DHL delivers a great experience for interns

Article Type: Notes and news From: Industrial and Commercial Training, Volume 44, Issue 6

Mail and logistics group DHL has been named international partner of the year by AIESEC, the world’s largest youth-run organization focusing on leadership development.

Over a 15-year partnership, DHL has provided AIESEC members with more than 1,000 internships across various DHL offices and divisions.

DHL was selected from 20 companies and organizations that are AIESEC global partners.

The DHL/AIESEC internship program has developed young talent into globally-minded, responsible leaders in areas such as human-resource management,marketing, pricing, customer service and business development.

Maria Jimena Vargas, human-resource learning and development specialist for DHL Express Americas, was introduced to DHL through the DHL/AIESEC internship program in November 2010. “This was not just another typical intern role,”she said. “I was an integral part of the team and tasked with challenging work from the start. The international and dynamic business environment made my internship a truly invaluable personal and professional experience and helped me to secure a desirable and challenging career option with DHL.”

More than 50 percent of trainees who complete the internship program move on to full-time positions in the company. Of the interns retained in 2005, more than 50 percent had progressed to a supervisory or management role in the company by 2010.

“Our interns have demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm and are enriching the culture of our organization,” said Stephen Fenwick, DHL Express Americas chief executive. “With this truly valuable DHL/AIESEC partnership, we aim to attract talented young people to our industry and company and walk the talk of becoming an employer of choice. AIESEC has been an effective channel for these young people to realize their aspirations and consolidate their future professional careers so that they are eager to learn and contribute with a vested interest in DHL’s success.”

Present in more than 110 countries and territories and with more than 60,000 members, AIESEC claims to be the world’s largest youth-run organization. Focused on providing a platform for youth leadership development, it offers young people the opportunity to participate in international internships,experience leadership and join a global learning environment.

DHL is an expert in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transport, contract logistics and international mail services. It includes a global network of more than 220 countries and territories and about 275,000 employees worldwide.