Future Leaders Graduate, Krystian gives us exclusive insights into the experiences he’s gained throughout his time at DHL so far and provides some top tips for anyone interested in applying.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
My name is Krystian, and I am in my second year on the Future Leaders Graduate Scheme. I grew up in Poland before coming to the UK to attend Newcastle University, from where I graduated with a BA Honours in Sociology. In my spare time, I enjoy CrossFit and playing semi-professional football.
What is your role and how long have you been at DHL?
I joined the graduate scheme in September 2020. The experience I have gained with Packaging Solutions during my first year was invaluable. In my first few months, I worked as an FLM which gave me an understanding of Co-pack. I then moved onto a Project management role implementing Co-pack improvements on sites across the UK.
During my second year placement, I am training to be a Shift Manager on a multi-user site in Bawtry.
What first inspired you to apply for a role with DHL?
Growing up I was surrounded by my dad’s logistics business. This triggered my interest in the industry. In terms of DHL, they are one of the biggest logistics companies in the world meaning there are endless networking avenues and career possibilities. Due to the sheer size of DHL, you get to experience many different customers. Their sheer size means you get exposure to a vast array of customers. In my first year alone, I got to work alongside many international customers including, Ferrero, Colgate, Grants, Hain Daniels, Schwarzkopf and many more. There are endless opportunities to work with different customers and in my second-year placement we get to provide services for 11 customers, this helped me learn how to approach and meet customers varying needs.
What excites you about the work you are doing?
Firstly, realising how essential DHL is to people’s everyday life gives extra motivation to strive forward and provide a fantastic service. Especially throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we had to come together as a team and take responsibility to help the country continue functioning. This makes me extremely proud to represent such a great company. The versatility of tasks and level of responsibility that I have been trusted with makes my job very exciting and each day is so different. Furthermore, taking part in projects from GoTeach to GoGreen is truly rewarding and enables me to make a real difference in people’s lives.
How has this role and the experiences you’ve gained set you up for future career progression and success?
The Future Leader’s graduate scheme is structured in a way where I have been trusted with a great level of accountability. This has enabled me to be pushed out of my comfort zone and continue growing to become the leader I aspire to be.
The opportunities and experiences provided by the Graduate Scheme will allow me to progress through levels of management and responsibility.
One of the key learnings from my journey so far is to take on the challenges thrown my way and to make every opportunity count.
Has anything surprised you since you started at DHL?
Before I started working for DHL, I knew that it was a global company, however, what surprised me was the wide range of customers and industries that DHL supplies. It can be from the F1 contract to Police Uniforms, to filling shelves in your local grocery store.
In addition, the quality of support I have received from my line managers and team. They ensured I was involved in different projects, and everyone took their time to explain key operational aspects for me to succeed.
Finally, any tips for members wanting to apply to DHL?
Be confident, positive and look after your staff. Your staff are the most important part of the operation, by creating an encouraging working environment together as a team you will achieve great results. As a final tip, use the size of DHL to grow your network as this will open more opportunities and allow you to progress.
Has Krystian inspired you to take the next steps in your career? If so, check out what DHL has to offer here.