When students enroll in MIAT’s Global Logistics and Dispatch program, they open themselves up to a world of opportunities. Throughout the program, they train in three primary areas of focus and career development – Aircraft Dispatch, Transportation Dispatch and Global Supply Chain Logistics. If supply chain management and logistics sounds like a good fit, check out what a career as a logistics associate could hold!
Logistics associates wear many hats when on the job. They carry out basic functions such as loading and unloading packages and other cargo from trucks and boats, while also keeping warehouses or other shipping portals running efficiently. They may manage inventory and invoices, as well as physically organize merchandise within the warehouse.
While logistics associates regularly handle the day-to-day manual labor associated with an organization’s supply chain, the overall goal is to move a product from supplier to consumer in an organized, well-flowing fashion. This includes the product’s full life cycle – acquisition, distribution, allocation and delivery.
On the job, most logistics associates have to make full use of both their mind and body.
Because so many tasks entail the physical movement of products and packages, workers should have at least moderate strength and endurance. Couple that with the ability to operate a forklift and other basic machinery and these professionals will make good use of their bodily skills.
Of course, logistics associates must also use their heads. On a daily basis, they must be able to:
- Build relationships with suppliers and customers
- Create strategies for efficient movement of products
- Identify areas of improvement
- Deliver performance data to proper authority figures
- Keep up with the latest logistics technology
Luckily, companies use dedicated software systems to manage every move they make. Tracking capabilities and inventory organization have improved exponentially during the age of technology, increasing the overall success of all supply chain management functions.
In terms of job outlook, those working in the industry have positive opportunities in the foreseeable future. Logistics play a vital role in today’s global economy and, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the 2012 Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment is expected to grow 29 percent from 2010 to 2020.*
Those interested in becoming a logistics associate and working in supply chain management should contact MIAT and learn more about the Global Logistics and Dispatch program.
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/cargo-and-freight-agents.htm
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Global Logistics and Dispatch Program at MIAT
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