One of the hottest fields to choose today is Logistics. The corporate world is becoming very flexible penetrating across fields that require specialized knowledge of that particular field.
India spends 13% of its GDP on logistics compared to an average of 10% in other developing countries. So, one can very well imagine the immense scope.
As the logistics industry witnesses this growth it opens great opportunities especially for people who have a specialization in this field. Doing an MBA in logistics can drastically increase your chances of landing with a big brand at a great pay scale, hence giving a big boost to your career at its start.
Why choose MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management?
- With the growth of online retail sales every year and it exhibiting no signs of slowing down – and an ever-increasing number of customers demanding rapid delivery of their purchases – employers are on a constant lookout for skilled logistics and supply chain graduates to fill a variety of roles. Hence, industry has a huge shortage of skilled professionals.
- Industry is generating lacs of jobs every year. Indian Logistics industry would need 28.4 million skilled people in the “Senior Resource Category” in warehouse management by 2022.
- Indian logistics industry is at an inflection point and will reach a market size of over $125 billion in coming years.
- Technological change in the logistics industry demands a trained workforce in all areas of the sector.
- The job oriented programs prepares an aspirant for niche industries and bridges the gap of demand and supply.
Essential skills needed for students aspiring for a career in logistics industry:
Commercial awareness, numeracy, good problem solving skills and ability to think quickly, logically and analytically are few skill sets that are needed for the logistic sector.
Logistics Education
While most jobs demand a bachelor’s degree. Most employers in fact have a preference for a master’s degree or professional degree in this field as well.
Educations in logistics and supply chain management will cover topics such as ethics, administration, finances, organization, marketing, international business, statistics, and conflict resolution.
Most programs offer internship opportunities, which is a great way to get hands on experience in the field. You can find programs that just cover logistics and supply chain management, or you can earn a degree in business with a concentration in logistics and supply chain management. Both are beneficial to students interested in working in this field. To prepare students for these duties, a logistics management or supply chain management program may offer courses such as:
- Applied Data Analysis
- Supply Chain Analysis
- Supply Chain Management Strategies
- Global Procurement and Supply Management
- Global Logistics Management
- Domestic and International Transportation Management
- Principles of Traffic Management
- Technology and Product Innovation Management
In addition business law, accounting, economics, and statistics courses are universal to add-on the more specified logistics material. A logistics manager will also require knowing various software programs, as that is the most common way to keep track of product movement. One of the largest employers for skilled professionals in the field of logistics is the retail sector- FMCG, Automobile and e-commerce industries. Besides, there are interesting and lucrative opportunities available in the manufacturing and the various government sectors, in the fields of technology, transportation and aerospace to name a few.
Growth prospects in logistics
People generally start at an entry-level position and working their way up to jobs with more responsibilities and a higher salary. Manufacturing is amongst the industry employing logisticians, with over 40% of logisticians working in some field of manufacturing. There are many different job titles in the logistics industry such as:
- Analyst
- Consultant
- Customer Service Manager
- International Logistics Manager
- Inventory Control Manager
- Logistics Engineer
- Logistics Manager
- Logistics Services Salesperson
- Logistics Software Manager
- Materials Manager
- Production Manager
- Purchasing Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Systems Support Manager
- Transportation Manager
- Vendor Managed Inventory Coordinator
- Warehouse Operations Manager
- Marketing
- Sales
- Finance
- Operations
By: ILAM
