Thirty years ago, we had barely heard of the word logistics. Instead, we talked about haulage, but logistics involves much more than a job in road haulage encompasses.

Logistics involves moving people, goods and services around an area as quickly and as efficiently as possible. It may also include sourcing and buying products and services and managing supply chains and monitoring good customer service.

There are opportunities for all graduates to enter into logistics, though some jobs may require a specific degree, like engineering or a foreign language. Big companies like Tesco, Morrisons and DHL offer graduate management training schemes in logistics. At the end of your training, you may be asked to decide whether to specialise in warehouse or transport management or in the supply and procurement of goods and services. If you want to progress in your career, it helps to be as flexible as possible with regards to job location.

Skills needed for a management position in logistics include good decision making and the ability to handle responsibility well. Good analytical skills and IT skills will help with strategic planning. You will also need to be a good communicator with all types of people, from those working in a warehouse to clients and the general public.

Graduates starting on a management training scheme in logistics can expect to start on a salary between £18,000 to £25,000 p/a.