For many millennials, there is a longstanding misconception about what a career in logistics looks like. Typically, when they hear the word “logistics”, they picture either a warehouse worker or a long haul truck driver. Because of a lack of exposure to the many different facets and paths of a logistics and supply chain career, they write it off without ever exploring it. In reality, the industry offers a plethora of opportunities, ranging from stocking shelves in a warehouse, but also sales, supply chain management, freight forwarding, dispatch, and much more. The industry is growing, with more logistics professionals retiring than there are to replace them. Logistics and supply chain careers offer great room for advancement, high pay and endless career paths to suit different interests. There are many reasons why a career in this field would be well suited for millennials, including the opportunity to use emerging technology, the opportunity to reduce the industry’s impact on the environment and with just how vital the industry is to society, a logistics and supply chain career can offer a great sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Millennials are one of the most tech-savvy generations, having grown up with smartphones, social media and the internet. All of the technology that older generations had to learn comes as second nature to millennials, and new technologies are naturally easier to master, which gives them a huge advantage when it comes to entering the job market. The logistics industry as a whole is moving towards digitalization, seeking to become more efficient every day. Technology such as artificial intelligence and automation robots reduce the physical strain on employees and allow them to complete their daily tasks in a much more efficient way, which has greatly improved employees’ job satisfaction overall. As older generations retire out of the industry, companies will seek out tech-savvy millennials to take over and innovate even further.

Not only is there an abundance of opportunities in the logistics and supply chain industry, but there is an opportunity to make a real difference in the world when it comes to causes that millennials care about. The transportation industry is responsible for about 25% of the total commercial energy consumed worldwide, and supply chain managers play an integral role in reducing this impact to the environment and finding ways to conserve fuel in shipping. The use of new technologies will continue to play an important part in reducing environmental impacts of the industry which is a task uniquely suited to millennials. For those who are passionate about this issue our society faces, a supply chain management career could be a great way to work towards improving the industry’s environmental impact.

Over the last several years, it has become incredibly apparent just how vital the logistics and supply chain industry is to our society. Every organization and company needs logistics professionals to get their goods and services out to the world. There has been more thought about how exactly this occurs, and a newfound appreciation has come for the people who work in these positions. There is a need for more logistics professionals to work in positions that allow medical supplies and PPE to get shipped out more efficiently, just as there is for other non-essential products. Due to the nature of the industry, there are endless possibilities for which type of operation to work for and the opportunity to seek out those positions that align with the causes that millennials care most about. Job satisfaction is high among logistics professionals, partially due to the massive opportunity for growth and advancement in the field because there are so many moving parts to logistics operations. It’s a no-brainer that working in a position where you are making a difference and actively contributing to a cause you care about will bring with it a high sense of fulfillment.

Millennials have historically overlooked logistics and supply chain careers, whether due to a lack of exposure or lack of understanding about the industry. There has been an effort recently to educate millennials and younger generations about this industry and position it as a top choice for job seekers by highlighting the benefits and wide variety of opportunities available. As companies endeavor to replace the wave of retiring logistics professionals, they will look towards millennials to fill the gap. This can be extremely mutually beneficial, with millennials earning high-paying, fulfilling jobs that give them purpose, and companies getting tech-savvy employees that will increase efficiency and innovation. As the industry moves into the future, millennials will be crucial for growing the industry and the economy and improving operations to become more environmentally friendly.