Name: Abda Suleman
Airport: Heathrow
Store: World Duty Free
Position: Customer Service
Assistant
Abda Suleman joined WDF four years ago, having
previously worked in a Post Office in Chiswick, West London. As a
regular traveller, she loved the atmosphere of Heathrow and was
keen to move away from her desk job. The perfect solution was a
career as a part-time Customer Service Assistant in Terminal
4.
“The airport is very different and very dynamic. I really enjoy
working with both the team and the customers. Originally, I was in
a full-time role, but WDF were very supportive when I told them I’d
like to reduce my hours. In fact, the whole package is very good:
the learning, the management, the product and the environment. I’m
also able to make good use of my staff discount, buying perfume and
cosmetics for my family and friends.
“There’s training for every new fragrance and cosmetic product –
often from the brands themselves, such as Clinique and Yves Saint
Laurent. They can spend anything from two hours to a full day
training us in a group. We get to try the lovely new products,
watch videos and get some free samples. And if we have any
questions, there are Consultants here at work who are always
available to help. My personal favourite perfume is Vera Wang.
Sweet and fresh, but not too strong!
“I feel really stretched by the targets, but they’re achievable
with the support of the team. You always want to strive to do the
best you can. Sometimes I’m involved in general customer service
and at other times, I help out on the till. In fact, the first
thing I do when I arrive at the store is to take over a till from
someone who’s done the early shift.
I have two pieces of advice for anyone who’s thinking of joining
WDF. Be prepared to work as part of a team. And wear comfortable
shoes!”