionals. The fact that Drees & Sommer is now one of the most popular employers in Germany confirms that our HR strategy is on the right track,” says Friederike Schammann-Vogel, head of HR at Drees & Sommer. The company pulls out all the stops to attract young talent – from participation in career fairs to inviting graduates to lectures, workshops and guided tours of construction sites. “We have traditionally placed strong emphasis on students and graduates. Many of our current employees – from project managers to the Executive Board – grew and developed with the company,” says Schammann-Vogel. With the ‘High Flyers’ student and intern loyalty program, the company supports young talent, acting as their mentor during their internship, with the aim of later attracting them to join the company directly. In addition, some 70 of the company’s employees lecture at Germany universities and other institutes of tertiary education, further enhancing the positive image of Drees & Sommer. Staff development also plays an important role for the company, which was originally founded by professors. Whether specialist seminars or soft skills, the Drees & Sommer Internet Academy provides new hires and long-standing employees alike with a broad range of optimal continuing education offerings.