Meet Kiemay Rangasamy, a Management Trainee at Röhlig Logistics. Originally from South Africa, Kiemay joined the Management Trainee programme, which offers participants the opportunity to experience various aspects of the logistics industry across different countries. During her first nine months, Kiemay worked in Group Controlling at the Röhlig Head Office in Bremen, Germany. She then moved to the UK, where she has spent 12 months focusing on Operations. Now, she’s heading to Australia to focus on Sales. We spoke with Kiemay to shed light on her journey and what a year in this programme looks like.
How did you find out about the programme?
"During my last year at university, I was networking a lot and trying to get to know people in the industry. Röhlig is very well-known in South Africa and is not far from where I live, so I know a few people who worked there already. They made me aware of the various programmes they offer, from internships to entry-level jobs.
I applied for a few of the postings and programmes. To my surprise, I got an email back about the Management Trainee Programme. I remember reading Rogerio Vianna’s, Customer Solutions Manager – UK, story on the website when I applied, so it’s quite cool to think we are colleagues now and that I’m going to have my own story about the programme."
What was it like moving away from home?
"My family were very surprised when I told them I was moving. I never thought I’d leave South Africa, and I was always timid, but they were very supportive.
The first three months were challenging, as South Africa and first-world countries, as you can imagine, are very different. I had to learn how to use the buses and trains, and I ended up going in the opposite direction many times. Adapting to countries with different languages and cultures was a shock to my system. Fortunately, the Röhlig offices and my family back home have been a strong support system, and I find each move much easier than when I left home for the first time almost two years ago.
Every time I return to South Africa to visit my family, they are proud of the growth they can see in my character. It’s all thanks to the programme. Experiencing this type of personal development, coupled with the satisfaction I get from my job and training, is quite a rare thing to find, and I’m lucky to have found it at Röhlig."
Why did you choose to come to the UK?
"I was open to going to any country. I never gave specifics since I would hate to miss out on any opportunities. But I am a lucky fish since I got the UK placement and now the Melbourne one."
What have been your personal highlights this past year?
"The work culture would definitely be a highlight! Our office did a lot of activities together, which was really nice given that I didn’t know anyone here, and it’s a new country to me. We went bowling after work and did pub quizzes - Cool Cats and Dodgy Dogs were our team names. I got to see a West End show when we went to watch Wicked. And the occasional pizza parties and KFC runs were such a treat.
Wednesdays at the office are my favourite since the office is full thanks to Work Together Wednesdays. On the first Wednesday of each month, we start the day with a Mental Health Awareness get-together, where we do a short meditation or chair yoga session. We often eat together in the break room or go for a short walk. Spending all that time together that wasn’t just work-related definitely brought us closer as a team."
What have been your key learnings during this part of the programme?
"This part of my programme was spent focusing on Operations. I started with sea freight imports, and it was really interesting to see how the processes differ from how they are in South Africa. I also liked the style of working since, after my training, I was allowed to work more independently. I enjoyed this because it showed they were confident in my abilities, even during times when I wasn’t sure! The team also often solve issues together when one of us runs into a problem. It created a really good dynamic where I always knew I had help if I needed it.
I also spent a short time in air freight exports to get a more well-rounded view of Operations. It’s much more fast-paced. I often say I prefer sea freight, but it’s because I haven’t done much air freight until now. I ended up really enjoying it, and I’m glad my colleagues Rachael and Akhter gave me the opportunity to realise that."
What are you looking forward to in Melbourne and your career moving forward?
"In Melbourne, I will be joining the Sales Team! I have never done any sales-related work before. Although I am quite a yapper in the office, I never thought of myself as being extroverted enough. But I’ll never say no to a challenge! I’m excited to learn about the world of Sales and add more skills under my belt."
Why did you choose Australia?
"To be honest, I didn’t choose my placement countries, I just let Christine Kirsch, Director Corporate Personnel Development, know that I’m open to anything.
When I got the call that the Melbourne office was interested in taking on a trainee, I was really happy. I’ve never been to Australia before, so this gives me the opportunity to explore a new place, culture, and meet new people. Right now, when I think of Australia, it’s just Tim Tam biscuits and koalas that come to mind, but I have no doubt that will change after my time there.
I’ve met and spoken to some of our Röhlig Australia colleagues through Blue Step and the many visitors we get at the London office, so I know when I go Down Under, I have lots to look forward to."
What will you miss about Röhlig UK or the UK in general?
"Getting time to spend with the most popular Management Trainee, Rogerio, was really great. To have someone who went through the same experience was helpful, and he really took on a mentor role at times to help guide me and get the most out of my time here.
For the UK in general, so much, but I’ll try to shorten it: I’ll miss having a caterpillar cake for my birthday, Yorkshire tea bags for the best builder’s brew, and, although I thought it was odd at first, I will also miss talking, asking, and complaining about the weather multiple times a day!
London offered me a great work-life balance. I met so many people who have become close friends while doing the most bizarre but fun activities, like puppy yoga!"
Is there anything else you want to share?
"I have changed a lot in my time here, and yet I feel more like myself than I ever have. I also have a favourite and least favourite tube line, so I think that makes me officially a Londoner!"
Kiemay’s journey through the Röhlig Logistics Management Trainee Programme is a testament to the personal and professional growth opportunities it offers. From moving countries and adapting to new cultures to learning new skills and making lifelong friends, her experience showcases the unique benefits of this programme. We wish her all the best for her next chapter in Melbourne!
