Kathryn Charman, Northumbria University, graduate of 2021

I was initially introduced to a career in logistics through the RAF, who are sponsoring me through University; I will become an RAF Logistics Officer when I graduate. I have always been interested in how things work and how things go from being in the ground, or being just bits of material, to becoming products. As a child, I loved watching programs like “How it’s Made”, which got me intrigued about a career in logistics and supply chain from very young age!

I chose to become a NOVUS student to enhance my understanding of logistics, both to aid my time at University and to prepare for my future career. NOVUS gave me the opportunity to do a summer placement at the end of my first year of Uni; I have been working at Pladis Global, who distribute big brands such as McVities, Godiva and Ulker.

Working for a big company such as Pladis Global as only a first-year student has put me ahead of the curve going back to Uni in October. I feel I already have an in-depth understanding of many logistics functions ahead of studying them. As well as this, seeing how the functions work is very different to how they are taught in a classroom, so the placement has broadened my view of the logistics world. This, I think, will help me with my projects and studies when I return to Uni. I feel the only way to gain such an understanding is through going out and doing placements, which is why I will always suggest NOVUS to supply chain and logistics students! It has introduced me to new experiences and many, highly respected contacts in the logistics profession, who I feel I can reference and who are willing to aid in my development as I move through my career.