Logistics and supply chains will exist if there are companies and customers. This industry plays an important role in the proper functioning of businesses and the global economy. Companies can build resilience amid global volatility and have a competitive advantage by implementing effective logistics. Virtually every industry relies on supply chain professionals to look after some of the most essential processes to keep businesses running in the global marketplace.
The demand for supply chain management professionals will be on the rise for many years to come. Professionals in the supply chain play a critical role in keeping goods moving and economies running. The use of brand-new technologies, such as AI and blockchain and the explosive growth of e-commerce have raised huge demand for supply chain professionals. The global supply chain market size is expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 11% from 2024 to 2030. Students who are aspiring to study overseas can think of framing a career in logistics and supply chain.
Why Supply Chain Needs Better Professionals
The supply chain industry needs better professionals as organisations want to streamline their operations, reduce costs and eliminate bottlenecks. Businesses can run into considerable losses due to disruption in their supply chain. Supply managers are responsible for optimising processes and minimising waste. Supply chain professionals can identify and mitigate risks associated with transportation, logistics, economic fluctuations, and natural disasters.
When we talk about logistics, we will have to speak about inventory. Managing the inventory is an intrinsic part of the logistics and supply chain industry raising the need for inventory specialists who can monitor and optimise the flow of inventory. Transportation managers will be needed to manage the flow of goods throughout the supply chain when it comes to managing inventory. As we are talking about inventory and transportation managers, there will also be warehousing professionals who can look after the storage of goods optimally.
The Industry Generating Diverse Job Profiles
The logistics and supply chain industry is as big as any other industry, thus, there are varied job profiles, including that of buyer, seller, operations planner, production coordinator, and supply chain analyst. To start a career in supply chain and logistics, a bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum amount of education required. Along with a degree that provides you with the technical knowledge, you also need to possess soft skills to excel in your career in the supply chain industry.
As you understand the workings of the supply chain industry, you also need to develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills. As a professional in the supply chain, you will need to analyse complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. Working in this industry will also require you to communicate with a wide range of people, so your interpersonal and communications skills need to be top of the line. You should be able to work in a team and develop the skills to lead a team when the need arises.
Why Consider a Career in the Supply Chain Industry
As an international student, pursuing a career in the supply chain industry will fetch numerous benefits. Primary among them is the opportunity to work with diverse cultures and across international borders. Since the logistics and supply chain is here to stay, it provides job stability for professionals working in this industry. This sector not only provides job stability but also offers lucrative salaries.
Disruptive global events, market conditions, and advancements in technology may result in corporate contraction and job eliminations. However, the field of supply chain management can pass through the tumultuous time and stay intact to a large extent. Considering that the demand for goods will be there as long as humans are in existence, this field will be affected the least.
Courses in Logistics and Supply Chain
Many universities and colleges in Canada, Australia, the UK and other countries offer programmes in logistics and supply chain. Centennial College in Canada offers a supply chain management programme that equips students with the most relevant applications, tools, and techniques. Conestoga College is another option worth considering that offers programmes in logistics and supply chain such as business administration in supply chain and operations management, and business supply chain and operations for commercial trucking.
On the other side, many institutions in Australia offer courses in logistics. The University of Wollongong offers a Bachelor of business and a Bachelor of commerce in supply chain management. The University of Tasmania offers a diploma, degree and master’s programme in global logistics and supply chain management. This field offers excellent earning potential and with the right qualifications you have the opportunity to travel the world. Talk to overseas education consultants in Chandigarh for other programmes available in logistics and supply chain.
The Takeaway
Several fields have exhibited consistent demand for professionals. These fields provide ample growth and good benefits. As an international student, it is worth considering such options, and the field of logistics and supply chain makes for a sensible career choice.
