Career paths – what do you need: A ladder or a compass?

Working for a big company, you often come across the term “career path.” This typically implies a sequence of jobs leading to short- and long-term career goals. Career paths are often thought to be linear and associated with climbing a “ladder” through different career levels.  Someone working in Customer Service, for example, might progress to Field Sales and then to Key Account Management.

Personally, I think that linear career paths are very helpful for employees looking for orientation and who know in exactly which field they would like to work. Others might want to learn and explore new topics and geographies over time and pick a career path that leverages their core skills, personal motivations and interests.

However, flexible career paths are also possible, which can sometimes come as a surprise to others. Taking a flexible path often requires more effort but can also be extremely rewarding and help the organization look at things from different perspectives.

My own career has been more like a compass guided by my personal circumstances, motivations and adventurous spirit. I chose a flexible career path and I want to share some personal insights and key learnings with you. 

Listen to good advice

I initially wanted to study languages. I learnt English, French and Russian at school and thought I would become a translator until my teacher told me in no uncertain terms: “You are such an extrovert. You want to talk and not just translate what other people say. Go and join an international company where you can speak the languages. Study Business Administration!”

A little bit of experience in one area can help to open doors

I applied for different combined degree courses in Germany at industrial, engineering and retail companies. In the end, I think I was selected by a Freight Forwarder because my parents had a trucking company and I had already acquired some practical experience working for them. The company who hired me loved the fact that I earned my first money washing trucks on Saturday mornings.

Personal circumstances can lead to taking on a job – and that’s okay

After graduating, I joined a trainee program and worked as an assistant to a branch manager. Afterwards, I took a post in the German Head Office working in Tender Management. This was mainly because my old boyfriend lived in the same city. So personal circumstances can prompt some career moves, too. I’m not particularly passionate about data, but I learnt to cope with it and how to present to customers. This took me out of my comfort zone. It was a great learning experience but not my dream job for sure.

Work for a manager who believes in you and provides you with opportunities you would not think about

I was then offered a life-changing opportunity: The head of Corporate Development at our Management Holding was looking for a freight forwarder to join his team. The role profile would have fit an investment banker or consultant but not me. I had no idea about mergers and acquisition or strategy development. Nor did I know how to present to Corporate Board members. My manager believed that I would learn all of this and in return I would teach him how the core business works. With the right mindset you can learn anything.

Have the right attitude and learn new things

Our business was sold and I had to look for a new role. Through the network I had built up, I ended up in a x-divisional Key Account Management team with a lot of start-up spirit. I wanted to get “out in the field” again and applied for a role as a Global Key Account Manager. Again, the role profile did not fit what I had done previously. Normally, it would have been a step up for a Regional Account Manager role, but my manager believed that I could do it.

Take risks and apply transferrable skills. Don’t worry about matching every criterion of the role profile

I joined DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation after being recommended to them by my former manager.  During that stage, I had one small child and was anxious about being able to cope with joining a new company, working full time and leaving my previous network. I had many doubts but, in the end, I thought I would take the risk. I built up a new network quickly and since my role was similar in my previous company, I was able to apply everything I had learnt at the beginning of my career and bring an “outside view” to DHL.

Ask yourself what you really want to do next, be willing to take a detour if needed and be persistent

When I then was expecting my second child, my manager encouraged me to think outside the box in terms of what I could do next. I used the maternity leave to reflect on what I liked and disliked during my career and also worked with a mentor and the DPDHL career development handbook. Finally, I had the idea of getting involved in strategic projects in Human Resources. I was totally motivated to go on that journey, but became a bit disillusioned when I started to apply for roles. Again, my manager but also my mentor were key: they used their networks and I ended up with colleagues believing I could do it. I started with a project role but, from there, grew into a more senior role in DHL Supply Chain HR. As it turned out, I was able to apply a lot of the skills I gained from previous roles, such as shaping direction, working strategically, applying a customer oriented mindset, stakeholder management and knowing how to work with data. Through various projects I discovered my passion for Talent and Engagement topics and when my current job in DHL Global Forwarding, Freight was posted, I had to apply! It is fair to say that I am now in my “dream job” where I can, among other responsibilities, help others shape their career. 

It is great to be a Forwarder & Logistics person, as it provides so many opportunities in a company like DHL.  

What does your career path look like? Has it been “linear” or “flexible”? Did you take detours? Have you taken conscious decisions?

Published: August 2020

Image: iStock