Bottleneck Career Paths
Is it worth investing in a Warehouse and Logistics Management degree? My career goal is to work in distribution planning and workforce management but I fear targeting my education in this specific area is going to limit my ability to explore other industries if I can’t find the right warehouse management job when I finish school. I was also considering a general Business or Organizational Management degree instead. I’ve read the nightmare messages and post from recent grads having trouble finding a job in their field of study and I want to avoid being stuck in that situation when I finish school. Am I bottlenecking myself into one career option choosing a specific degree?
Roland, This one is sticky for me to help with. although first of all, with warehouse management jobs, they are mostly achieved from with in, by on the job experience, rarely off the street. school is great ( and by the way I would go with Management of Business, w/ math of finance ) on the job training and Time is key. takes time so you better know a warehouse is where your life is!! set your sites higher, pray on it, if you get what I have, a Job that I love, and look forward to each day, then you won't have to Work a day in your life!! You only live once make it count. Good Luck!
I think having difficulty finding work is a given no matter what you get your degree in. I would say take the two pronged approach: both get the degree and work part time in the field while you are a student to get much needed experience on your resume.
Yes, get a degree in anything managerial if you want to be in leadership. Not having a degree will limit how much you are able to grow.
Go for the general degree then get a short term certificate program in specified logistic areas that interest you. Experience is important though so it’s a good idea to start working on a part time basis.
That’s a tricky industry as far as an educational background is concerned. I worked in warehouse or shipping companies like fedex in the past and all of the sups and warehouse managers I worked with worked their way into management. Things might have changed since back then but managers were hired on experience and previous performance standards and less on educational background.
Hello, Roland. Isaac's advice is very good. I suggest general degree of Bach of Bus. Admin. with major in personnel management and minor in social work or psychology for learning how to run a business, or warehouse, and honing personnel skills. The certificate idea is good, though extra charge/tuition at a Business College?, focusing on workforce mgmt and/or distribution. The social work leaning would open doors for workforce mgmt or working at employment agencies or a warehouse business personnel dept. The social work direction opens a wider alternate career door into working with/helping people on a grander scale. If you like
giving advice and helping people deal with personal issues, get mentored to become a Licensed Professional Counselor; that LPC is
a valuable alphabet-addendum in the long run of employment! I worked as a social worker/case manager for mental health & home health agencies for 18 years and loved it....without LPC; I wish I had it now! Yes, broader strokes open more doors. It is also ok to change directions while on a particular path! -- bob