OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO WORK IN LOGISTICS COMPANIES?

The Logistics industry is growing strongly in Vietnam, becoming one of the fields with high recruitment demand, diverse job positions and competitive income. However, many students still wonder: “What do I need to prepare to work in a Logistics company?”

PSL Logistics would like to share the important factors that students need to equip themselves with to be ready to join the industry:

Understand the Structure and Operations of a Logistics Company

Before applying, students need to learn about the organization and specific operations in a Logistics company:

Common departments

• Administrative – Human Resources Department
• Pricing Department
• Sales Department
• Documentation Department
• Accounting Department
• Ops Department (Customs Declaration Staff and Field Staff)
• Trucking Department

Main processes in Logistics

• FWD Company searches for customers, signs contracts.
• Apply for export licenses (if any)
• Receive cargo information
• Pack, transport goods and unload goods at the port
• Get empty containers
• Contact shipping lines to book seats
• Customs declaration
• Submit SI, VGM and issue bills of lading
• Send documents, create Debit Notes and store records

Understanding the above steps helps students easily visualize the specific job when applying.

Basic Professional Knowledge Required

To be able to work, students need at least:

Basic knowledge of logistics and import and export

• Incoterms (International delivery terms)
• Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List
• Booking process, shipment tracking
• Supply Chain, multimodal transport

Understand the integrated logistics model (3PL, 4PL)

• The difference between single delivery and full service.
• Roles of stakeholders: customers, shipping lines, forwarders, carriers.

Popular software

• Microsoft Excel, Word
• Transportation management system (TMS)
• Electronic customs declaration software

Necessary Soft Skills

In addition to professional knowledge, students who want to work in the logistics industry need

Professional communication skills:

• Writing emails, communicating with customers and foreign partners.
• Communicate over the phone, handle situations quickly.

Teamwork skills:

• Logistics is an industry that requires coordination between many departments at the same time.

Problem solving skills:

• Handle situations such as late shipments, lost documents, customer complaints.

Work organization and time management skills:

• Track multiple orders at the same time, arrange accurate schedules.

Office computer skills:

Proficiency in Excel, knowing how to use Pivot Table, VLOOKUP is a big advantage.

Foreign languages

Specialized English:

• Read and understand documents, contracts.
• Communicate with shipping lines, foreign agents.
• Write emails in business English style.

Other foreign languages (if any):

• Chinese, Japanese, Korean are advantages in international shipping routes.

Work Attitude and Style Required in Logistics

• High sense of responsibility:
o Cargo and documents must be absolutely accurate. Small mistakes can cause major losses.
• Flexibility, readiness to work overtime:
o Logistics is not a strictly 9-to-5 industry. Work may arise in the evenings or on weekends.
• Ability to handle work pressure:
o Especially during peak seasons, holidays, or when international situations fluctuate.
• Eagerness to learn, proactive in updating new trends:
o Technology, customs policies, and transportation markets change continuously.

Internships and Real-World Experience

• Students should take internships at logistics companies as early as their 3rd or 4th year.
• Internships help:
o Get familiar with the actual working environment.
o Practice professional skills.
o Increase the chance of being retained as an official employee after graduation.
Suggested internship positions:
• Documentation staff
• Operations staff
• Warehouse staff
• Logistics sales intern

Conclusion

To confidently work in a logistics company after graduation, students need to thoroughly prepare:
• Professional knowledge in logistics and import-export
• Communication and problem-solving skills
• Foreign language skills
• Professional, responsible working attitude

PSL Logistics always welcomes dynamic, passionate students with a clear career orientation.

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