A passion for technology might be what got Benjamin started on the path to a career in logistics, given he knew little about the sector.

“If you asked me what I knew about the sector, I’d say not a lot!”

“I’d never considered logistics, due to my interest in sports, but this changed when I read about GXO’s graduate programme.”

The programme led to a role in projects, with Benjamin now identifying new technology solutions to implement across Northern European sites, and supporting innovation projects.

The best thing about the role?

“Being able to induce my genuine interest in new solutions. I’m surprised at the technology used in logistics – I wasn’t aware there could be roles like this focussed on technology.”

Benjamin’s initial placement has now become a permanent role – one where he’s looking to grow within his team, and to continue the hunt for exciting new technologies.

It’s a role that fits Benjamin perfectly, and he thinks there could be a fit for you too.

“Logistics is so vast and offers all sorts of different roles for different characters. It’s incredibly diverse and can help you develop quickly.”

As a recent geography graduate, Megan has taken advantage of the opportunities the GXO graduate scheme offers. Following her final rotation, she’s opted to specialise in HR – something she hadn’t tried before.

“I was part of the Talent Management team in my final rotation, looking at the continuous performance management process as well as developing career pathways for different business functions.”

She spent a lot of time on research and analysis, speaking to people across all areas of the business about their career pathways and the skills, qualifications and behaviours required to take them to the next level.

“We’ve been trying to modernise the performance process, making sure everything is online and on one portal for people to input any performance goals and activities that they have discussed with their manager and strive to achieve.”

As part of the graduate scheme, Megan has been encouraged to undertake three qualifications: IOSH – Health and Safety, Transport Management CPC and a Level 3 Leadership and Management Apprenticeship, preparing her for a long and fulfilling career in the industry, with plenty of opportunity for growth.

The application process for the graduate scheme consisted of two interviews and an assessment day, but Megan quickly found that her well-organised and process-driven skill set put her in a strong starting position.

“I like planning my time and keeping track of everything in a logical way. I’m also a quick thinker, so a role in logistics suited me because it’s so fast-paced. I love variety and doing different things every day, so this is why I enjoy working in project management so much.”

Megan loves working in a team and meeting new people, knowing that the work she does contributes to their career progression and development. She also loves the challenges her new role presents as she completes the graduate programme with a permanent role as HR Support Advisor on one of GXO’s customer contracts.

After completing a degree in Environmental Geography, followed by a Masters in Climate Change Science and Policy, Lottie tried roles in consultancy and app development before landing a job which focused on driving corporate sustainability.

With family members who work in logistics and a good grounding from her studies, she recognised that the fast-paced, multi-tasking environment the sector offered could be a good fit for her. Responsible for developing and driving GXO’s Sustainability Strategy across the UK and Ireland, working in logistics has proved to be much more complex than Lottie imagined:

“I hadn’t set foot in a warehouse. The complexities of the logistics industry fascinate me. To be at the forefront of the conversations around alternative fuels, renewable energy and sustainable initiatives is very exciting.”

While on the job, Lottie has received her associate membership for IEMA Environmental Management, and is working towards achieving her Practitioners’ membership, both fully supported and sponsored by management. She has also completed her IOSH Managing Safely Course.
Opportunities to continue her personal development is something she considers crucial from an employer, and when considering the best aspects of her role, Lottie emphasises her ability to drive change.

“Having exposure to senior leadership teams to make a difference feels great. I love communicating all the exciting work we’re doing to customers and hearing first-hand where they are in their journey to becoming net zero.”

When asked what she’d say to someone considering a career in logistics, Lottie emphasises the opportunity to grow:

“There are so many areas across the logistics industry that specific attributes can be applied to. Don’t worry if you enter a role that isn’t your ‘dream job’. Learning key skills and attributes that can be applied to other roles is often the most important thing. Embrace the challenges and engage with as many projects and people as possible.”