Why I choose the Future Leaders Graduate Scheme

I choose the Future Leaders Graduate Scheme at DHL because, like many new graduates, I wasn't fully sure the direction I wanted my professional career to go. The Future Leaders Program principally appealed to me due to the 3x1 year placements across the company.

During my first year I was thrown in at the deep to the NUMS contract, as a Supply Chain Coordinator. My role involved the stock management of hundreds of pieces of police uniform and I was exposed to varied subject areas through project work. Whilst the graduate scheme offered a range of courses from Insights to Project Management the majority of my learning was undoubtedly done on the job.

My next role was in the Warehouse primarily as a Shift Manager / FLM. In this role at the Bawtry site I was given the freedom to get involved with a range of departments from Finance calls to managing on site contractors, after receiving the relevant training. I was also given a lot of Exposure to all things OMS across tiers 1,2 and 3, which I’m sure will prove invaluable as DHL transitions to a more digitalised way of working.

During my final year I have only recently been informed I will be an Implementation Manager for the Packaging Solutions business unit. This role will involve me travelling to various sites, across the country, to ensure co-packing facilities are set up as efficiently as possible.

My three placements entirely differ from one and other which was my hope when joining the graduate program. I am very grateful the graduate team enabled me to have this diverse experience which I hope will provide me with foundation to make a decision on the direction of my future career within the company.