When thinking about a future profession, young people today are often said to focus on their own desires and ambitions. Almost every first-year university student imagines taking a prestigious position in an international company. But when such students finish university without professional experience, they are traditionally qualified only to be a trainee, assistant, or intern. Some applicants consider such positions a waste of time. But in reality these roles are often stepping stones to career advancement and greater responsibility in the future.
The AsstrA international corporate group team includes dozens of leading specialists and department heads who started out as assistants. They worked tirelessly and looked forward to promotions with the understanding that serving as an assistant is a springboard for future growth.
Why choose the logistics industry? How can one’s logistics career progress? We spoke with some AsstrA team members to find answers.
Tatyana Danilyuk, Benelux Division Trade Lane Manager
I joined AsstrA in July 2016. After a year studying logistics at university, my AsstrA journey began with a week of practical training at the Italian office. When I graduated I was worried that I lacked practical business knowledge, so I decided to see and feel the logistics “kitchen” from the inside. After another week, they offered me an assistant position in the Benelux department. Six months later, I was promoted to forwarder. Today I am a Trade Lane Manager, and I believe there are many opportunities and exciting things still to come!
My advice to young people starting out on their careers is to speak up when you need help from a mentor or colleague or do not understand something. The idea that asking numerous questions makes you seem stupid is wrong! On the contrary, by asking good, relevant question you help yourself and the department avoid making mistakes and demonstrate that you can sensibly evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses.
Ekaterina Afonina, Italy Division Trade Lane Manager
I joined the AsstrA team in March 2017 on the recommendation of a friend working in the Sales Department. My first position was as a forwarding assistant in the Italy Division. After 10 months, I became a forwarder and then eventually a trade lane manager.
AsstrA is a great place to start your career with stable earnings. You can quickly learn a new profession from scratch. From the first days, you get involved in workflows and participate in regular trainings, master classes, and meetings with company experts. You’re on a friendly team in a friendly environment where you feel valued. AsstrA has a presence in 21 countries and gives you daily exposure foreign languages and plenty of opportunities to travel and meet new people.
I would tell young candidates not to be afraid of make mistakes. Be proactive! Feel free to pursue your goals and stay positive!
Robert Vashkevich, Head of the Easten Europe Division
Even while still at university I knew that I wanted to work in an international logistics company. When I looked through the ratings, I noticed that the AsstrA corporate group was consistently ranked at the top. After looking at the company’s website I was convinced that I want to be here. I liked that the company has a clear strategy, vision, and a focus on continuous development.
As a student, I had a summer internship as an assistant forwarder. Continuous training and support from managers increased my self-confidence. I strove to give 100% and in 3 years I went from an assistant forwarder to the head of the Eastern Europe Department.
AsstrA's main asset is people. The company constantly sets ambitious goals, and to achieve them it aims to attract and grow top-quality staff. Therefore, AsstrA takes care of employees, nurtures staff, and invests in young talents. Thanks to internships, students with no work experience can begin a career in an international company.
At AsstrA, experienced professionals immediately take a new employee under their wing and encourage the achievement of goals, both business and personal. The more the company grows, the more career prospects there are for its team. That’s what I call a win-win!