Is Logistics A Good Career Choice?

This article seeks to answer the question ‘Is Logistics A Good Career Choice?’. It gives full details on whether Logistics is a good career choice or not. 

How good or bad a career may be depends on the individual on that career path. In other words, a given career may be termed good by one individual and also termed bad by another person.

Having said that, it is important to note that different factors can determine whether a career is good or bad. However, logistics may or may not be a good career choice. In this article, we will be considering whether or not logistics is a good career choice.

First of all, logistics is a field that involves managing the movement or transportation of goods and materials from one place to another via different means. It can include everything from shipping products, trucking, warehousing, and cargo management to ensure stores have their supplies in time. Logisticians also keep track of inventory levels and make sure products are delivered on time. They are also responsible for ensuring that goods and resources are transferred from one point to another through planning, organizing and controlling the flow of goods.

Logistics is a field that is often underestimated. Over time, as the number of businesses tend to increase, more and more people tend to build careers in logistics since it became evident that one of the major problems of a lot of businesses is timely delivery of goods to their buyers.

Logistics is seen as a support function in the supply chain, but realistically, it is a critical part of the supply chain. Today, many businesses rely on logistics to function correctly, and those who can master this field can find themselves in a very successful position.

Skill Required to be in Logistics

The skills a person possesses can determine to a large extent how good a particular career path may be. Not all individuals can choose a career in logistics and succeed in it, but having appropriate skills, it is very possible to build a career in logistics.

So, if you wish to build a successful career in logistics, here are some important skills required:

• An excellent communication skill
• Top notch organization skill
• Good leadership skill
• Interpersonal skills
• A good mathematics skill
• Time management skills, etc.

Logistic is a good career choice for someone who has these skills.  A job in logistics may be quite fulfilling, allowing one to work with different calibers of individuals and in several settings. Oftentimes, the first thing that comes to the mind of many individuals when thinking of a career in logistics is ‘driving.’ As much as logistics involves the distribution of goods, there are diverse careers in logistics outside being a driver. A career in logistics, therefore, encompasses different areas of specialties.

So, when you think of a career in logistics, you can consider other areas including the following:

1. Logistics Manager: This will require years of experience and education. You’ll need a master’s degree or better to get this job.  It’s an excellent position for anyone who loves working with people and has exceptional leadership skills. If you want to move up the chain in shipping logistics, this is the place to be.
2. Logistics Coordinator: It requires a bachelor’s degree at a minimum and some experience in the logistics field, but not much education is needed. You’ll handle shipments, inventory, and fulfillment tasks. This will take much of your time, but the pay is outstanding.
3. Distribution Planning Analyst: The people in this aspect of logistics are responsible for managing inventory, pricing, and costs and forecasting demand to help a company make the most amount of money while controlling costs at the same time. To function well here, you will need some experience with software and computers.
4.  Logistics Analyst: People in this area are responsible for managing inventories, planning out shipping, controlling costs, and above all, ensuring everything runs smoothly. You’ll be responsible for managing, buying, planning out shipments, and forecasting costs.
5. Supply Chain Manager: This is one of the top positions in logistics. To get such positions, you will need an MBA to get this job. You will also need professional experience in the logistics field before applying for this position.
6. Ship/Forward Manager: This particular role involves warehouse management, control of inventories, and also shipping. There are some leadership skills required to be able to perform well in this area.
7. Transportation Coordinator: Like the name implies, you will be responsible for planning out shipments and coordinating the transportation of goods from one place to another. Since most roles in logistics require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, this is a great position for those who desire to be involved in logistics, but do not have the amount of education or experience to get into other top positions.
8. Freight Forwarder: Like transportation coordinator, this does not require a degree, but prior experience in the industry. You will be responsible for planning out shipments and coordinating the transportation of goods from one location to another.

The logistics field has a lot of different jobs, so if you want to work in this field, make sure to look into all of your options and go for only that which you can handle.

Reasons to Choose a Career in Logistics

Logistics is a very diverse sector, integral to every part of modern society. If you are thinking of pursuing a career in logistics, here are some points that you should consider.

1. Fast sector growth: Like I stated earlier, there are many jobs in logistics than ever, with experts anticipating that the sector will continue to grow in the coming years as more businesses emerge.
2. Good Salary: The fact remains that a career in logistics pays well. There are a variety of roles within the logistics sector, with salaries dependent upon experience. Logisticians with a number of years’ experience can earn salaries of up to €70,000 and more. While this is not static, the salary earned depends on many factors like years of experience and qualifications.
3. No Special Qualifications Necessary: Unlike Medicine and a host of other careers, logistics is a career that doesn’t dwell so much on academic qualifications but skills and experience. While many employers will want logisticians to have an undergraduate degree in certain cases involving health firms, further education is not necessary to pursue a career in the industry. With a learning mindset, you are good to go.
4. Different Job Opportunities: Unlike careers in medicine or finance that are one directional, logistics tends to accommodate different categories of individuals, both graduates and non-graduates. It is there for upon you to research in areas you best fit. Apart from being a transport coordinator or a driver, there are many other opportunities at various levels. So, you can start small and grow gradually.

Is Logistics a Good Career Choice?

A career in logistics can never be a bad choice. It is a good career if you have an interest in numbers, Mathematics, and managing large quantities of products or data.

If you are looking for a career with high satisfaction and flexibility, consider logistics.

Conclusion

Logistics is a very important, good and lucrative career, as it ensures that goods and services are delivered on time and in the correct quantity. It is a very challenging area within the supply chain as most of the points of failure occur during logistics operation. It is therefore safe to say that it is a ‘High Pressure’ occupation.

The demand for logisticians will continue to increase over time, so if this is a career that interests you, now is the time to pursue it diligently. To think that there is a lot of money to be earned in the business if properly managed, is a good bait.

If you have all it takes to build a career in logistics, go for it.  It only becomes a bad career choice for you if and only if you try and fail. However, while choosing a career, always bear in mind that what works for other people may not work for you and Vice versa.

Read Also: How do I Become a Social Worker without a Degree?

Kindly like us on Facebook & follow us on Follow @EAfinder OR leave a comment below for further inquiries or suggestions.