Ahmed recently graduated from the International Business Logistics program in Helsingborg and has worked as a freight forwarder in ocean export at Hecksher in Helsingborg during the summer of 2024. Hear his thoughts on what it’s like to have a summer job here, as well as the insights and lessons he has gained during his time with us.

How did you learn about the summer job at Hecksher?

My school, where I studied International Business Logistics, recommended that I apply for an internship at Hecksher during my course. I completed both of my internships at Hecksher and had a great experience. Given how much I enjoyed working here, it was an obvious choice for me to apply for a summer job.

What are your main responsibilities?

I have a variety of tasks, with my main responsibilities including handling bookings, invoicing, managing monthly closures, maintaining daily contact with shipping lines, consolidators, carriers, and various customer service centers, as well as a significant amount of documentation.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

I start my day by checking and updating emails and booking changes from the previous day. This involves administrative tasks such as registering bookings, invoicing customers, and making new bookings. I maintain contact with our customers via email and phone. After lunch, I continue handling any remaining tasks and new bookings until I finish at 4:30 PM.

What is the most exciting part of your job?

There are many things I love about my job. I find the work challenging and diverse, which suits me perfectly. The mix of administrative tasks and daily contact via email and phone is ideal for me. The variety in my work is stimulating and keeps me engaged.

How would you describe the company culture at Hecksher?

The company culture is truly amazing! My colleagues are very friendly, helpful, and motivating, and I enjoy working at Hecksher very much. No day is boring, and the company culture is something I really appreciate. One thing that contributes to my positive view of the company culture is my manager, Christer. He plays a significant role in this, as he brings decisiveness, fairness, and encouragement to the team, creating a motivating and positive work environment.

Is there a specific reason you chose to work here for the summer?

Since I had already completed both of my internships at Hecksher and enjoyed my time there, it was a natural choice for me to apply for a summer job here. When you thrive in a workplace and feel it's an environment where you can grow, there's no reason to not continue working there, and that was definitely the case for me.

What prior experience do you have in the logistics industry? 

I have several years of work experience in various warehouse roles where logistics was a part of the job. However, the majority of my experience comes from my studies and my internship at Hecksher.

Have you encountered any challenges in your work? 

Yes, there have been several challenges, as it often is when starting at a new company and learning how the company operates. My time at Hecksher began with an internship, which gave me a good understanding of the work and systems. The difference between being an intern and a full-time employee is that during the summer, we handle significantly higher volumes. This has required me to become more efficient and organized. Facing these challenges has led to significant personal growth.

What lessons, skills, or competencies have you developed during your time here?

I've learned a lot during my time at Hecksher, including mastering various programs and systems, enhancing my skills in customer contact and service, and gaining a comprehensive understanding of the entire process from order to delivery. The knowledge I've gained has been invaluable, as I feel I have developed significantly in a short period.

Has your time at Hecksher influenced your thoughts on what you want to do in the future?

Yes, it has! I enjoy the tasks and overall work environment so much that I feel confident in my decision to study logistics and see a future for myself in this field. While I'm not yet certain whether I want to specialize in import or export, I am sure that I want to continue working in the logistics industry.