In summary

  • Supply chain company efm Logistics has hired multiple Swinburne graduates to fulfill customer service roles
  • Abdul Amiri and Mitchell Bateman are both enjoying their experience working with customers and say that their colleagues are like family 
  • All graduates are encouraged to grow with the business, and use their degree and interests to pursue different roles 

Swinburne graduates Abdul Amiri and Mitchell Bateman are flourishing in their careers at supply chain company efm Logistics (efm).

After graduating in the middle of 2021, both are working as Internal Account Managers to learn the foundations of the business. They are part of the team that receives and responds to customer enquiries. They specialise in rapid problem solving to optimise the delivery time of customers’ freight despite emerging or anticipated issues including severe weather events, traffic disruptions and carrier delays.

Mr Amiri studied the Bachelor of Business Information Systems, where he learnt how to use data analytics and visualisation software Tableau and Power BI. This gave him an advantage in landing his previous internship and current role at efm. 

‘I was always interested in technology, information systems and data. At the same time, I wanted to look at the business side of everything. I really enjoyed using the various platforms and technology. I didn’t even know what they were and now it’s a skillset that I can apply straight to efm with other problems.’

Mr Bateman completed the Bachelor of Business and says the variety of key skills it covered prepared him for the industry, in addition to an internship at a supply chain for a small business. Mr Bateman also enjoyed the flexibility of his degree during COVID-19.

‘The online aspects worked really well for me. I really enjoyed the support network that you got from all the teachers. But I also really did enjoy the face-to-face learning, just talking with all the teachers about the course or unit.’

Culture is key 

efm has hired many Swinburne graduates over the last few years through online applications and referral from Swinburne staff. The business in supply chain management prides itself on its customer service, which efm’s Graduate Program Manager Jane Lioe says is ‘the engine room for our business’.

‘It’s a fast-paced environment but it’s very beneficial and the work environment and culture is amazing – I wouldn’t trade it for anything,’ says Mr Bateman.

Mr Amiri knew from his initial interview at efm that he wanted to work for the company, purely from the welcoming and friendly culture of his colleagues. ‘I feel like part of a family here,’ he says. 

Opportunities for growth

Mr Amiri and Mr Bateman enjoy their current roles but are encouraged to explore their interests in other parts of the business as they develop their skills. 

Wanting to eventually delve into roles such as a commercial analyst or software engineer at efm, Mr Amiri is working to create a better website to showcase his skills and opportunities for the organisation. ‘Everyone here wants to grow and the challenges are amazing,’ he says.

Mr Bateman says this role has set him up for the future because of the career growth available within the company. ‘It’s set me up really well to get my foot in the door and go from there. I could see myself working here for the next ten years or so. It’s definitely not a short-term thing, and that’s really what I wanted when I was looking for a post-university job.’

About efm Logistics

efm is the largest fourth party logistics provider (4PL) in Australia and New Zealand. Through the unique combination of sophisticated proprietary technology, highly-trained people and lasting carrier relationships, they optimise customers’ supply chains from end to end. For more information visit www.efmlogistics.com.au.

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