WORKING OUT THE LOGISTICS Studying is the quickest route into the logistics industry While looking into joining the armed forces, Bettyena (Betty) Polima found herself instead drawn towards the fast-paced and energetic world of logistics while she was still in high school. “Not many people know about it as a career, but if you have experience and have studied, you have a good chance to go far,” she says. “It’s a good industry to get into.” The 21-year-old Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) graduate is now an Export Agent at international logistics company Kuehne + Nagel. “I’m an export air freight operator, which means I help companies export their goods to overseas markets. We work with large companies, moving a lot of different types of products, booking space for them on airlines.” “You need to think on your feet. It’s a fastpaced industry, so it keeps my mind busy all of the time. You need to be organised, and be able to meet certain criteria within a timeframe,” says Betty. The logistics industry is enormous and constantly changing, with roles ranging from managing supply chain, customs, freight forwarding, distribution, air and sea freight and procurement, with starting salaries ranging from $35,000 - $90,000.
MIT student Betty Polima
After researching the industry while at high school, Betty enrolled in a Certificate in Logistics (Level 4) after year 13, and moved into the Diploma in Shipping and Freight (Level 5).
Betty was offered the job at Kuehne + Nagel two weeks before she graduated from MIT. “The team I work for is great, everyone helps each other – if you have a large workload, they’ll stay behind and help until you’re finished.”
“The lecturers at MIT were really good,” says Betty. “They would always take the time to help you and make sure you’re up-to-date with your work.”
She’s set her sights on moving from operations into management in the future - “but I’ll definitely stay in this industry,” says Betty.
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Studying logistics at MIT meant Betty gained the practical understanding of all transport sectors and their global applications: including logistics principles, cargo care, the importation and exportation of all types of products, and the law relating to transportation.
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A diploma in international logistics is one year, full-time study at the MIT Manukau campus. For those already in work, MIT offers evening, part-time and online study in supply chain and logistics, ranging from certificate to graduate certificates.