What a career in logistics looks like

There are a myriad of career options for recent graduates with various sectors to choose from. There are always sectors which are more prominent such has, business, finance and engineering but there are other sectors which may not be as well known but can be home to a fruitful career. A career in logistics can be really appealing for current and future graduates but the lack of information surrounding the sector may put some graduates off. Read below to find out more about a career in logistics and why it might be the career you’ve been looking for.

It’s not about driving

Many graduates may be put off a career in logistics as they may associate it with long hours driving an articulated lorry and time away from home. Being a driver for a company whether it be a courier or an# lorry driver who delivers to different countries is a career which suits many people, but this is not what a graduate career in logistics entails. Logistics is a very diverse sector and plays a crucial role in todays society. A number of job titles in the logistics sector are, Logistics Coordinator, Supply Chain Coordinator, Logistics Manager and Transport Manager. In all of these roles your job is to make sure that goods are in the right place at the right time and they arrive there in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible.

No specialists’ exams or extra qualifications needed

Graduates who decide to undertake a career in accountancy will need to pass accountancy exams in order to be fully qualified. Although you will need to have a relevant undergraduate degree, logistics requires a high level of problem-solving skills as well as having excellent planning and organisational skills and these are the essentials you will need. If you posses these skills and have demonstrated an aptitude for innovation paired with an undergraduate degree, then you will thrive in the logistics sector and not have to pursue future qualifications in order to be a success.

Responsibility

As a logistics manager there is a lot of responsibility on your shoulders to make sure everything is running smoothly all of the time. You make everyone else’s role possible. If products that your company is selling don’t make it to the supermarket’s on time, then your sales team have no product to sell. You need to make sure that the exact right amount of stock is delivered, and you have to ensure that everything arrives on a timely manager. You play a vital role in the success of a company.

Graduate opportunities – Variety and Progression

Graduate programmes are available both in-house and through specialist logistics service providers. Although programmes vary in content, they generally involve rotating between departments such as transport, freight forwarding and warehousing. Graduate roles typically involve exposure to material planning, customer services, inventory management, transportation and material flow.

Promotion to the role of logistics manager is a clear progression route. Logistics managers are responsible for liaising with purchasing, warehouse and transport departments in order to ensure goods are received on time, stored correctly, and delivered within agreed timeframes.