Transport and Logistics
The Transport and Logistics sector is a vital part of the worldwide economy, responsible for moving goods, services and people efficiently across the globe. It offers a wide range of career opportunities in areas such as supply chain management, transport planning, freight forwarding, logistics coordination and operations management. With the growth of e-commerce, global trade, second hand trading and technological innovation, this sector is growing fast and there is increasing competition from more traditional postage services in the UK as well.
This sector plays a key role in ensuring supply chains run smoothly, especially during times of disruption, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, post-Brexit trade changes, international conflicts and changes in global political administrations. Careers in logistics often involve problem-solving, data analysis, planning and working under pressure to meet deadlines. Many roles are well suited to graduates with degrees in business, engineering, geography or related fields, but there are also accessible routes for those of any degree discipline. Increasingly, digital skills and knowledge of sustainability are in demand, as companies seek to reduce their environmental impact and embrace smart technology like AI and automation. With technological advances and the world’s resources under increasing pressure, human attention is also turning more towards making the most of the physical resources and logistical room in space, so this also forms part of this sector work area.
Graduates can enter the sector through graduate schemes, jobs, internships and there are good opportunities to progress into leadership positions. The sector also offers global mobility, with chances to work abroad or with international clients. Whether coordinating international shipments, optimising warehouse operations, or designing public transport networks, professionals in transport and logistics contribute to the smooth functioning of society and the economy. For students looking for a sector that offers variety, progression and real-world impact, transport and logistics is a rewarding and future-focused choice.
You might find it interesting to explore these Transport and Logistics job role profiles on the Prospects website, from Naval Officer, Logistics Manager to Air cabin crew.
If you are interested in this area of work, these sectors might also be of interest to you:
- Business Operations and management: look in the work area on Logistics and Supply Chain management
- Emergency and uniformed services: many roles in this sector require logistics professionals.
If you would like to do further research into this sector, the following webpages may be useful.
- Prospects summary of the Transport and Logistics Sector.
- Supply Chain Today is a useful website full of blog posts which break down the jargon of the industry. There are also useful insights into the impact of AI, robots and drones which will help to improve understanding of the commercial impact of the sector.
- The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport is a professional membership body with useful information about this sector and the latest impacts on the industry.
- Logistics UK is a membership organisation, providing a range of services from representation, campaigns to training and products – useful for finding out more about professional development and the kinds of commercial matters facing the sector in road, rail air and marine environments.
- These video profiles feature people in various roles in the Transport and Logistics Sector who talk about their jobs and routes to employment, on the Icould Platform.
- The Transport Planning Society aims to facilitate, develop and promote best practice and innovation in transport planning.
- The Royal Aeronautical Society exists to further the advancement of aeronautical art, science and engineering around the world.
Making contacts is essential for success in this and other sectors. Many jobs in this field come through networking and speculative applications. You could start by speaking with the experts – find out what they did after graduation and contact them for advice.
LinkedIn is an excellent resource for exploring different networking groups and reaching out to make contacts who can help with career conversations. This link takes you to Transport and Logistics groups based globally.
Professional bodies can also be a helpful way of exploring a sector and making contacts. Several professional bodies exist in this sector, many of which also offer student memberships for those who are interested to work in the sector. These can lead to online events and networking opportunities to make new connections and contacts.
- Careers in Aerospace LIVE is an annual event run by the Royal Aeronautical Society
- Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport - comprehensive information on careers and qualifications
- Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation – there is a student membership which is free
- Institute of Grocery Distribution this charity aims to deliver a thriving grocery and food system in the UK
- The Chamber of Shipping - training and careers information
- The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade aims to help members navigate the complexities of international trade
- The Royal Aeronautical Society offers student memberships which are free for certain students
- The Transport Planning Society aims to facilitate, develop and promote best practice and innovation in transport planning. There is a student membership which is free
- The Nautical Institute is an international membership organisation for people working at sea and onshore in the industry. You will find memberships are at organisational level and can give insights into potential target employers.
Making contacts for work shadowing, informational interviews and speculative applications
To help increase your networks who may also be able to suggest ways to gain experiences look at:
- Ask an Alum: A fuss-free way to connect with University of Exeter alumni to ask careers questions.
- Career Mentor Scheme: A popular employability scheme which matches a student or graduate with an experienced professional, for sector insight and one-to-one careers advice and guidance, over a 6-month period.
Recruitment fairs, careers fairs, open days, talks and events give insights and opportunities to make contacts. For details of future events visit Handshake. If you have not yet activated your account, select the Single Sign On (SSO) option and follow the onscreen instructions.
The following links are events pages on professional bodies and institutions’ pages.
- Careers in Aerospace LIVE is an annual event run by the Royal Aeronautical Society
- Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport -they run events and there are memberships, but there is also a free newsletter you can sign up to
- Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation – there is a student membership which is free
- Explore SEDS For a list of local and national conference events focussed on the Space Sector including National Student Space Conference and Space-Comm Expo
- Institute of Grocery Distribution this charity aims to deliver a thriving grocery and food system in the UK
- National Space Academy Careers Conferences A specialist conference about careers in the space sector which is a great way to network and discover opportunities
- The Chamber of Shipping offers a range of free and membership only events
- The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade runs a range of events, some of which are online and free, and others which are open to members only
- The Transport Planning Society aims to facilitate, develop and promote best practice and innovation in transport planning. There is a range of events and webinars available. There is a student membership which is free
- The Nautical Institute is an international membership organisation for people working at sea and onshore in the industry. Events and conferences are available all over the world.
Many major graduate recruiters have policies and processes that are proactive in recruiting graduates from diverse backgrounds. To find out the policies and attitudes of employers that you are interested in, explore their equality and diversity policies and see if they offer Disability Confident Employer Scheme or are recognised for their policy by such indicators as Mindful Employer or as a Stonewall’s Diversity Champion.
The UK law protects you from discrimination due to your age, gender, race, religion or beliefs, disability or sexual orientation and more. For further information on the Equality Act and to find out where and how you are protected, as well as information on what you need to do if you feel you have been discriminated against, visit the Government’s webpages on discrimination.
To learn more about how to share details of a disability with an employer and the support you can receive applying for jobs and work experience visit our equality and diversity page.
Action
Explore roles in the sector by visiting the areas of work below. Each profile covers typical duties and responsibilities, entry requirements, key skills required, professional development opportunities and links to finding both work experience and graduate roles.
