Where fresh talent thrives: Carol Zhong’s career story

When Carol Zhong graduated with a master’s degree in Logistics Engineering and Management in 2023, she was ready to put theory into practice. Joining Valmet's Jiaxing factory through campus recruitment as a Supply Chain Management Trainee, she embarked on a journey that would take her from the warehouse floor to leading a team of 30 as Production Supervisor.

Learning by doing

Carol's path at Valmet began with rotations through Warehouse, Logistics, and Planning. Each department brought new challenges, and Carol developed her own approach to learning along the way.

In the warehouse, she shadowed operators daily, took notes on steps she didn't understand, and used standard operating procedures to grasp the meaning behind each process. She didn't just observe. She used mind maps and flowcharts to organize what she learned, creating a complete set of process flowcharts that earned recognition from the department.

When she moved to Logistics and Planning, Carol quickly realized her earlier methods wouldn't fully apply. With support from her mentor Rain Li and her supervisors, she adjusted her focus. She learned Power BI in Logistics and mastered system language and scheduling logic in Planning.

Skills that travel

Many of Carol's strengths came not from her major, but from transferable skills she developed along the way. Her logical thinking and use of tools like mind maps helped her understand processes across different roles. Her communication skills grew as she shifted from working independently to collaborating across departments. And her proactive attitude meant she was never afraid to ask questions, seek information, or try new tasks on her own initiative.

These capabilities helped her adapt quickly and laid the foundation for her transition into production management.

“Snowboarding is my favorite sport! This photo was taken on a ski trip to Xinjiang. I love the freedom and joy of skiing, and it felt nice to share a bit of my life outside work too.”

Guided every step of the way

Carol's growth was deeply supported by her mentor and team. Weekly one-on-one sessions with her mentor helped her review progress and adjust priorities. Her mentor often responded to her questions with "Good question," giving her the confidence to speak up. Mistakes were seen as part of learning, as long as she understood the root cause and improved next time.

Supervisors and colleagues across departments also provided practical guidance, creating an environment where learning was encouraged and mistakes were simply stepping stones.

Leading with confidence

In 2025, Carol was promoted to Production Supervisor. Drawing on the learning methods and communication skills she had built during her rotations, she adapted to her new role and now leads a team of 30 Valmeteers.

Her journey shows the potential of fresh graduates when given the right guidance and trust. Mentors play a meaningful role by providing direction, encouragement, and belief. Sometimes, the most valuable support is simply the confidence that young people can go further, and that genuine effort will be rewarded over time.

From the warehouse floor to the production line, Carol's story is one of curiosity, adaptability, and growth. And it's a reminder that with the right support, fresh talent can flourish in ways that surprise and inspire.

Carol with her colleagues at Jiaxing factory in China