Interview with Jose Luis Hernandez Castellanos - Mexico

Tell us about your background

My name is Jose Luis Hernandez Castellanos born into a family of 5 members, and I accidentally came to this degree after finishing high school, since I took it while waiting for the UNAM exam, and to kill time I enrolled in the ETTA, I completed it since it really was previously a short degree, later I went to work at the Aeropuerto de la Cd. de México, and that's where you realize that theory has nothing to do with practice, like everyone I started from the bottom, in my case it was transcribing the cleared customs declarations into the book that was handed to Hacienda staff ( that's how control was carried out before, it should be noted that I'm from the old school ), later I moved up to messenger, airway bill collector and dispatcher, and then for more than 20 years I was Manager at a Customs Agency, and now I have my own company (D.A.P Despachos Aduanales Profesionales).

What motivated you to study Foreign Trade?

The main reason was personal improvement, since at home I was the only one who took advantage of the opportunity my parents gave me.

What satisfactions has this career given you?

The greatest is seeing myself fulfilled in the professional field

And what disappointments?

I have had to deal with SAT staff who, without basis, want to impose their judgment on you.

What do you think is most important to succeed in International Trade and Customs?

Definitely staying up to date, we know that laws, regulations, restrictions etc. are constantly changing, if you are not attentive, you fall behind and your service and reputation can go downhill.

As a professional in International Trade and Customs, what advice could you give to someone who is considering this degree for their future?

I just tell them that this involves a lot of responsibility, because giving wrong information to an importer can cause them expenses and losses, and not to get involved in crimes, since this degree lends itself to something like that.

Were languages important in your career?

Yes, especially English

Foreign Trade, is it a degree that has allowed you to travel the world?

Yes

Young people ask us about job opportunities. Has it been very hard for you to find work? How did you do it?

In my case, it was not very difficult to find work, because it was not so in demand, in fact very few people knew about it, they thought you had to be a police officer hahaha.

About salaries and annual pay, what range would a professional with 5 years of experience be in?

From 10,000 to 15,000 dollars per year.

Anything you'd like to add?

Greetings and success to everyone.