Work placement the answer to employability, according to Sandra
Mon, 07 Dec 2015 14:29:00 GMT
Sandra Bodurkiewicz knows the value of a sandwich course – the Polish graduate is now a manager with world-leading Yusen Logistics
STUDENTS should take part in as many work placements as they can in order to secure work after their studies, says 26-year-old Polish graduate Sandra Bodurkiewicz, who has recently secured a management job with world-leading total logistics provider, Yusen Logistics.
It was a year-long work-placement with Coca-Cola Midi in France as a Distribution and Logistics Analyst that Sandra firmly believes has been the key to her success and stood her in good stead for a career in the world of logistics.
“The University encourages all of its students to take part in work placements and it was this year in industry which prepared me for what it was really like to work for a world-leading logistics company,” said Sandra. “During my sandwich year, I gained valuable experience and gathered an array of excellent contacts and references for my CV,” she added.
After completing her placement, Sandra returned to the University to complete her industry accredited BSc in Transport and Logistics Management. Alongside the studying, Sandra also worked when she could in local warehouses, in order to not only accumulate extra funding, but to also learn and experience as much as she could.
It was at the 2012 Huddersfield Graduate Jobs Fair, during her final year, when she began talking to Yusen Logistics and was encouraged to apply for a management trainee job. With already a wealth of experience behind her and after a successful interview, they offered her a position of Management Trainee and Sandra held this role for two years.
Earlier this year, Sandra received the good news that she was being promoted to Change Manager, a role which she loves.
“I am currently responsible for seven sites within the UK,” said Sandra. “My job is so varied, I love my job and I would never change it,” she added.
Sandra has now come full circle, as she recently attended the 2015 Huddersfield Graduate Jobs Fair as a representative of Yusen Logistics and having been through the exact same experience herself, she knows exactly what to look for in possible new recruits.
“I love Huddersfield and I was so pleased to come back and meet the students at the Huddersfield Graduate Jobs Fair. My time in Huddersfield was life-changing and I hope to be able to offer students the same opportunities given to me.”
