GES International Distribution Coordinator Review

The role of the International Distribution Coordinator (IDC) is to manage distribution and produce documentation to support shipments from global external suppliers/warehouses to customers. This involves: working with our international suppliers to agree shipment plans, arranging transport with our chosen freight forwarders and then creating shipping documentation and invoices within SAP ERP. There are also a multitude of project to be involved with, for example sustainability initiatives to eliminate waste and reduce our carbon footprint.

This role has allowed me to develop key skills in: problem solving, organisation, using my initiative and the ability to identify and effectively communicate key issues for resolution. At the start of the year I agree a development plan with my manager to decide which skills I want to develop within the next year. For example, in 2022 I will be focussing on: complaints management, presentation skills, project management and developing my general logistics knowledge through networking with professionals in each department.

I can happily say that I am enjoying this programme. This is firstly because I enjoy my job working in the distribution team, especially after completing a successful vaccine roll-out in 2021 which will most likely be one of my proudest achievements throughout my whole career. Additionally, my manger ensures that I am using my 20% time allowance to focus on the degree. The flexibility on when I can take this time and how i manage my studies is a bonus.

We are given a calendar at the start of each year which clearly indicates when our lessons will be delivered so that we can manage our calendars accordingly. The university has also introduced a cut-off date for when we can send them our final draft pieces of work to ensure that we are provided with sufficient feedback in time for us to make amendments before the due dates.

My employer supports me through discussing the module topics and helping to brainstorm different ways in which I can relate my university module to real life examples in the workplace. Sometimes I need support with getting names for key contacts within the company to arrange interviews etc to gather primary data. My manager has also offered to proof read my work for grammatical errors before submitting which is really appreciated.

For some modules, after the initial lessons, the training provider has set up 'virtual cafe's' which allows us to ask any questions that we have relating to the assignment. The university also has an online library where we can access great literature for us to reference and learn from. There is also a learning hub which we can contact that helps us to proof read our work for grammatical errors; this has helped to save valuable marks.

Sometimes I don't realise the value of what I have learnt until a few months later when I see it being applied to a real life situation. For example, the project management modules have significantly improved my ability to create project schedules and also select the most appropriate tools/methodologies to manage the project lifecycle (e.g. Lean Six sigma). Overall, I am happy that the qualification will definitely improve my performance in the workplace.

As far as I am aware, there are not many extra curricular activities to be involved with. However, I am part of the Wellbeing Network within my department which often organises online virtual events to boost morale and support people struggling with their mental health. I think that Covid-19 has had a huge impact on other extra curricular activities (like sports etc).

Yes

First of all, AstraZeneca makes sure that their employees have a heathy work life balance. This means that employees should not be working additional hours in the day and that their employees actually enjoy what they do. There are also some great development opportunities within the company so people can explore different roles to develop their skills and find what they enjoy to do.

Focus on AstraZeneca's core values when you are applying for a role within the company (e.g. We do the right thing, We put the patients first etc). All of AstraZeneca's goals are aligned to these values and so you need to re-iterate these points in your CV and interview preparation.