Inside Wirtschaft - Der Podcast mit Manuel Koch | Börse und Wirtschaft im Blick · Manuel Koch

#1502 Inside Wirtschaft - David Döbele (pumpkincareers): „Diese Industrien profitieren von der aktuellen Lage"

April 8, 2026·8 min

The episode begins with host Manuel Koch introducing guest David Döbele, co-founder of the career platform Pumpkin Careers. Döbele immediately counters the prevailing narrative of economic doom, stating it's not going badly everywhere. He lists specific industries profiting: the arms industry, finance and finance services, investment banking, wealth management, and corporate consulting. He describes these as a 'very safe harbor' in the current labor market. Döbele then explains the drivers: for consulting, it's corporate restructuring due to cost pressure and the need for AI digitization expertise that companies lack internally. For investment banking, it's corporate divestments of unprofitable business units. He notes wealth management is a perennial 'long-term burner' as money always needs investing. The discussion shifts to why these industries are resilient. Döbele cites their project-based work model, which allows quick adaptation, and their clear hierarchy systems that mandate regular promotions. He emphasizes the strategic importance of the 'medium construction'—mid-level professionals who are experienced but not yet highly expensive—and how firms hire graduates to build this pipeline for future needs. Döbele also points out that mass layoffs create work that isn't fully automated, leading to demand for external advisors who can be easily cut later. When asked about good career paths, Döbele strongly recommends consulting and banking as starting points. He highlights exposure to innovation, regular training, insights into various industries, and the development of a personal understanding of where innovation and money are. He adds that top firms provide powerful career networks. Finally, he offers practical advice for job seekers: study at renowned universities, achieve good grades, and crucially, complete multiple internships early, as firms now demand extensive internship experience even from master's graduates.

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