A Good Decision
101 different nationalities are represented at the DHL hub. As a cosmopolitan and internationally operating company, this is not really a special feature, but we are nevertheless a little proud of it. That means diversity and very different and exciting life stories. Like the one of Paloma Domínguez.
Paloma has lived in Leipzig for about one year. She grew up in Madrid. The jobs she did there could hardly be more different: "I worked as a laboratory assistant, as a web designer, in a funeral parlor, as a beautician, and I am trained as a security specialist.” All exciting professions, as Paloma reveals, "but the contract was always temporary." The Corona pandemic further exacerbated the labor market situation in Spain. One day, Paloma saw a job posting online for the DHL Hub in Leipzig. They were looking for ramp agents "So I thought, if I don't apply, I'll surely regret it later. It just sounded like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
With that positive attitude, it was no wonder Paloma passed the application process and trainings with flying colors. "I was happy to get this job, but also a little nervous. After all, it also meant moving to a country that was completely foreign to me and learning a new language."
Nervousness and uncertainty were forgotten once Paloma saw our site for the first time: "It's just so big here! And overwhelming. I knew the facts about the Leipzig Hub, of course, but I was still fascinated when I had my first shift here."
Paloma first worked as an employee on the apron. Together with her loading team, she was responsible for loading and unloading the aircraft. All of this initially on the night shift. Today, Paloma works during the day. She is also more than happy about this decision. "Of course, I earn more at night because of the bonuses. But I've noticed that - in contrast to my colleagues - it's not so easy for me. Ultimately, I also want to stay in Leipzig and with DHL. So it's even more important to me that I get along well with the way I work." Now Paloma works as a tug driver, which means she drives the aircraft containers between terminals and the planes. In the meantime she is currently training to operate and drive other apron vehicles.
When asked why she is so sure she wants to stay at the DHL Hub Leipzig, Paloma doesn't think twice: "I simply feel comfortable with my new life. Working on the apron is not only exciting, it finally gives me the professional security I didn't have in Spain. I also really like Leipzig as a city. It's much more relaxed than Madrid, and of course the lakes in the surrounding area also score points. I sometimes miss my family, but I can always take a vacation in Spain. I'm really glad I had the courage to apply back then."
From Madrid to Leipzig as a ramp agent - a good decision for Paloma. - Julia Ende