KEY POINTS:
Name: David Pereto
Job title: Courier
Employer: FedEx Express
Pay: $31,560 to $40,080
Qualifications needed:
When I took the job I had no courier experience and FedEx gave me all the training I needed. I got new hire initiation, safety initiation, courier training, and defensive driving training courses.
What are the career prospects?
Who knows what the future may hold but I have the opportunity to move into management, change fields into customs clearance or operational support. I also have the opportunity to support Pacific Island operations from here in Auckland. We have access to development and training programmes as well as tuition reimbursements and over 500 e-learning courses on the FedEx intranet to help me in any direction I wish to take.
Describe your job.
I deliver and pick up documents and packages. Each day brings something new - different delivery or pick up addresses, different types of customers. I also enjoy the day to day contact with my customers.
Why did you choose the job?
I joined FedEx two years ago as the opportunity came up and I was looking for a change of career. The idea of working as a courier appealed to me because it was something completely different from what I was doing. Previously I was in retail management. I saw better career opportunities after talking to existing FedEx couriers. The fact that I get a break from working weekends and public holidays is also a bonus.
What's the most interesting part of the job?
The people that you meet and the things people do to get a package to its destination on time. In one case a courier went out of his way to make a special trip of two and a half hours on a Friday night to deliver a keepsake to a bride since her wedding was the next day. In another case, a colleague came in on the weekend to sort through hundreds of packages for a pair of earplugs for an international band member who was performing in a concert that night. It's not always just about the package, it's just as often about the person waiting for the package.
What's the best part?
In addition to the people, the recognition you get in front of your peers for doing a good job. It is really nice to be told and recognised when you've done a good job.
I also enjoy driving around doing my run and the ability to be my own on-road manager.
Another good part of my job is the benefits program such as medical insurance and flexible working hours.
Where would you like to be in five years?
In five years I'd still like to be working for FedEx. In what capacity, who knows? What I do know is that more than 70 per cent of FedEx managers started out as couriers or in other operational roles, so the opportunity is certainly there for me.
What are the essential qualities required for the job?
Good sense of humour, enthusiasm, a team player attitude, able to adapt to changing circumstances and good customer service skills.
How would you describe the culture?
Good people, warm, professional and passionate about their jobs. I believe it stems from a culture that promotes its people first. The company takes care of its people, who in turn deliver good service which reaps good profit that is directed back to its employees.
