Myth # 1: Logistics jobs are only open to transportation professionals
Logistics processes entail the strategic planning, implementation, and the control of the flow of goods including raw materials and finished products through the organization and from the manufacturing point to the consumers. The entire sequence of events calls for the expertise of a small army of white and blue collar workers with varying qualifications who together ensure that the goods make it to their destination with in the minimum amount of time, at the lowest possible cost and with the least amount of losses incurred on the way.
So, logistics jobs may encompass a myriad of responsibilities from warehousing to transportation and from delivery to customer support. To put it simply, the logistics department renders support to almost all other departments in an organization including purchasing and manufacturing, inventory management, transportation, material procurement, storage, distribution, information systems, order processing, sales and others. The logistics team helps to enhance the competitive edge of a company.
Myth # 2: The industry has no employment opportunities for people with a college degree
This is another common myth about logistics companies and supply chain jobs. The myriad of positions offered by the sector include drivers, pilots, supervisors, distribution managers, service managers, inventory analysts, warehousing managers, customer support executives, postal workers, logisticians and others.
While the skills needed to secure employment in the sector are position specific; typically, a person interested in the logistics sector will need a basic high school diploma with excellent interpersonal skills, critical thinking and problem solving abilities. A college education; usually a bachelor's degree or even a four year master's degree will be required for managerial and supervisory positions, while technical jobs in the sector will require at least an associate's degree with some form of relevant vocational certification.
Exposure to the latest technology used in the sector such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Management) and logistics specific information system will be an added bonus. Apart from technological skills, most logistics companies are very particular about hiring professionals with some form of customer service qualifications and experience. Any courses in management and/or customer care will further enhance a candidate's chances of securing employment in the logistics industry.
Myth # 3: Logistics professionals do not have scope for employment in any other sector
Logistics careers span across a wide spectrum of industries. While airlines, postal departments, the defense sector, railways, transportation and manufacturing companies are the largest hirers, other industries such as computers, shipping, freight, consumer durables etc also employ a sizeable number of logistics professionals.
Myth # 4: The jobs involve a lot of moving around
Although some jobs in the logistics sector do involve a lot of moving around, these are primarily positions in the transportation department. The sector also offers innumerable positions that entail working in an office environment such as supervisory jobs and analytical positions. You can also choose to work in the warehousing sub department.
Myth # 5: It can be difficult to get a job in logistics
People interested in logistics careers will find that while positions in small companies will entail a plethora of responsibilities including storage, warehousing transportation, freighting, distribution, delivery, customer service etc, larger organizations will have positions in specific divisions of the logistics department.
When looking for logistics jobs it is essential to plan early on and take courses in management, logistics, customer service, etc at the graduate level. You can then follow this with an industry specific master's degree. As part of the logistics team, you will be expected to stay abreast of the latest technologies used in the sector. So, when applying for a job, create a resume that not only lists your qualifications and experience but also your awareness of the current industry trends.
Attending seminars on logistics is a wonderful way to increase your knowledge and build important contacts. Get in touch with manufacturing firms in your area and inquire about openings in their logistics division.
Another option is to look online; there are many jobs sites which are dedicated to offering logistics listings across the country in various industrial sectors.
There are innumerable logistics jobs to suit the educational qualifications and experience of different professionals. Most logistics companies offer lucrative job prospects with good scope for progress. So, if you are looking for supply chain jobs, visit LogisticsCrossing.com; the site has thousands of listings across the country. The best part is that the site offers a FREE trial, so sign up TODAY to avail the benefits of this opportunity.