Whether you are currently employed in logistics or interested in making a career change, there are plenty of opportunities within the industry. The logistics industry has traditionally been a male-dominated industry and it can be challenging to fit into a field where many of the leadership positions are held by men.

While that has been changing in recent years, and there has been an acceptance of women in the industry both in leadership and non-leadership positions, women can still face uncertainty within this industry. There is growing recognition that there is a need for diversity at the management level in every industry, and there is a need for more women at every level within the logistics and transportation industry.

I am sharing insights I have gained during the last three decades in the industry, as well as the Founder and President of Red Arrow Logistics.

#1. Be confident. There is no reason to feel intimidated within this industry. Up until about 30 years ago, there were very few women in this field. However, a woman can succeed in the field just as well as a male counterpart. Since there are an estimated 6 million logistics-related jobs, there is plenty of room for opportunities. Trust that you are capable of the job and be open to the opportunities that come your way.

#2. Get involved in the industry. This shows that you are committed to the field. As a woman in the logistics industry, networking at industry events and joining associations has added value. I am personally involved in several associations and attend events in the industry which allows me to network and understand trends within the industry.

#3. Love learning. Degrees and certifications will help to set you apart in the industry. I have always enjoyed going further with my studies and completed Executive Supply Chain DEU courses through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Transportation Studies, the University of Washington Minority Business Executive Program, Digital Marketing, Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth University, and APICS CPIM Program. This education has expanded my network as well as my knowledge of the business world and the field. I love to learn as much as I can about the industry because I know it will be helpful down the road. We work in an ever-changing environment, so it is critical to stay on top of what is happening.

#4 Get a mentor. Having the support of another female within the industry is invaluable, whether you are just starting, or you have been in the industry for several years and would like to move to a new position. A mentor can offer support, guidance, and direction that can make your job easier as well as give unbiased input as to what your next steps regarding your career should be. A mentor can be someone within your company or within the industry.

#5 Find a cause. Whether you would like to give back to the community or would like to get involved in a group at work, find something that means a lot to you. If you are passionate about an activity, it will only enhance your work as an employee and may open up networking opportunities as well. Personally, I am strongly involved in several organizations that I care about very much such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Treehouse, and Kiva.

Red Arrow also supports the Puget Sound Honor flight to send American veterans to visit the memorials in Washington D.C. I am also involved in supporting economic growth in the Northwest Region by serving on several boards.

#6. Work for a company that values you. This is very important. When searching for a company to work for, evaluate how they treat their employees, including what benefits are offered. A company that values your worth makes going to work that much more enjoyable and will work to make sure that you are provided with what you need to succeed in your role.

This is an exciting time in the logistics and transportation industry, with new opportunities arising daily. I hope you have found these tips helpful and would love to hear from you if you choose to implement them.