If you’re interested in a career in logistics, there are many options that you can choose from. The industry offers a lot of diverse career fields that you can explore. Not only is a career path in the logistics industry fulfilling, but it is also one that is stable and offers one of the best compensation packages in the job market today.
With some logistics companies operating on a worldwide scale, the industry can offer you a work environment that is varied and exciting. In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide to help you decide if a career in the logistics industry is something that you can pursue.
What type of logistics job would you like to do?
Do you want to drive a truck? Do you prefer working in a warehouse? Or would you rather work as a dispatcher? The choice is yours to make and more often than not, there is always something for you in the logistics world.
If you want to drive a truck, you’ll have to take CDL training and become qualified to drive a commercial truck. There are several training programs available to choose from, depending on your location. Once you’ve finished your training, you can begin your job search and apply for jobs with trucking companies in your area.
If you’d rather work in a warehouse or distribution center, you’ll need to take a class to become a forklift operator or some minor training to become a warehouse clerk. Once you’re certified, you can start applying for jobs in warehouses operated by logistics companies near you.
Find training courses to help you build your skills and get the experience you need to land your dream job. There are a wide variety of training courses available online and at your local community college to help you learn new skills and get work experience in the industry. Most of these courses can be finished in a relatively short period of time. You can even start taking them while you are still employed so you can never be out of a job.
What are the qualifications that you need to prepare?
Most of the time, applying for a job in the logistics field will not require you to have special qualifications. Just like all the other types of industries, there is always something that you can do depending on the skill set that you have.
For example, if you are familiar with administrative and customer service functions, you can always work as a warehouse clerk or dispatcher. As a warehouse clerk, you will be in charge of maintaining the paper works of all the shipments that are handled by your logistics company. Each warehouse might operate differently but that is generally the job scope that you will be working on.
If you have a specialized skill in operating heavy equipment, a forklift operator job might be suitable for you. Since these are specialized skills, they tend to pay more and they are often more flexible in terms of schedule.
If you are on the tech side, most logistics companies – especially large ones, have their own software development department that you can work for. Aside from developing and maintaining software, data analytics is also becoming a high demand for the logistics industry.
If you are ready, you may apply for jobs that match your skills and interests
Make a list of the jobs you’re interested in and look for open positions online. Once you’ve identified a few positions you’re qualified for, you can start applying for them.
You will definitely have something to work with if you want to settle in the logistics industry. Here are some of the most common positions that you can apply for:
- Warehouse manager – Warehouse managers direct and coordinate activities concerned with the receipt, storage, movement, and dispatch of goods and materials.
- Logistics analyst – Logisticians collect and analyze data that helps them plan efficient routes for shipments and other supply chain operations.
- Van or truck driver – They are responsible for moving freight from one destination to another within the specified time period. They also help to load and unload cargo from the truck and keep track of delivery schedules.
- Scheduling and dispatch coordinator – Dispatchers are the ones who receive and coordinate the schedule of trucks that are in a fleet. Their main responsibility, among others, is ensuring that shipments are delivered on time.
You can network with other professionals in the industry. Attend events and seminars and make connections that will help you in your career.
Joining the logistics industry
All businesses need to move their goods to and from various locations. With global e-commerce operating at a higher scale now than ever before, the demand for a dependable logistics industry is at an all-time high. A career in logistics offers many benefits including job security, flexible hours, and opportunities for growth. Visit our news page to know more about the logistics industry. We also have an article written on the different ways that you can start a career in logistics for a more comprehensive guide to exploring this field.
