Learn how to start a career in the global supply chain industry
Every product you see in a store, everything you touch, and interact with from grocery carts to your cell phone charger requires a supply chain to produce that product and put it on the shelves or in that amazon package on your porch. Supply chains can be simple or incredibly complex but one thing’s for certain and that’s that the supply chain industry is one of the most important and crucial types of industry globally. The recent coronavirus pandemic has highlighted this as there have been shortages of groceries and paper products nationally.
The supply chain industry is also one of the most diverse and largest industries in the world, with many estimating the overall supply chain and logistics industry approaching 10% of global GDP which is an astounding number, but even in the USA, the supply chain and logistics industry is documented at around $2 trillion.
With supply chain and logistics becoming a more popular area of study for many college students, they will be looking for job opportunities once they finish.
We’ve had several people ask us for advice on getting a job within the supply chain and logistics industry, so we’ll take a look at the best ways to get a job within the supply chain and logistics industry.
Huge and Diverse Industry
One of the most interesting aspects of the supply chain industry is just how large and diverse it is, firms and job opportunities capture nearly any area of study including supply chain, various types of engineering, data science, computer science, coding, finance, law and many others. There are simply so many niches within the industry that you have a massive breadth of choice when it comes to what type of firm interests you most for example there are railroads, trucking, air freight carriers and ocean shipping companies, third-party logistics providers, technology and software firms, domestic trucking brokers, international freight forwarders, trade finance, warehousing, distribution and many many more. Pretty much whatever you are interested in, will have opportunities in the industry.
Not only are logistics firms themselves hiring, but also brands such as Nike, BMW, Heinz, Walgreens, Amazon, Hershey’s, etc. Every firm that sells products has a supply chain and logistics team that supports the production and distribution of their goods. This all means that brands themselves are also great job opportunities.
Spend some time googling what interests you most and read up on how that area of study or logistics niche would be an area of opportunity for you.
Keep in mind your area of study can be diverse with many firms hiring across many disciplines.
Networking and Internships
Like any industry, networking is key and a fundamental task to building your job market. Try to attend as many conferences, job fairs, industry open houses, etc as possible to get to know others within the field. This will be a huge help down the road. Recruiters can also be great to have in your network.
Internships are a very common way for recent graduates to develop a network and an “in” with firms. Internships are also a great source of recommendations and can lead to many opportunities. Specifically, within the railway industry, internships are a highly advisable way to get a job offer with a firm.
Technology is on the Rise
Historically the supply chain and logistics industry is lagging in its development and deployment of technology, however, firms both old and new are rapidly hiring coders, data analytics specialists, computer and software engineers to build problem-solving and time saving software and technology products to help transform the industry and bring it into the digital age. Firms from every niche are in mindset currently, both domestically and abroad.
Is Industry Knowledge Needed?
The short answer, it depends. While many roles do recommend or would prefer industry knowledge it isn’t always needed. There are a huge number of roles that simply require relevant experience. For many support roles such as finance, legal, technology, etc, often on the job training or a small amount of experience would be enough to easily handle the “logistics” portion of the job.
Other jobs will of course need a heavy education or heavy experience level within a specific area of focus. Many times these types of jobs will be planning transportation, procurement of logistics services, or areas of the industry that are heavily regulated.
What About Certifications?
Many supply chain positions don’t explicitly require certifications, how they are generally seen as beneficial and some firms might heavily prefer them although relevant industry experience generally would outweigh a specific certification. For example certifications from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, Transportation Intermediaries, American Production and Inventory Control Society, Institute for Supply Management, and other Purchasing and Inventory Management certifications are among the many popular certifications in the industry.
Don’t Overlook Smaller Firms
Small businesses and startups also offer incredible opportunities for jobs within the industry. Whether shippers that have their own supply chains or logistics providers across many niches, smaller companies offer competitive and sometimes very unique opportunities for newcomers to the industry as well as veterans alike.
There is a multitude of tech startups within the supply chain and logistics industry, many will offer a competitive salary, the incredible chance to be in a much more senior position than you might otherwise get at a more established company, and the experience of being involved in a startup. While this could very well be more work, more stressful and more pressure, it also could be a hugely rewarding experience that launches your career and propels it forward much faster than any other option.
In conclusion, the supply chain and logistics industry is one of the largest and most diverse fields in the world and will always be heavily needed and near guarantee some form of employment throughout the decades. With a wider range of niches and opportunities for many different backgrounds, and job opportunities for an immense number of different disciplines, the supply chain, and logistics industry can be a highly rewarding yet competitive career opportunity!
About Zmodal
Zmodal is a digital logistics provider, with easy access to North American trucking and intermodal rail service options all through our easy to use dashboard. Search routes, pricing, and book a load within minutes, all while featuring data analytics, digital document management, and full shipment visibility.
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