Learning logistics: becoming a 'premium shipper'?

Many students mistakenly believe the Logistics and supply chain management industry only leads to jobs like delivering goods, arranging merchandise, or working in warehouses and seaports.

This common misconception about the Logistics industry is frequently encountered by Doctor Nguyen Trung Nhan, Head of Training Department at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, during admissions counseling in various localities.

Doctor Nguyen Trung Nhan advises students, 3. Photo: Nguyet Minh

He explained that Logistics (hau can) and supply chain management involve planning and controlling the storage and transportation of goods from the production site to the consumer safely, conveniently, and at the lowest cost. This intricate process includes warehousing, transportation, order management, packaging, and materials.

Professionals in this field must determine the most optimal method for transporting goods—whether by road, water, rail, or air. They also calculate the cost implications of placing warehouses near or far from central locations, and plan how to arrange goods within a warehouse for the quickest retrieval and storage. These are the knowledge and skills students will acquire during their studies.

"This combines management and engineering, especially optimization theory," he stated. "Professionals in this field do not deliver goods on the street or physically load and unload items in warehouses."

According to him, Vietnam's Logistics market is valued at approximately 80 billion USD, accounting for nearly 5% of the GDP. However, Logistics costs remain higher than the regional and global averages. Given the demands for economic development, diverse transportation methods, and land costs, Logistics challenges are becoming increasingly varied and crucial for businesses.

Consequently, job opportunities in the industry remain abundant. A 2022 forecast by the Vietnam Logistics Research and Development Institute indicates that by 2030, Vietnam will need an additional 2,2 million Logistics workers, with 10% being high-quality personnel proficient in foreign languages. Meanwhile, only about 2,500 graduates from this field enter the workforce annually.

Currently, many universities offer Logistics programs, with admission scores typically high, ranging from 22 to 28 out of 30. Annual tuition fees commonly range from 20 to 60 million VND.