Editor’s Note: Today’s blog is from Chris Richardson who discusses why choosing logistics as your major is a good idea.
Logistics. This is an omnipresent term when people are suggesting careers for you. “You don’t know what profession to choose? Why don’t you consider logistics?”
It’s a rewarding profession, that’s for sure. But, what is logistics, really? Is this the right college major for you?
As a logistician, you’d be in charge of the supply chain of a business. You will be coordinating complex operations that involve many people, supplies, organizations, or/and facilities. You’ll be planning and managing the material, information, service, and capital flow in the business.
Logistician is quite a versatile profession. You may be coordinating the responses to hurricanes or other natural disasters. You may be planning the supplies of equipment and technicians for a particular project. You may work for any business and develop strategies for minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency.
Is this the right college major for you? It depends. We’ll list 10 benefits of choosing logistics as your major, so you’ll decide if it’s the right thing for you.
1. There’s a Recruiting Problem in the Industry
According to the information provided by Fortune, the logistics industry is unclear or misunderstood for most job seekers. This creates a problem for the recruiters.
More open positions and not enough candidates to fill them in… you know what this means for someone with a logistics major. It should be relatively easy for you to get a job.
2. You Can Work in ANY Industry
When you order an item online, it goes through a journey before it arrives on your doorstep. Do you know who plans that journey? The logistician. When natural disasters occur, someone plans the entire process of handling the consequences. That’s a logistician, again. When someone is driving a truck, they need a professional to coordinate the orders, loads and unloads. Who do you think does that?
If you hold this degree, you can practically choose the industry you’d like to work in.
3. It’s an International Business
Many people opt for a career in logistics because it expands the borders of their countries. They usually have to learn a second language, but that makes the job even more exciting.
4. It’s an Important Role
This profession plays a huge role in the economy. In 2015, the costs of U.S. business logistics were $1.48 trillion. That’s how important the sector is.
5. It’s One of the Best Business Jobs to Have
The U.S. News included logistician in the top list of best business jobs to have. The scores in this list are calculated according to seven components: median salary, 10-year growth volume, employment rate, future job prospects, 10-year growth percentage, work-life balance, and stress level.
6. You Develop Transferable Skills
If you pick logistics as your major, you’ll get in-depth understanding of the supply chain. You can use that knowledge in many ways, since you’ll know all about the issues of cost, quality, and lead-times.
Plus, you’ll be doing a lot of research work during the studies. Kate Miller, a writer from EssayGeeks, explains: “This major is challenging in terms of academic writing. That’s a good thing. The students develop research and critical thinking skills through these projects. They can translate those skills to pretty much any profession they choose.”
7. It’s a Management Role
The logistician is practically a manager. You won’t start with a management position straight after graduation. However, the career path will be dynamic and you can quickly reach a position in management if you’re good at what you do.
8. You’ll Become a Specialist
Although logistics is a versatile major, it’s still very specific. You’ll gain skills and knowledge that will make you a specialist in a particular niche. That will make the job hunting process much smoother for you. You’ll know what jobs to target and you’ll be well-qualified for them.
9. It’s Not a Boring Job
Forget about the concept of boredom if you choose this career. You’ll be communicating with tons of people on a daily basis. You’ll be managing interesting and important processes. You will have huge responsibility for the outcome of those processes. You’ll deal with a huge deal of information, as well as with a wide variety of goods. This job never gets boring.
10. It Pays Well
We saved the best information for the end. Logistics is a financially rewarding career. The median salary in the U.S. is $74,170 per year. For logisticians in the federal government, the pay is higher – $82,660 per year. Not bad, huh?
This is an interesting career that gives you opportunities for growth. The studies are interesting, too. Choosing logistics as your major sets you up for a great challenge. It’s a challenge worth facing!
Chris Richardson is a journalist, editor, and a blogger. He loves to write, learn new things, and meet new outgoing people. Chris is also fond of traveling, sports, and playing the guitar.