Please note: The interview with Dagmar was conducted in January 2024 and his position at MEININGER might have changed in the meantime.
We sat down with Dagmar Dierens, a Management Trainee at MEININGER Hotels, to explore his journey through the traineeship program and his experiences in different international locations.
Hey Dagmar, let’s start from the beginning. Going back to the very start, what drew you to MEININGER Hotels?
My university teacher recommended that I apply here. It was at the end of the COVID era, the financial situation was difficult, and many companies were still recovering. I took the opportunity to start as an intern at MEININGER and then was offered a long-term contract. It provided the job stability I needed right after graduating in a challenging economic period. Almost three years later, I’m still here!
What were you doing before getting into tourism? A bird told me that you were doing makeup. Is it true?
Yeah, I took beauty classes in high school. A lot of people are surprised to find out. I just wanted to be practical. However, in my last year of beauty school, I realized this wasn’t really what I wanted to do. Then I took International Tourism at university because I wanted to go abroad and work in another country. And that’s how I ended up in the tourism sector.
How did you get into makeup back then?
It was a hobby that I decided to pursue further. Sometimes I would voluntarily go to hospitals and give manicures to patients with cancer. It was a way to help them feel a bit more confident and it just made them happy. And that made me happy. That’s why I do it. It’s similar with hospitality. You want the best for the clients so they can be happy, because it makes you happy.
You don’t do any makeup anymore, right?
Occasionally, but not every single week anymore. For example, I would do the makeup for a photo shoot or at my friend’s wedding.
How did you come across the traineeship program and decide to apply?
The Management Trainee opening in the West region was communicated internally in 2022. I hesitated initially due to personal concerns. However, curiosity and ambition led me to apply, and here I am!
What are the main responsibilities of a Management Trainee?
The traineeship prepares us for roles as Assistant or Hotel Managers. It provides extra training for those interested in the position. Every employee can apply.
Could you describe the structure of the training program?
Organized regionally, the training encompasses many modules, from practical hotel operations to leadership and marketing. Some parts are done at headquarters, where you get an introduction to MEININGER’s diverse departments.
How long is the traineeship, and how has your experience been so far?
The program runs for 12 to 18 months, after which you get placed in a hotel. It’s been great. I wanted to push myself to learn something different, and I’m glad I get to visit different locations, helping them solve their challenges.
How many locations have you worked at and… what’s next?
Currently based in Cologne, I’ve worked in Amsterdam and Brussels in the past. Next, I’m going to the headquarters in Berlin for more training, after which I might move to Copenhagen. But who knows about the future? Maybe I will head to Italy or somewhere else in the South.
OK, so far you’ve been in Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne. How do you like both places and do you see any cultural differences that you have to adapt to?
Yes, of course. Dutch people, for example, are very straightforward, like rumor has it. But our team in Amsterdam is super international, and I love that! In Germany I’m still getting used to being approached in German most of the time. I’m not a native speaker, but I can understand most of it, and somehow communication works fine.
Did you participate in any team-building activities across different locations?
In Brussels, we often organized various events for both staff and clients. Some cool examples are karaoke nights and Halloween-themed activities. Additionally, we engaged with nearby hotels and did activities together, such as ax throwing and dining together on the M-Days. Informally, colleagues would coordinate their free days to explore local events together. During Pride, there was always an open invitation for anyone interested in joining the celebrations, whether in Brussels or another city hosting a similar event.
Maybe it’s a little bit early to ask, but what are your plans post-traineeship?
The idea is to become an Assistant Hotel Manager. I’m not sure yet in which location I’ll be, but I don’t mind that. Every place has its own challenges, but also something special to offer. I’m open and ready for the adventure!
Are you also nervous, or mostly excited?
For now, I’m very excited about it. The closer I get to that day, probably the more nervous I will get though (laughs).
What do you think about MEININGER Hotels’ internal culture? Have you heard about the Sustainability team or the Diversity & Inclusion team?
Yeah, I’ve heard about both of them, and I love the idea. I like that MEININGER Hotels has a very open and friendly atmosphere. You can be whoever you want to be, and people won’t judge you. That’s also one of the reasons why I’m still working here. At MEININGER Hotels, I don’t feel judged based on my sexuality or anything else. At the beginning of my career, I feared that, especially at four- or five-star hotels, because they have the image of being very stern and strict.
Any final thoughts on your experience or the future?
It doesn’t hurt to try. Hospitality was never my first choice but look at me now. I’m here, I’m happy and I’m enjoying every single part of it. And every little moment. So, trying never hurts!
Thanks for sharing your insights, Dagmar!
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