The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Export Coordinator (L1) to Export Assistant (L2)
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Mastering accurate documentation, consistent process adherence, basic problem-solving, and effective communication with forwarders. It's about moving from following instructions to taking ownership.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently error-free documentation on routine shipments.
- Proactively identifying and resolving minor shipment issues without supervision.
- Taking initiative to learn about new regulations or internal processes.
- Reliably managing a small portfolio of shipments independently.
- 2
Logistics Administrator/Shipping Clerk from another industry
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Adapting existing logistics knowledge to international trade specifics (Incoterms, customs), learning our specific product classifications, and mastering our ERP and logistics platforms.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven track record of managing domestic shipments efficiently.
- Quickly grasping new software and regulatory frameworks.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- A clear interest in international trade and a willingness to learn.
- 3
Customer Service Representative (with a focus on international clients)
2-4 yearsSkills to master
- Developing a deep understanding of the operational side of logistics, moving from answering queries to actively managing the shipment process, and mastering export documentation.
You're ready to move on when
- Excellent problem-solving skills for customer issues.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- A keen interest in the 'how' behind international deliveries.
- Demonstrated ability to handle complex customer queries related to shipping.