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graduate DHL Supply Chain Joined company: September 2011 What do you love about your job?
The variety: no two days are the same! And being able to work in different roles. I started in HR, then moved to a more hands-on operational role based on customer sites. One of these was a control tower with a team of experienced planners and process improvement designers. Environmental and operational efficiencies were generated for the customer through improved planning and visibility, reducing annual mileage by two million miles. I have now taken a role in project management working with our European sub-regions.
What did you do previously?
After graduating from university, I went to Australia for a gap year before starting at DHL.
Where do you see yourself in five years' time? Hopefully still with DHL, using the skills I've gained and continuing to develop. And fingers crossed, I'll be doing it somewhere exotic. The great thing about working at a global company such as DHL is the opportunity to travel. What's the best thing about working in the road transport industry?
It's such an unpredictable environment, which means that you're constantly challenged — if the customer wants it to happen, you have to make it happen. I get bored easily, so I love this problem-solving aspect of my job.
How would you recommend the industry to others? It's pretty impossible to think of a product you use that didn't have some kind of logistics operation behind it. It's also increasingly being recognised by customers as a way to gain competitive advantage.
What's the worst job you've ever had?
I was temping as a student and once had to be the receptionist in a funeral parlour. The screen-saver on my computer was a coffin!
Who would be your dream boss?
Karren Brady— she's a great role model because she succeeded in such a male-dominated environment at Birmingham City football club.