This industry is centred around the movement of goods – something the chuckle brothers never managed to articulate well! If a company wants to transfer fuel, clothes, clay or any other product you can think of it needs the help of the logistics, transport, purchase and supply departments.
This is a diverse and ever evolving industry, which makes a major contribution to both the UK’s and global economies.
What kind of work can I do?
Work in this industry differs between departments but good organisational and management skills are the key to success.
Logistics and Supply
Logistics and Supply work very closely together and can often be combined into one position. Working in this area involves dealing with suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and customers to ensure that goods are delivered, on time, to the right people, in the right condition.
This requires a great deal of planning and organising you will need to be able to solve any problems that arise which may involve environmental or financial matters. It will also be necessary to be aware of all health and safety issues.
Transportation
The transportation industry also deals with the movement of goods although this time the ‘goods’ are usually people! This sector can be split into two main roles: planning and management.
If you choose to specialise in planning your work will focus on the growth of the travel networks, be it road, rail, skies or sea. You will be asked to come up with ideas that will enhance the travel network. This is often illustrated using IT models to show possible outcomes of new schemes.
Often the role will require lots of lateral thinking to see what external problems may affect proposals.
In management roles you will usually focus on how the passenger is affected by the travel network. This could involve enhancing passenger services – for better wheel chair access or child friendly travelling, ensuring health and safety requirements are adhered to and dealing with customer enquiries and complaints. You will also be expected to be on hand should a problem arrive like dangerous weather conditions or faulty vehicles.
Purchase
Purchase is at the heart of all major companies. This involves buying goods cheaply whilst ensuring that quality standards are still met. To do this you need to be confident, persuasive and a good haggler! Another crucial part of the job is market research to identify market trends and forecast the next big ‘must have’ item. This will enable you to make the best possible profits for your company.
What are employers looking for?
Work in this industry is varied and employers will be looking for graduates from a variety of backgrounds, although for some roles a specific degree such as engineering may be required.
It is however fundamental to employers that you have tip-top organisational skills as you will need to ensure that the right people and produce are in the right place at the right time. Good communication, managerial and people skills will also stand you in good stead.
Is this the right career for me?
If you’re the organiser of your group and love taking charge when it comes to planning events then a career in logistics could be right up your street.
You will need the ability to juggle lots of tasks and keep calm under pressure, as well as having a logical brain to solve any problems that may occur.
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