Why Are Supply Chain and Logistics Careers So Popular Today?

If you’re not quite sure what ‘supply chain management’ and ‘logistics’ mean in terms of your career, then you’re not alone. Many aren’t until they realize the impact that this industry has on practically every facet of modern life. The logistics sector ensures that consumers can access goods as and when they need them; logistics professionals are required to oversee the important phases in a product’s life cycle including allocation, distribution and delivery. And, the demand for professionals in the logistics industry is currently at an all-time high around the world, so if you’re looking to enter a career where you can find steady, interesting, and well-paying work, this could well be the ideal industry for you. We’ve put together nine great reasons to consider pursuing a career in logistics and supply chain management.

#1. Career Growth:

Logistics today is a rapidly expanding field that was experiencing growth even during the height of the recession. And today, this field is even more promising for those who want to hit the ground running with a career that offers a wide range of great progression, growth and promotion opportunities.

#2. High Rates of Pay:

In May of 2017, the median annual pay for a logistician in the U.S. reached almost $75,000, a figure that’s been growing ever since and yes, you guessed it – is expected to grow even more into the future. According to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2017, the lowest 10% earned less than $44,000 and the highest 10% were earning over $120,000 per year.

#3. Relatively Low Entry Barriers

The good news is that there are several different options available to those who wish to enter the logistics and supply chain management industry. You can go down the traditional route by earning a bachelor’s degree and then going on to earn an online supply chain masters to provide you with all the knowledge and skills you’ll need to get stuck into your new career straight away, but this isn’t the only option available. In fact, logistics offers professionals the opportunity to land high-paying work without the need for an advanced degree; although some roles may require graduate education or at least some form of relevant, advanced training, many individuals with a bachelor’s degree alone can find work in the logistics sector.

#4. Numerous Industry Options

The field of logistics encompasses a wide variety of sub-sectors that professionals can pursue a specialization in, such as warehousing, wholesaling, and postal services, for example. In addition to a wide range of sub-sectors to choose from, there are also various different options available when it comes to career settings – employers can range from large corporations to nonprofits, startups or local and federal government entities.

#5. Advancement Opportunities:

While an advanced degree is not always necessary for a successful career in logistics, it can certainly pave the way to rapid advancement for those who wish to move up the career ladder quickly. There are usually plenty of upper management job opportunities available for those who are driven and ambitious, however, these will usually require additional experience and education. If you land a career in logistics with just a bachelor’s degree, there are many opportunities to gain a relevant master’s degree online – allowing you to enjoy flexible, self-led learning which you can fit around continuing to work in logistics full-time and gain even more experience while you study – all of which will improve your chances at landing an upper management position.

#6. Travel Opportunities

If working in the same office every day sounds like the most boring thing in the world to you, then the good news is that a career in logistics and supply chain management won’t be like this. If you enjoy exploring, then this could be an excellent fit for you since many positions in logistics necessitate frequent international travel, allowing you to see more of the world while you work. And although the trips that you take will be far more focused on working than sightseeing, they offer a wide range of opportunities for anybody who is looking to break into a career in international business.

#7. Many Local Job Opportunities

However, if traveling while you work isn’t for you, and you’d rather stay put in your career and save the jet-setting for vacation time, then you’ll be glad to hear that working in supply chain management and logistics has something for you, too. If traveling on a regular basis isn't something that you need for your career and you’d rather stay put for any reason, this is also possible – logistics may have few hotspots, but it has broad appeal over numerous regions.

#8. Internships for Students and Graduates:

If you have your heart set on a career in logistics and supply chain management but are unsure as to how you’re going to get your foot in the door and land that first position that you can work upwards from, then the industry has you covered. Logistics is a rapidly growing field, but this doesn’t stop many professionals from worrying about how they are going to land that important first job. The good news is that thanks to the high demand, there are several stepping stones to employment available – whether you’re currently studying at college or have graduated with a relevant degree, you can find paid internship opportunities with many designed to offer full-time positions to successful interns upon completion.

#9. High Personal Satisfaction

Last but not least, while steady, secure employment and a fantastic rate of pay may be the main factors enticing professionals into the supply chain and logistics industry, many choose to remain in the field because it can be incredibly personally satisfying. According to a 2017 report by APICS, many millennials in the field view supply chain management as an opportunity for growth, and believe in their ability to make a positive difference in their field while benefitting from the personal growth and development opportunities that it provides. Working in supply chain management and logistics offers a range of opportunities, job security, great pay, and high personal reward – what’s not to love?