If you’re looking for a career in logistics, there are lots of ways to get started. You can start by learning new skills, pick up some certifications or courses online, get your hands dirty by learning on the job, and more. In this article, we’ll explore all the different options available for getting into this exciting industry!
Learn new things about the industry
If you’re interested in a logistics career, consider learning new things about the industry through different means.
Look for a program accredited by an accrediting organization or a government body that will teach you different skills that can get you into the industry. This can help you have an edge from the training you received. This is also something that your future employer will be expecting from you when it comes time to apply for a job.
Attending exhibits and forums about the logistics industry will also give you a lot of information that will be helpful whether you are still deciding to get into this career path or want to know what is the current trends in the field. This will also be a great opportunity to network with big players in your location.
Get certified
Certifications are a way to show that you have the knowledge and skills needed in logistics. They can be used as a stepping stone to getting a job, or they may be your only option if you’re just starting and don’t have any experience. There are a lot of options that you can check if you want to be certified to be able to apply for a job in the logistics industry. Some of these certifications are as follows:
- Certified Logistics Associate
- Certified Supply Chain Professional
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist
- Certified Purchasing Professional
Depending on the future career path that you want to take, you have to decide carefully what type of certification you’ll be getting. Making the right decision at an early stage will give you more time to focus on learning that skill so you will be ready when it is time for you to apply for an actual job.
Try to work as a dispatcher
The logistics industry is a growing one, and there are many opportunities to get involved. If you love working with computers and is very organized, becoming a dispatcher may be the best route for you.
Dispatchers coordinate shipments from vendors to customers by making sure that packages are delivered on time and adequately packed so that they arrive safely at their destination. They must be able to use computers effectively to manage orders efficiently as well as communicate with other members of their team regarding any changes or questions about specific deliveries (for example, if an order has been delayed).
Working as a dispatcher will be a good place to start a career in logistics. It will give you a lot of ideas on how the industry works and will be a good training ground.
Pick up skills and experience where you can
You can also make the most of your existing skills and knowledge by learning new things in your current role. This may sound obvious, but it’s worth remembering: you’re never too old to learn something new.
If forklift driving is not part of your daily routine yet but would be nice to have under your belt—do it! Even if it’s just once or twice per year as part of an employee-training program run by your company, this will help build confidence while also showing potential employers how much value they could get from having someone who knows how to operate these vehicles on their team.
If you haven’t fully decided yet if a career in logistics is something that you would want to pursue, you can try to get a taste of how it might feel like by doing tasks in your current employment that is relevant to the logistics industry.
- Look for opportunities to work in your company’s logistics department. The best way to get an edge on your competition is by learning something new, so spend time at your current job doing tasks that aren’t being done by others—or try applying for a different position at the same company!
- If you are a fresh graduate, try to get a job with an established logistics company immediately after graduation or during internships or summers spent working with them if possible; this will give you insight into how supply chain management works before moving on to larger companies that require more experience than smaller ones do.
There are various ways to transition into a career in logistics
If you have finally decided that a career in logistics is something that you see yourself doing, you may be surprised to learn that there is more than one way to get into the industry. Here are some things that you can do to still be involved in the logistics practice if you genuinely have a passion for it.
- Start your own business. If you have good customer service skills and want to own your own business, this might be the best option. You would need to research what kind of items people need to be delivered and how much they are willing to pay for them (and then find a way of delivering those items).
- Work at an existing company as an intern or employee-in-training (EIT). In most cases, EITs start with entry-level positions and work their way up through the ranks, learning new skills along the way. They may even get promoted into management positions! Some companies offer paid training opportunities as well; these will allow them to help build confidence by teaching others about their field of expertise while receiving valuable experience working within that company’s culture.
Starting a career in logistics
We hope this article has helped you figure out which path is best for you. Logistics careers are great because they offer flexible work schedules and lots of opportunities for advancement. All that being said, there are lots of different ways to get started on your career path.
Want to know more about the logistics industry? Check out our news page for the latest insights about everything in logistics.
