Thanks to the global pandemic and other international crises, most countries in the world have been impacted by major supply chain disruptions, leading to far-reaching economic impacts such as retailers being unable to refill their stocks and widespread inflation. The supply chain crisis is in the news every day, leading to daily conversations about logistics, something previously uncommon in public discourse.
This ubiquity of conversations about supply chain issues has invigorated a public interest in the field, bringing many to consider pursuing a career in supply chain management and logistics. So how does one get started in this exciting field?
There are various pathways to enter careers in supply chain and logistics. Let’s take a look at some of the most common.
Study Business
One of the most common pathways to work in the supply chain sector is to study business or a related field. Business programs at colleges and universities often have entire courses devoted to the subject of logistics, allowing students to take a deep dive into the detailed systems used to govern a company’s supply chain. One of the benefits of this background is that it provides a holistic view of how a business works, rather than only the supply chain aspects of a business. As a result, students will have a deeper understanding of how other business sectors, such as marketing and finance, impact supply chains.
Study Economics
Many economics graduates also go on to work in logistics. This is because economics provides both an overview of the complexities of trade as well as the way that the allocation and distribution of resources influence human behaviour. Logistics operations happen in a larger economic context involving raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and distribution. Often, a logistics manager will have to understand the economy in order to negotiate prices for each step in these processes. Here, economics will provide a vital foundation.
Study Logistics
Many colleges and universities have undergraduate and graduate programs dedicated solely to logistics. If you are certain that this is the field for you, then this is the best way to get a leg up in the industry. Logistics programs provide a comprehensive overview of the theoretical underpinnings of the field, and often offer work placement or simulations to acclimatize workers to the realities of this sector.
Work Your Way Up
Warehouse workers or warehouse associates are entry-level positions that can lead to management opportunities in logistics. These jobs involve ordering products, processing orders, and storage – the essentials of any effective logistics operation. Many warehouse workers move on to management positions after working in the same company for some time. Some companies will even pay for them to upgrade their skills with a degree or diploma, allowing them to take on greater responsibilities as a supply chain manager.
Self-Study
There are lots of free courses online related to logistics, allowing those interested to get a taste of what this kind of work entails. This can be a particularly good option for those who are not sure they are ready to invest in a degree or diploma. It will give you an idea of the analytical skills required, as well as a taste of some industry jargon, such as fulfilment, freight development, and packaging and kitting.
