When Nathan Harvey first joined Qube, he didn’t start behind a desk. He started on the warehouse floor.
Fresh out of high school, Nathan jumped straight into work at Qube’s Port Botany and Yennora sites in Sydney, unpacking containers and learning how Australia’s logistics network really runs.
“I was often starting at five or six in the morning and finishing by early afternoon,” Nathan recalls. “At the same time, I was studying a law and finance degree at the University of Wollongong.”
Balancing early shifts with university studies was tough, but it gave him something no textbook could teach: real experience in how business works from the ground up.
Turning Hands-On Experience Into a Career
After completing his degree, Nathan transitioned into a commercial role with Qube before moving into the industrial relations team, where he now helps shape how the company supports and manages its people.
“What I look forward to most is working with different people across departments,” he says. “At Qube, everyone brings a unique perspective, and after eight years here, a lot of my colleagues have become close mates. Coming to work with your mates and solving problems together makes it enjoyable.”
That mix of teamwork, problem solving and collaboration keeps Nathan motivated and is a big reason he encourages other young people to consider a career at Qube.
Why Qube Stands Out
Nathan says what makes Qube unique is its breadth of opportunities.
“We’re not like a standard company where you’re locked into one narrow field,” he explains. “At Qube, there are so many different pathways. You can work in safety, people and culture, finance, commercial or legal, and that’s not even including our frontline roles like truck and forklift drivers or stevedores.”
That variety of roles means young people can explore what they enjoy, build experience across industries and grow their careers in unexpected directions.
What Nathan’s Learned (and What You Can Too)
For anyone looking to follow a similar path, Nathan has a few practical tips.
“I’d suggest building an understanding of employment law and the labour market,” he says. “Get some HR experience, focus on developing your communication skills, and learn how to manage and resolve conflict. Experience in dispute resolution is especially valuable.”
It’s advice that applies far beyond his field. Learning to listen, communicate and problem solve are skills that will take you anywhere.
About Qube
Qube is Australia’s largest integrated logistics provider, connecting ports, rail, warehousing and transport operations nationwide. From moving freight and managing supply chains to driving innovation in sustainability and safety, Qube is at the centre of how goods move around Australia.
With opportunities across logistics, transport, engineering, safety, commercial operations and corporate services, Qube offers a career path for every interest and ambition.
Whether you’re starting on the ground like Nathan or exploring a graduate or professional pathway, Qube gives young Australians the tools, support and experience to build a career with impact.
Start Building Your Career with Qube
Whether you’re interested in logistics, business, people management or hands-on operations, Qube has a place for you. Explore the different roles, learn from experienced mentors like Nathan, and see how your career could grow across one of Australia’s most dynamic industries.
