How did you find out about the summer job at Greencarrier?
Joel: I first connected with the company two years ago when I was looking for a place to do my internship. I also worked here last summer, so it was an easy decision to come back again this year.
Emma: I first got in touch with the company at an event last fall when I was looking for an internship as part of my studies. Greencarrier Liner Agency sounded like an interesting place to work, so I completed my internship here in the spring and I really enjoyed my time, so coming back and work here over the summer was an easy decision for me too.
What are your main responsibilities?
Emma: I have had different responsibilities. During my internship, I got to try out different tasks and focus on getting familiar with the work and systems. Now, over the summer, I’ve taken on more responsibility and work on everything from handling customer inquiries to ensuring that shipments are on the boat and ready to go. My main tasks include making sure all bookings are in place, ensuring the shipping company has all the necessary information, keeping track of when ships arrive and depart, and, of course, maintaining daily contact with customers and managing bookings. I enjoy my job a lot and learn new things every day.
Joel: I’m working on the import side, which is similar to exports in many ways but also has its differences. It’s great to experience both sides. My main tasks include handling bookings, assisting customers with their inquiries, and following up on their cases.
What is the most exciting part of your job?
Emma: The best part of my job is when I encounter a problem and manage to resolve it smoothly and effectively, ensuring the customer are happy with the job and feeling like we are reliable. Sometimes customers reach out with very short notice, making it challenging to meet their needs. However, when we succeed despite the tight timeline and everyone ends up happy, it feels like a real reward. It motivates me to keep going and do my best.
Joel: I think the most exciting part is getting to meet so many different people in the industry. I enjoy both making new connections and maintaining relationships with former classmates and colleagues. It’s a very dynamic field, and I thrive on the constant changes and challenges it brings.
How would you describe the company culture at Greencarrier?
Joel: I think it’s fantastic, and it’s one of the main reasons I keep coming back. A big part of it is the people and the positive atmosphere here. It’s an inclusive workplace with supportive and helpful individuals, and there’s a strong sense of teamwork.
Emma: I’m a very social person who enjoys getting to know others, and here I’ve had the chance to do that. Everyone I’ve met has been nice and friendly, and there’s a clear sense of humor and joy in the office. It can be challenging to start as a newcomer, especially with limited experience, but I’ve felt welcomed from the start. I’ve received plenty of support and always had someone to turn to with questions. It feels great to work here—it’s truly a place where you can be yourself.
What prior experience do you have in the logistics industry?
Joel: My dad introduced me to the logistics field—he works at the postal service and mentioned that there are many interesting jobs in this industry. That led me to pursue a degree in International Logistics, and I’ve enjoyed it ever since.
Emma: Most of my experience comes from my studies. I also spent last summer working at another company, which gave me additional insights into the industry. However, I would say that my primary knowledge has been gained through my education.
Have you encountered any challenges in your work?
Emma: Yes, there have been challenging situations, but I have very supportive colleagues who have always been there to help and guide me. This has made the challenges feel manageable and never overwhelming. Logistics is very dynamic, and new situations and challenges arise frequently, which is something I enjoy about the job.
One interesting aspect has been to see how what I learned in school applies in practice. For instance, I might have thought I understood a concept perfectly and even passed an exam on it, only to discover that it works differently in the real world. I think of these moments more as valuable learning experiences rather than challenges.
Joel: There are a lot of changes in this industry, and sometimes they happen quickly, so it’s important to stay alert and adapt fast—something I’ve had to get used to. Communicating clearly with customers and ensuring that all relevant information is communicated can be challenging as well, but I think that’s something you learn over time. As Emma mentioned, transitioning from theory to real-world practice is also a big adjustment, but I find it exciting, as I enjoy learning new things.
What lessons, skills, or competencies have you developed during your time here?
Joel: I’ve learned a lot, especially in customer service and problem-solving. You encounter many situations you’ve never faced before, but you learn to handle them, and it gets easier over time. It’s also exciting to face new challenges because it gives you a chance to figure out how to resolve them and collaborate with colleagues.
My time here has also helped me improve my attention to detail and my ability to communicate effectively with both customers and coworkers. I’ve practiced being proactive and working as part of a team. And, of course, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how the import process works.
Emma: One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of staying calm, even when dealing with stressed individuals or urgent situations. I’ve found that taking a deep breath and focusing on what we can do in the moment helps manage the situation more effectively. Additionally, I’ve learned not to take negative feedback personally. Instead, I focus on separating myself from the issues at hand and maintaining a polite tone. This ability to remain professional and not internalize criticism has been a very valuable lesson for me.
Has your time at Greencarrier influenced your view on what you want to do in the future?
Emma: I still feel curious about exploring different areas, but I’m very satisfied with my current role and have definitely found my passion in logistics. However, I’m particularly interested in sales and marketing because they involve a lot of client interaction, which I find appealing. I’m eager to try various roles because it’s hard to know what it’s truly like until you’ve experienced it firsthand. As long as I’m in a great workplace with supportive colleagues, I’m open to exploring different opportunities.
Joel: I really enjoy working in the logistics industry, especially in shipping. There are many different areas that interest me within this field. I’d like to explore roles in supply chain management and operations. The idea of planning the entire transportation chain and being involved throughout the entire process sounds exciting to me.
For more information about what it’s like to work at Greencarrier, visit our career page!
