Career progression is very important to most, however, over a third of UK employees say that their career progression does not meet their expectation, largely due to the fact that many do not know how to advance their career.
To advance your career in Logistics Management, you will need to have a clear plan on how to do this, otherwise, you are in danger of missing out on your potential.
Here are 7 tips on how to plan yourself to advance your career:
1. Understand your career path and how to get there:
To advance your career in Logistics Management, you need to understand what career moves you need to make to reach your end goal & what is required of you to do well in each role. Each step you succeed in will enable you to take that next step, with the ultimate aim of reaching that final goal.
2. Know your skills and where you can improve:
Evaluate your skills and experiences to build upon so that you know how to express exactly what you can bring to a new role. You should also look at where you can possibly do better by completing certifications that will improve your skills, such as, taking a CILT course, gaining a CPC, Prince2 (Project Management) or Six Sigma qualification. Completing a postgraduate diploma, degree or Masters in Logistics/Supply Chain will also greatly round out your knowledge.
3. Know how to promote your soft skills:
Soft skills are what every employer looks for as a priority, so, therefore, people skills are essential for anyone who is wanting to be successful in management. Skills such as problem-solving skills, communication skills, adaptability skills, plus a whole list of other skills are required in logistics management roles and need to be showcased on your CV as well as in your current role to stand in your favour.
4. Keep up with the latest technology trends:
Technology is constantly evolving in Logistics with the emergence of new technologies and a growing demand for people who know how to use it. Keeping up with trends will put you ahead of those competing for similar roles and will help to make you become a more current and innovative leader aware of a constantly changing sector. Areas of extremely fast-paced technology changes include e-commerce, multi-channel, click & collect, home delivery and tracking systems.
5. Get out there and network:
Networking makes it easier for employers to find you. You need to use your Linkedin profile as a promotional tool for yourself to sell you to the employer. For more networking opportunities, you should join associations such as the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and also professional groups on Linkedin to provide you opportunities to network with people in similar positions and with those higher up to learn how they got to their position.
6. Find someone who has already walked in the shoes you want to, by finding a mentor:
From networking opportunities, you may be able to find yourself a mentor. A mentor should be someone who is either near your end goal position or in that position you want to get to and can provide you with guidance on how to get to where you want. A Forbes study found that the majority of those in business who succeed have used mentors to help them progress. This allows you to be provided with a reliable second opinion on your career and to ask questions to a more experienced person on how to get to where you want.
7. Seize your opportunities
Finally, you need to seize opportunities when you see them. When an opportunity arises, you need to be able to be prepared in how to react to it so that you can take advantage of it, rather than letting it go to waste.
Keep these 7 tips in mind when considering your next career move in Logistics Management to allow yourself to be more prepared for how to approach your next move.
Steve Eston, Senior Logistics Consultant with over ten year's experience commented:
"As an industry, logistics has undergone extensive change over the past ten years in areas such as technology, culture, engagement and added value activities that firms are offering to their clients.
Whilst the sector has evolved a long way during that time, one area that still needs focus is that of career guidance and development. Whilst there are exceptions, the onus still mainly sits with the individual to push their career forward and to maximise their potential. Having worked in Logistics for 7 years before going into recruitment, I found out first-hand that this was the case.
Making yourself more valuable as a commodity (both internally within your business and externally to outside employers) is key to this. I would strongly suggest doing all you can to develop yourself academically but also study for qualifications in relevant areas i.e. CPC, Six Sigma, Prince2, IOSH, NEBOSH etc.
Gaining exposure and knowledge of systems such as JDA/Red Prairie or Manhattan (for warehouse) or Paragon & Isotrak (for transport) are really helpful. Within a warehouse environment, working within fully or semi-automated sites would also give you a wider perspective and therefore, more valuable. Exposure to trade unions negotiations and unionised environments are also something I would encourage someone to do where possible.
Finally, having the attitude of "going above and beyond" is key to you taking that next step. I am not suggesting working yourself into the ground, but staying late occasionally to box off a project or taking extra responsibilities outside of your job description is a great way to show that you are ready, willing and able to take that next step."
Take a look at our live Senior Logistics jobs here or to chat further with Steve by emailing him on stevene@precionsearch.co.uk
Steve Eston is Associate Director, Logistics Division of Precision Search and has over seven year's operational experience in Transport, TP and Warehousing within various sectors.
