Lucy Holland, University of Huddersfield, graduate of 2016

Third year placement at Sainsbury’s, now working as Project Support Manager, Logistics Implementation at Sainsbury’s

I first became interested in the logistics sector whilst studying transport economics at college, and given this interest, I was recommended by a tutor to research logistics more closely and the courses available.

Given the growing skills shortage in the sector and the varied roles available, I saw a career at the end of university so applied for the logistics course at the University of Huddersfield. For me, NOVUS helped me to build a great network very early into my career through the mentoring programme, site visits and talks. The scheme and my links to it have continued to support me in building my network and expanding my experiences since graduating from university. I found  NOVUS to be supportive, collaborative and challenging. As an example, we would complete group coursework in partnership with professionals, which created an environment that reflects the sector and challenged us to apply theory to a real situation. It brought all the students together to collaborate, learn and work towards a common goal. Now I am at Sainsbury’s, within my current role, I work within a team that manages, coordinates and lands change projects across the logistics division.

For me, since joining, this has involved new depot builds, system and automation testing and providing project governance and structure on a number of projects. To get my job, I attended a number of presentations from various companies, which were arranged as part of the NOVUS scheme. These sessions initially made me aware of the opportunities available at Sainsbury’s and I subsequently joined on my placement year from university. During this time, I completed a development programme to be a Warehouse Team Manager and spent a further six months working as part of a team on a new depot build project. I then returned to university for my final year and subsequently re-joined Sainsbury’s upon graduation. For me, the best part of my job is the variety. No two days are the same and my responsibilities and work can be so varied. In addition, the output of what you do is tangible, from walking around a depot you supported in building, to walking through a store knowing that the role you play within logistics ensures and enables the shelves to be stocked.

With regards to development, I would say I have developed, applied and refined many of the skills I acquired through university since graduating, from organisational skills and communication skills. I have also developed new skills and technical knowledge of systems, automation, processes and operations.

I find it very difficult to say where I will be in five years – quite a broad answer, but I would like to say I will be progressing within Sainsbury’s, leading teams, learning new things, meeting new people and generally embracing new challenges as they arise.