For many people entering the logistics industry, internships provide the first opportunity to experience how global supply chains operate in practice. They offer a chance to build skills, gain confidence and explore where a future career might lead.
For Safia Aljbour, her internship at EV Cargo has provided exactly that opportunity.
“My first experience at EV Cargo was a three-week internship, and from the very first day I felt truly welcome. The team was very supportive, respectful and always willing to help. In a short period of time, I gained valuable practical experience and learned a lot.”
What stood out most to Safia was the culture within the business.
“What really attracted me to EV Cargo was the positive and multicultural working environment. Everyone is encouraged to be themselves, which creates a strong sense of belonging. I immediately felt comfortable and appreciated.”
Motivated to continue developing her skills, Safia decided to return for a longer placement.
“Since I’m motivated to grow and continuously develop new skills, returning for a 16-week internship felt like the right decision. It allows me to deepen my knowledge, contribute more to the team and continue developing in an environment where I feel respected and supported.”
During her internship, Safia gained a deeper understanding of freight forwarding and the realities of managing import and export operations.
“I learned how crucial time management is for a freight forwarder, especially when handling multiple shipments at the same time and ensuring that deadlines are respected. This experience strengthened my ability to prioritise tasks effectively.”
She also learned the importance of staying calm under pressure.
“One of the most important lessons for me was learning not to let stressful situations affect my performance. Making mistakes is part of the learning process – they help you improve, grow and become more confident in your role.”
One of the highlights of Safia’s experience was visiting the Liège office and seeing air cargo operations first-hand.
“It was a unique experience to see cargo operations in real life, including the aircraft and airline companies handling freight. It gave me a much clearer understanding of how the entire logistics process works and how my role fits into that chain.”
Safia credits the people around her for helping shape her experience.
“I would especially like to thank Tineke de Vries for her guidance and support. She allowed me to explore different departments, such as export, import and warehouse operations, which helped me better understand the business and discover which area I would like to specialise in.”
Looking ahead, Safia believes the experience is already helping to shape her future career.
“It has contributed to my personal growth and helped me understand how to conduct myself professionally. It has also given me insight into the logistics market and a clearer understanding of my role within it.”
Creating Opportunities
By creating opportunities for early-career professionals and fostering supportive environments where people can learn and grow, logistics continues to open doors for the next generation of talent.
