Wenling: Management Associate (MA) programme at DB Schenker
Yu Wenling
Class of 2021, Engineering Systems and Design
Senior Executive – Projects, DB Schenker
Recognise that your mindset plays a pivotal role in shaping these changes as either positive or negative experiences.
My job
My role involves two main components: project management and process improvement. On the project management front, I handle the setup of new programmes and integrate fresh processes for our existing customers. When it comes to process improvement, my focus is on streamlining existing processes and incorporating relevant digital innovations.
How I got my job
I have had a strong interest in Schenker since my penultimate year. Therefore, I actively pursued one of the capstone projects sponsored by Schenker to gain more exposure to their business and culture. The Schenker HR hosted a welcome session for all capstone groups sponsored by the company. It was during this session that I discovered the Management Associate (MA) programme and applied for it. Afterwards, I went through an online assessment, and several rounds of interviews with the hiring managers and HODs before securing the position.
I believe being knowledgeable about the company and the type of talent that they are looking for played a crucial role in securing the job. Therefore, I would highly recommend aspiring applicants to connect with existing employees of the company to gain insights into the traits that the company prefers, and to research about the basics of the company such as its business models and recent advancements.
The highs and lows
My preference for logical processes and dealing with optimisation led me to the supply chain industry. Therefore, I am immensely satisfied to continue leveraging my skills to work with logic, data and technology to continuously improve and optimise the daily processes within the company. Moreover, the prospects for advancing my technical prowess, honing professional expertise, and gaining valuable leadership experiences in my current role serve as a constant source of motivation.
A crucial challenge for my scope would be the stakeholders being resistant to changes, particularly when improvements are implemented for long-term projects where the benefits may not be immediately visible.
My happiest moment at work
I have had the honour to be exposed to many major projects due to my management associate (MA) programme and my current scope as a project manager. Amongst these endeavours, the most memorable project has been my involvement in launching a major customer, an industry leader in their field, as part of the implementation team. It was through this project that I witnessed the beauty of an effective supply chain, and it showcased the seamless collaboration of various functions in the company, working in harmony to support each other and ensure the successful implementation of the program despite the exceptionally short timeframe.
Some advice
A key lesson I have learnt from my two years of experience is the importance of taking initiative. Advocate for the opportunities you wish to be part of and diplomatically express your preferences regarding tasks you would rather avoid.
Moreover, cultivating a growth mindset is paramount. Embrace an open-minded approach towards new technologies and the inevitable changes that you will face. Recognise that your mindset plays a pivotal role in shaping these changes as either positive or negative experiences. By staying adaptable and fostering a mindset geared towards learning and growth, you empower yourself to navigate shifts in the professional landscape with resilience and optimism.