A passionate railway spokeswoman

The foundations for this challenging job were laid at the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences and as an editor at ORF.

"I've always been interested in trains - and not just because of sustainability. Now they are even my profession," she says. Freight transport was a new subject area for her, but her enthusiasm quickly followed. What does she find particularly fascinating about it?

Maria Magdalena combines creativity and expertise in her varied job. She prepares content for the media, gives interviews herself and accompanies board members to media appointments. "In my day-to-day work, I'm involved in everything from the business editorial department of a traditional daily newspaper, radio or television to international trade media. I find it particularly exciting to make logistics and freight transport tangible for everyone." It is important to her to show how these areas affect everyone in their daily lives. The crises of recent years in particular, from coronavirus to wars and environmental disasters, make it clear how important it is to supply society and the economy and what a significant role the railway plays in this.

In such times of great challenges, Maria Magdalena demonstrates further strengths: A sure instinct and resilience in crisis communication, such as recently during the heavy rainfall events in eastern Austria. She is one of the ÖBB press spokespersons who are deployed in Group-wide crisis teams, even outside of freight transport issues. During her crisis assignments, she gives (live) interviews for TV and radio and informs the relevant target groups via all channels.

She also passes on her knowledge and experience from her current job and ten years at ORF in crisis communication workshops, helping small and large companies to prepare well for crisis situations.

Maria Magdalena still doesn't shy away from the camera and spotlight in her day-to-day communications work. Even after her time at ORF, where she woke up the country as part of the moderation team for the daily radio programme "Guten Morgen Burgenland", she still knows how to inspire with her voice: she performs on internal and external stages, leads through events and conducts interviews. "I am incredibly grateful for the instructive and exciting time at ORF and the many colleagues who have accompanied and shaped me during this time."

She still feels very close to her alma mater, the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences. She completed the Bachelor's degreeprogramme and then the Master's degree programme of the same name in Information, Media and Communication and was subsequently employed in the university's Marketing & Communications department.

Although media work is developing rapidly, our graduate still draws on her time as a student. She also appreciates the university's network, has made friends for life and enjoys taking advantage of the opportunities for dialogue.