Smile #1

Studying hard! 

July 4th marks a short week at work, it also serves as the crossing line of my first month at my new job!  I made it through!  :)  

This past month, I had the chance to dive in the transportation/logistics industry.  A step closer to becoming a supply chain professional.  

From the 'blank-face' Leigha to now the 'kinda-know-what-you-are-talking-about' Leigha, it has been a work-in-progress.  After a month, I am beginning to pick up each processes slowly bit by bit and trust me when I say there are A LOT of programs we use.  Although I still have plenty of questions, at least I know who I can turn to and seek some answers.  Glad to be in an office not in chaos right now and have a manager who doesn't just throw me in. :) 

As part of my International Graduate Program, I was send up to headquarter for a week of training.  Finally meeting the rest of the group and out of the competition mode.  The week was intense-yes, but very informative and resourceful for my job. 

Starting the week lightly with brief presentations on company culture and history as well as updates on the numerous company adjustments.  Ending the first day with a visitation of Port Elizabeth.  Seeing the port first-hand and learning about the port operation was an eye-opening experience.  Each operator busied themselves with on-loading and off-loading each container.  The synchronization between one step to the next is orchestrated with perfect coordination.  

Two days crash course covered many technical topics not focused in school, such as Incoterms, customs clearance, and C-TPAT.  Brain fried, but so worth it! :)

Gained both life insights and career advice during dinner with all the HR professional.  :)  .   Their cheerful and jolly personality definitely matched what I imagined for the HR department.    

Completing the week with numerous guest speakers explaining various aspect of this giant multinational, multifaceted company.  Each department plays a vital role to the success of the company and while each company faces difficulties, but we must act as One Damco to battle.  

Aside from headquarter training, I had training with the folks on my team.  Scrabbling chicken scratch all over the notepad, like a maniac, as an attempt to copy down everything everyone said. This report, that report, this PO and that SO, say whattt?! 

Cheers to completing first month!