On the road to success with versatility

[Transnational networks work when there are people behind them who communicate openly, pursue common goals and respect each other. With this look behind the scenes, we introduce you to employees within the European Food Network who, with their know-how and enthusiasm for the job, ensure that your food products are available across Europe every day.]

In this article, Caroline Chahine, who works in Customer Service, Import and the Packaging department at DACHSER France Food Logistics, tells us why she still enjoys her work after 22 years at DACHSER and what role foreign language skills play in her everyday professional life.

Tuesday, 2 May 2000 is a day I will remember forever. Why? Because that was the day I started my current job at DACHSER France. Already during my studies with a focus on international trade, I dealt intensively with topics related to the logistics industry in courses. My career path was therefore already set during my studies. I started at DACHSER France in Montluel near Lyon in the Customer Service department. Even as a young professional, I wanted to satisfy the customers and, above all, use my English in practice. Because I have always had a special fondness for foreign languages.

Today, I still enjoy speaking English with clients and partners of the European Food Network in Germany and all over Europe. I even learned some German and can often use it on the job - I'm really proud of that.

Another aspect of why my current job is still my dream job is the fact that no two days are the same and every morning I find out anew what's coming up. That's what makes the job so interesting, exciting and varied for me. I just never know what's going to happen - that's what I enjoy. The harmonious cooperation with my colleagues is another reason why I come to work highly motivated in the morning.

Speaking of activities: A typical working day for me begins with checking our "Active Report" application as an employee in Customer Service. Here I receive all the information on consignments for which further coordination steps are necessary to ensure proper and timely delivery. After I have clarified and completed this for all shipments, I change perspective and deal with the import of food products from all over Europe. Another small part of my job is dealing with complaints and working in the Packaging department. Adjusting to the different activities every day and being organised on time at all times is demanding and an incentive at the same time. But after 22 years at DACHSER, I am quite independent in my daily work and I can fall back on my many years of experience when a task is more complex and it requires quick solutions. The fact that there are many opportunities for promotion and further training at DACHSER is proven by my career: I have worked in Customer Service in recent years, then in the Long-Distance Transport department and in the Claims department. I have also been working as a DENO for several years. DENO stands for DACHSER Expert Network Operations, where we are responsible for training staff, for example.

After work, I spend time with my loved ones: I take care of my three children (18 years, 11 years and 7 years) and accompany them to their leisure activities judo and tennis. For me, this means pure relaxation at the same time, when I can watch my children doing what they like to do the most. This is how we spend time together and I am always happy about the progress they make.

I hope that I have been able to give you a little insight into my daily work and that you have enjoyed reading. A little tip: Just watch a judo competition. It's great fun and exciting! By the way: The European Judo Championships 2023 will take place in my home country, Montpellier, from 2-5 November.

Yours, Caroline Chahine