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YFF Profile


BIFAlink Flying high in a dynamic business


Having established himself in a career that


encompasses his interest in aerospace as well as his enjoyment of a dynamic business, BIFA Young Freight Forwarder runner- up Mitchell West is certainly going places


Mitchell enjoys the


challenges of working in DB


Schenker’s aerospace division


With an eye on career development at an early stage, Mitchell West looked for an apprenticeship in business administration at a global company, reasoning that there would be plenty of opportunities to grow in such an environment. After a stint at DB Schenker’s Bournemouth


office, where he completed his apprenticeship, he moved to London and worked for a different forwarder for a while. He said: “The move to London was the


biggest and best step I have made. It was kind of a restart and it really accelerated my career. Working at a different company gave me the chance to implement what I had learnt so far and to grow in confidence. “Since returning to DB Schenker, I have been


promoted quickly at the London branch; my manager is very good at pushing young people.” Mitchell’s original ambition was to be a pilot –


so he finds his current role as operational key account manager in DB Schenker’s aerospace division deeply interesting. “I still have that passion for it,” he said, adding, “Working in airfreight is very exciting and fast paced – basically everything is last minute, and every day is slightly different.” Taking on management responsibilities was a


challenge for Mitchell. He was “very young to be in charge”, especially with so many older people


October 2020 YOUNG FREIGHT


FORWARDER OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSOR


Following the announcement of finalists and winners in January, BIFAlink profiles the successful individuals in the Apprentice of the Year and Young Freight Forwarder categories. Go to www.bifa.org/awards to enter the BIFA Awards 2020


signed up for BIFA’s Young Forwarder Network; it was difficult for me to get involved because I already had managerial responsibilities by the time it was set up. But we want to push our younger members as much as we can. “I would hope when they see examples like


me, and the rapid progress I have made, they want to switch on quickly and do the same. I think when someone like me does well it attracts other young people who are driven to succeed – and there is a bit of a competitive side to it, too,” he added with a smile.


on the team – some of whom are near retirement age. However: “I knew I was not very experienced,


so rather than be arrogant about it, I took the time to learn from the rest of the team. It seems to have worked well. “I am enjoying the variety in this job. I can get


out and about, meeting customers and building relationships – which is, of course, incredibly important in this industry.” Earlier this year Mitchell’s team welcomed two


new members, both of them quite young; in fact, Mitchell said his is “the youngest team on the floor”. He believes that anyone can learn the freight business and is keen to encourage new blood into the industry. “We want to get our young team members


Ambitions At present, Mitchell is working towards a position as branch manager – but he is not getting ahead of himself. “I know I am not ready for it just yet,” he said.


“I need to build up more experience before I can take on that level of responsibility. Where I am now is at the top of my range, so I need to perfect that before I move on to the next stage.” Other possibilities for the future include


working abroad, perhaps as part of DB Schenker’s job swap scheme, which allows employees in different offices to switch roles for a few months. Wherever he goes, Mitchell is all set for an


exciting ride. 17


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