Shift Manager Review

Have had a fantastic time here at DHL. My expectations exceeded and it is fair to say a solid first step in my career with the company. The most important thing to gain real experience within the Logistics and Supply Chain industry and become really involved with the operation. I managed to get this from the placement so very happy overall.

From the moment I started my placement I felt valued and welcomed by all members of staff on site. I was sceptical at first on how I would be treated but it turned out there was no need to worry as I was given the opportunity by all to get the best out of my time here.

From the start I was given so much support from my designated supervisor. I feel I could also speak to anyone on site about information I may of needed for a project or getting to know site rules. If I needed anything my supervisor was there to talk to and was really cooperative throughout my time here.

At any time of the day for the whole time I have been here I have had a list of jobs or tasks to be getting on with. My site supervisor always had something important for me to do and contribute to the sites operation. At no point have I had nothing to do so have always been busy.

I have been given real responsibility in a management role in the operation. Running a department on my own and handling the Human Resource side of things was challenging but definitely rewarding. I had help there when it was needed and is fair to say I have been given a great opportunity to lead a department in the operation.

For sure I can take a lot of skills from the placement year back to university. I believe my time management skills have increased and also organisational skills have been obtained. These will help with studies for my final year when it comes to assignments and exams. The most important skills I have learned is how to deal with pressured situations which I can take into examinations next year.

For the second half of my 12 month placement I was based in an office for a project. The atmosphere was a great mix of comfort and equipment to get my tasks done. With great access to a desktop and WMS computer to resolve my queries. I had everything I needed in my office space.

Both from the university and DHL the set up was top class in terms of organising module events and communication whenever I had any queries. I believe this is something DHL can offer over the rest in terms of their outlook on young talent and really make an effort to get you through.

I have received training In many different forms. From management courses to DHL information courses, the company have definitely invested in me to progress and become a 21st century manager for the future. I have built up skills at such an early stage and can carry this forward in my career.

For DHL there are exceptional opportunities to grow within the business. DHL are such a large organisation and they really invest in young talent and to raise you through the organisation to progress quickly through the ranks. DHL have a graduate programme that develops your skills as a manager and offers fast progression.

DHL offer a great opportunity for social interaction with fellow industrial placement students. It is a requirement to pass the year to attend 4 module events that hold information and training days to do with DHL as a business. This gives a great chance to network with fellow colleagues and seniors within the organisation.

My placement was based in the Essex area so with this being close to London, the cost of living was quite high including rent and shopping. DHL compensated for this with a London allowance payment monthly of 10% which really helped but the cost of living was still quite hard to cope with.

Unfortunately there was not much nightlife in the area that I lived in. The closest area for a good night was in London but this required travel expenses and also an expensive night out. The closest thing to a night out was a couple of bars which didn't prove to be a good night.

Luckily for me I have a cousin who lives in London and he got me into his football team on Saturdays which is where I spent my Saturdays. On top of this, I made a friend on site who played for the local football team in Essex so I got into his team on a Sunday. I ended up laying football both Saturday and Sunday so I was really pleased with this.