Why Choose a Career in Logistics?

Those who work in the logistics and supply chain management field make sure that goods and services arrive in the safe hands of the consumer in a timely manner. The logistics industry is an important driver of economic growth and development.

Transporting the correct product to the correct place at the correct time and price is the main challenge of logistics, supply chain management and transport. In the current fast-paced global market, companies are increasingly assessed not only on the quality of their goods and services, but also on the speed and efficiency in which they deliver them. Due to the increasing technical difficulties of distributing consumer goods and the globalisation of markets, the relationship between consumer and vendor has become longer and extremely more complicated.

All types of industries and businesses, whether they are big or small, need logistic managers to assist with inventory and accounts receivable. A small business may only have one person in charge of these duties, while larger corporations will have entire logistics and supply chain departments. Read on to learn more about the reasons to choose a career in logistics and supply chain management.

1. Stability

Without a doubt, the logistics industry is the pillar of the country. The industry currently employs around 1.2 million people and contributed an impressive $131.6 billion to the Australian economy in 2013. With these outstanding figures in mind, it is easy to see the logistics industry isn't going anywhere soon. A career in logistics will set you up with a stable career and the ability to enjoy a level of certainty and security that few other industries can provide.

2. Advancement Opportunities

The opportunity to progress to management in the logistics sector is as strong as any. The logistics industry has so many facets and levels, so opportunities for career advancements are always available. In addition, the logistics industry usually promotes and trains low-level employees to higher level positions rather than hire from the outside. Promotions are extremely common, and the hardest working and most innovation employees can expect to advance quickly.

By learning and training on the job means logistics employees learn about operations from the very beginning upwards and enhance their career prospects through the abundance of experience available. Warehouse operatives and drivers can easily adapt and pick up the skills, experience and qualifications which will help to promote employers to other positions such as technical, administrative and management roles.

3. Geographically Flexible

Unlike some careers that require you to relocate to a specific area or state, careers in logistics can begin anywhere. The nature of the industry allows many employees to be based practically anywhere. This is due to the high demand for logistics workers that most companies and organisations need across the globe. However, there are some locations that will be extremely popular for logistics activity but the need to relocate just to take a logistics role is extremely unlikely.

4. Flexible Work Hours

The majority of logistical activity takes place outside of normal office hours. Whether you are driving goods across the country, supervising or managing warehouses or managing contracts with clients, there are lots of opportunities for staff to arrange their work schedules around their preferred times, allowing them much more freedom and flexibility.

5. Networking

Given the wide range of people logistics workers make contact with, both domestically and overseas, new relationships and networking opportunities can be formed. This can hugely benefit individuals who wish to move into a career in international business because they are highly employable once they reach a level where they can converse in a host language and be able to recognise the different laws, customs and cultures of that country.

Many people who begin a career in logistics find they quickly gain enough experience with international business to develop new skills or unlock new career opportunities. Learning an additional language is much easier when you are working and in constant communication with people who speak that language. Additionally, it may also be possible to relocate to other countries temporarily or permanently.

Interested in Starting Your Career?

One option of getting into logistics is to study the Diploma of Logistics (TLI50219). This diploma will provide students with an understanding the of management of the supply chain, purchasing, materials management, inventory control, warehousing, customer service and transport and distribution. This logistics certification offers career opportunities ranging from importing and exporting functions to distribution operations.

The link between suppliers, businesses and consumers is critical. All organisations rely on transport and logistics to some extent to get their goods from A to B. Without these links, many industries across Australia and around the world would struggle to operate at all.

If you're interested in an exciting career with varied work, good pay and excellent career advancement opportunities, a career in the logistics industry might be right for you!