Working in Logistics After Graduating

Undergraduate degrees in business provide degree holders with a variety of career options after college. One of those career options is working in logistics—a burgeoning field that has opportunities for people of all education levels. As the world shifts to a more globalized economy, companies, such as Ratelinx, are looking for logisticians to help them move from point A to point B as they search for ways to stay competitive. But getting into logistics isn’t always easy. It requires hard work and due diligence to get a job—employers are searching for the best of the best. Suggestions for breaking into the logistics industry include taking classes in operations management, applying for internships, and reaching out for informational interviews.

Taking Classes in Operations Management

Classes in operations management focus on helping the student understand the best practices for improving the business process. These courses help students who are preparing for a career in business and logistics or who are in the middle of their career and need additional help with problem solving skills. The courses usually are broken up into lessons that range from productivity and responsiveness to quality and product variety.

Understanding operations management pairs perfectly with understanding logistics, and employers will be looking for potential employees who have a variety of skills and educational knowledge already under their belts. Taking courses in operations management will help a potential job candidate’s resume stand out and will make him more versatile and attractive to a potential employer.

Apply for Internships

Today, it’s hard to find jobs, even entry-level positions, that don’t require internship experience as a prerequisite. Employers want to hire employees that have experience in the field, have dealt with and solved real-world problems, and have proven that they are knowledgeable, hardworking, and reliable. Be aggressive in the search for an internship. Most universities have career centers that offer internship opportunities, and a variety of online websites and businesses list an array of internship opportunities. Take initiative and search broadly—logistics is a field that encompasses a variety of business types. Don’t limit your opportunities by being afraid to branch out. When applying, be sure to put your best qualities forward, and don’t be afraid to brag about that high GPA. Employers—for both internships and jobs—are looking for phenomenal qualities.

Reach Out for Informational Interviews

An informational interview differs from a job interview in that the person requesting the interview asks for information about the industry rather than a career opportunity. However, informational interviews can definitely lead to future employment opportunities and can broaden a person’s professional network while providing valuable guidance. Interviews can be found through a variety of networks, including family and friends, college job boards, organizations and businesses, teachers and mentors, or through company websites. An important thing to remember when conducting these interviews is that the person being interviewed is doing you, the interviewer, a favor. Keep the meetings under thirty minutes, send a thank you card afterwards, and remain as professional as possible. Sample questions for the interview should focus on how the person being interviewed got into his field, what his favorite thing is about the field, what a typical work day is like, what a typical career path looks like, and what challenges the industry/company faces.