Is a degree necessary for career progression in logistics?
 

Hi, new here. Came here to seek advice as I graduated from poly not too long ago. I picked a field of study based on my family's suggestions and now regret it as I do not enjoy the field. I have recently been offered a job in the logistics line but it has no relevance to my diploma whatsoever(engineering based). If I work hard, will I be able to reach managerial level in the years to come or will I forever be held back by my qualifications? :(

Depends on what you mean by "managerial level". If you mean jobs like junior supervisory types with a few non-exec underlings reporting to you with a fancy "manager" job title, then I think diploma is ok. Anyway these jobs are paid only 4-5k+ not much business thinking and strategy planning needed also. As long as you don't screw up big time and perform consistently, should be able to get by late 30s / early 40s.

If you mean real managers that head departments with control on budgets, manpower resource, strategy planning & system expenditure, then it is always advantageous if you have a relevant degree. It is not 100% a must, but will help greatly especially if you are in large global MNCs.

Dear CowPayCowBull,

While this reply is mostly right, it really is condescending.

Logistics is an unglam job that many local grads shun, especially if you are located in Changi or Loyang or Tuas and not the HQ offices in town. From experience I would say that getting into ops management with a dip is not unheard of after years of experience and good performance. It is the civil service or the newer GLCs where paper is important but MNCs (esp US companies) tend to give more chances to competent non degree holders from the ranks.

But like as this guy mentioned, if you are thinking of more strategic or specialised management roles then no, you probably will not get a look in.

There is only accurate or inaccurate information. This forum already has enough of feel good nonsense that are incorrect. There is nothing condecending with calling a spade a spade, only people with low self-esteem issues will be concerned about that.

If people really think being a 4k+ operations manager is anything more than junior supervisory, then that person is just being deluded and/or politically correct.

I appreciate the replies. I believe the right course of action for me would be to study part-time at Kaplan so that I will not be capped at a certain level :)

Dear CowPayCowBull,

Are you a Cow or a Bull?