DHL |

What did you do in your Year 1 placement?

For my first placement I worked in the Home Delivery Network. This was a remote role which entailed supporting the lead HR Business Partner for the national contracts (Argos and Next). This was a varied role where I developed a range of business skills, including presentation skills, report writing, data analysis, as well as developing workplace relationships with the Senior Leadership Team. As my confidence grew, numerous opportunities arose where I was able to support on a number of large complex projects from a HR perspective.

What role are you doing now?

My second placement is at the Cherwell campus within the Life Sciences and Health Care business unit. Whilst my previous placement was nation-wide, this new role is site-based which is allowing me to develop my understanding of core HR processes and build deeper working relationships with the operational managers. My role involves recruitment, case work, industrial relations, and supporting new business initiatives.

How has the graduate programme helped your career so far?

When I joined DHL in 2022, I had recently graduated from Durham University with a degree in Psychology. With my psychological background and an interest in people, this led me to choosing HR as my professional career path.

I joined with very limited business experience, and during my first year on the DHL Graduate scheme I was exposed to a variety of business areas and had opportunities to work outside of my core team on projects. I have learnt so much over the past 12 months which has built my confidence, increased my business understanding of logistics, and allowed me to develop my business network.

The programme has also allowed me to study for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Level 5 professional qualification. This will support my aim in 2024 to offboard into a HR Business Partner role and to continue to expand my knowledge within logistics and HR.

What is your biggest tip for any new grads joining?

My main tip is to be proactive and to say ‘yes’ to all opportunities offered. This is the best way to build your knowledge and experience and you’ll be amazed by how many colleagues in DHL are happy and willing to support you. I have had an amazing first year and I am grateful for the support I have had throughout the programme.

I love working for DHL because we are able to get involved in initiatives outside of our normal roles. For example, I have recently contributed to the GoTeach agenda, I have been reading to children once a week which supports the DHL Foundation, a charity set up to ensure disadvantaged young people have access to the best education possible.

My favourite moment at DHL so far has been presenting to other graduates and apprentices on my supply chain, which I’m now a subject matter expert in. I love that I am encouraged to study alongside working, I will be starting my Masters next year in Computer Science with Data Analytics, alongside my role at DHL.

My favourite part of working for DHL is the networking opportunities and working with different people everyday. My proudest moment working for DHL so far, has been seeing my improvements to the design of our warehouses being implemented, allowing us to create efficiencies for our customers.

My favourite part of my role is the travelling to all the different sites and working on a variety of different projects.

I wanted to work for DHL Supply Chain because of the vast size of the business and global opportunities. My proudest moment at DHL so far, has been contributing towards a project from the early stages at Liverpool airport and then seeing it being executed with my direct input.

The reason I chose to work at DHL is because although it is a global firm, we are so passionate about the environment and have a brilliant sustainability agenda called GoGreen.

The GoGreen agenda is not only about our vehicles and emissions, I enjoy seeing colleagues contribute to the GoGreen agenda through tree planting, litter picking and supporting local charities with recycling.

The reason I chose to work at DHL was because of the vast opportunities there are to network with Finance professionals across various industries and business units, everyone is friendly and accessible.

My favourite thing about the logistics industry is how detailed and intricate the operations are across the business and having the chance to visit lots of different sites. Since working for DHL, I have been impressed with how global the firm is and how it impacts lots of parts of everyday life.

I wanted to work for DHL because it is a world-leading logistics company and I was drawn to their DEIB agenda, as I’m passionate about diversity and inclusivity, so I like that DHL drives this too.

My favourite thing about working in the logistics industry is the fast-paced environment and diversity of challenges we face - we really are an essential part of everyday life!

My biggest piece of career advice for anyone starting their career journey, is to be open to any opportunities. I didn’t know exactly what DHL did before I read into the company and now I love my role and the projects I contribute to!