Text 10: The Community of European Railways

The Community of European Railways is the leading European railway organisation anda part of the International Union of Railways.It was founded in 1988 with 12 members and now brings together 72 railway undertakings and infrastructure companies – private and state-owned, large and small.

European Railways recognize that their future depends on the international dimension.

At the international level the railways are relatively free to apply the most appropriate models in the common interest. The development of international train networks is accompanied by recognition of the need to adapt future services to the technological opportunities offered by high speeds and vehicle design and to the principles of service marketing.

The governance structure of CER rests in three main bodies: the General Assembly, the Management Committee and the Assistants Group.

The General Assembly is the decision-making body of CER. All member companies are represented by their chief executive or director general.

The Management Committee prepares the decisions of the General Assembly. It consists of CER Chairman, three Vice-Chairmen and further members elected by the General Assembly. The size of the Management Committee is limited to a maximum of 14 members.

The Assistants Group helps to facilitate the continuous exchange of information between CER and its members. CER members are represented by their international/European affairs managers.

The goals of CER are: 1) to represent the railway’s interests, 2) to aid the development of the railway transportation and policy in the European Union, 3) to develop the partnership between the members of the European Union.

European Railways concentrate their efforts on effective speeds between economic centres, quality control and transit reliability, information systems and modal flexibility.

The development of high-speed lines and technology adds a new dimension to inter-urban opportunities for railway development. Nowadays European high-speed lines link economical centers and open opportunities for technological development of railway signaling, train construction and trading all over the world.

Questions for discussion:

1. What is the Community of European Railways?

2. What are the advantages of European Railways` cooperation?

3. What is the development of international train networks accompanied by?

4. What are the governance bodies of CER?

5. What is the decision-making body of CER?

6. What is the role of the Management Committee?

7. What is the Assistants Group responsible for?

8. What are the goals of CER?

9. What do European Railways concentrate their efforts on?

10. Why is the development of high-speed lines important for the future of the railways?

Appendix

CURRICULUM VITAE (CV).

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a document which describes your education, work experience and skills you have already had. The purpose of the CV is to attract the employers’ attention. Therefore you need a good and well-structured CV.

A good CV should:

• Attract attention;
• Create a positive impression;
• Present your skills and qualities clearly and concisely.

Your CV has to be word processed and should be no more than one page long. A CV must be free of typographical and grammatical errors. The structure of a CV must follow a certain order. It is common to see the phrase CURRICULUM VITAE written in the centre of the page.

1. Personal data

Personal details should be shown at the beginning: name, family name, date of birth, address, marital status, phone number, e-mail.

1. Education and qualifications

List of educational institutions you attended (specifying the dates); subject areas you studied and degrees you got. List qualifications in full.

1. Work experience

Mention your present job first and work backwards, descriptions of what exactly you did and were responsible for.

1. Relevant Information .

Any information which could be helpful (computer skills, languages you speak, driver’s license, hobbies, interests).

1. Referees

Give at least 2 referees: a former employer, a teacher.

Always be honest. It is possible to be creative, but not to lie. Remember, the first impression is the one that matters, so, your CV needs to be perfect!

Sample

CURRICULUM VITAE

Gleb Petrov

Date of birth 23 of May 1993

Present address 105007 Moscow, 5 Parkovaya st, 24

Telephone number 8 (495) 917 517 83 80

E- mail [email protected]

Marital status single

Education and Qualifications:

2009 – 2013 - Moscow State University of Railway Engineering: The Institute of Rail Operations and Information Technologies. Diploma of Specialist

2011 – 2012 - Linguistic Centre of the Institute of Humanities. Moscow. Fluent English. Basic knowledge of French.

1999 – 2009 - Secondary school № 5, Moscow. A Certificate of Complete Secondary Education

Work experience

July 2010 - August 2010 – “Saratov Car, Ltd”

Position - Sales Executive

Responsibilities: receiving customers and suppliers;

Dealing with home and overseas enquiries

Relevant information

PC user, driving license (A)

Interests

Jazz music and travelling

Referees

Mr. A. L. Gradov

The Head of the Sales Department “Saratov Car, Ltd”

Saratov. Volzhskiy Avenue. 17

Dr. N. V. Matveeva

The Teacher of Foreign Languages.

Linguistic Centre of Moscow State University of Railway Engineering. Obraztsova st.

Sample

APPLICATION LETTER

Car- Trade Inc. 25 May 2013

D.Ulyanov st, 25

Moscow

Dear Sir/Madam

I would like to apply for the job (position) of a Sales Executive in the Sales Department, advertised in the Moscow Times on 15 May.

As you see from my CV, I’ve got the education required for a Sales Manager. I have had some working experience and the best results in the sales team, with good knowledge of Practical sales techniques. I am also developing my language skills. My English is quite good, and I am taking evening classes at the University Language Centre to improve my level. I am dynamic, creative, easy-going and with a strong team spirit.

If you consider that my qualifications and personal qualities are suitable, I’ll be available for interview at any time.

Yours faithfully,

Gleb Petrov

THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION