1) What's written on your business card?
Lauren Marie Lee , Job title: Operations Graduate
2) What's your job about?
DHL Supply Chain specialises in providing warehousing and logistic services and solutions. Responsibilities of a graduate greatly vary depending on specific rotations. However universal graduate responsibilities include working with DHL core values of focus, connect and grow. While working in diverse teams to achieve company goals to be the Provider, Employer and Investor of choice. Supply chain can encompass various aspects of logistics, such as transport, storage, inventory, as well as various other value added services.
The Graduate Program is heavily project based. Key projects I have worked on include business improvement tools, documenting operations for both internal and external use. Looking at productivity and future improvement opportunities and interacting with Warehouse Management Systems through reporting and stock reconciliations.
Due to the nature of logistics it is difficult to predict what you will experience beforehand as each operation has different requirements and their own set of challenges.
3) What's your background?
I came to Sydney in 2006 and previously I lived in Brisbane. I attended high school, and then completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Sydney majoring in Accounting and Marketing. I spent most of my University years in retail management and sales in various fashion brands.
I got my current role through the University of Sydney Careers website and went through the general application process. I have been in this role for just over a year.
I always had a general interest in sales, as I enjoyed the logics behind it of budgets, forecasting and KPIs. From both my University and Work exposure I developed a liking towards process improvement and logic based theories. So it seemed natural to gravitate towards the logistics industry.
4) Could someone with a different background do your job?
Yes! Absolutely. Supply Chain is great because it requires such a diverse skills set and knowledge base. As long as you have a process driven mindset and enjoy problem solving. Examples of other backgrounds include Engineering, IT and Economics. In Supply chain it is essential to always see the “Bigger Picture” looking at flow on effects and future issues. You must also be very fluid to change and adapt well. Logistics is such a dynamic industry constantly evolving with technological, environmental, political and social changes.
5) What's the coolest thing about your job?
The best thing about this job is that you get to see so many different operations and products. You get to be exposed to everyday products that maybe in your bathroom or wardrobe and be a part of how they get to your supermarkets and department stores. You also get to see the new products that are to be rolled out and it is very satisfying when you see them at your local Coles or Woolworths.
6) What are the limitations of your job?
The largest limitation would be the travel to and from sites. You will need to have a car as you will be required to visit various sites in different areas of Sydney. These distances can greatly vary dependant on where you live. However travelling to different sites, even to observe an operation is a must. Warehousing and supply chain does also require hands on experience to better understand operations and daily activities. So be prepared to lift a few boxes and get your hands dirty occasionally to better understand core processes.
7) 3 pieces of advice for your teenage self...