How to Get Practical Experience in Supply Chain Careers

Getting your foot in the door early can really set you apart from other applicants. While your coursework gives you the theory, practical experience shows that you understand how things actually work in the field. Whether it’s helping manage warehouse inventory, tracking shipments, or sitting in on supply planning meetings, these hands-on moments give you something solid to talk about when applying for full-time roles.

Where to Begin Your Search

Not sure how to get started? Begin with your university’s careers service. They often have connections with companies that offer student placements, and they may even know about roles that aren’t publicly advertised.

You can also try looking at transport companies, courier services, and warehouse operators in your area. Many of them are open to short-term interns or casual help — especially during busier seasons. A well-written email expressing interest and asking about any available roles can go a long way.

Make Your Application Stand Out

When you’re applying for internships or part-time roles, tailor your resume to highlight anything related — even if it seems minor. Have you worked in retail? That shows customer service skills. Done any group assignments using spreadsheets? That’s relevant too.

Your cover letter should be short and clear. Explain why you’re interested in logistics and what you hope to gain from the experience. If possible, mention something specific about the company so it doesn’t feel like a copy-paste job.

What You Might Be Doing Day-to-Day

Internships in supply chain roles can vary a lot, but most will give you exposure to several parts of the process. You might start by helping check incoming deliveries, updating inventory records, or following up on customer orders. Over time, you could get to shadow supervisors, join team meetings, or help solve small issues.

Whatever the task, approach it with curiosity. Ask questions, take notes, and try to understand how everything connects — from suppliers and warehouses to transport and final delivery.

Get Creative With How You Gain Experience

If a formal internship isn’t available, look for other ways to get exposure. You could apply for casual shifts in a warehouse, help with deliveries over the holidays, or volunteer at events where logistics are involved. These all help you build relevant experience.

Consider signing up for entry-level roles for logistics internships — even a short-term gig can give you something valuable to talk about in interviews. And don’t underestimate the power of networking. A quick conversation with the right person can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Work on the Skills That Matter Most

You don’t need to be an expert in freight systems or scheduling software. What really helps is being reliable, organised, and ready to learn. Being able to follow instructions, work as part of a team, and think on your feet is often more valuable than deep technical knowledge — especially when you’re just starting out.

That said, brushing up on spreadsheet skills, basic project planning, or how to interpret supply data can give you a head start.

Try Different Areas Before Choosing a Path

The supply chain field is bigger than it looks. Some people love the energy of working in a fast-paced warehouse. Others prefer the strategic side, like forecasting or logistics planning. The great thing about early experience is that it helps you figure out what you actually enjoy — and what you don’t.

You might go into an internship thinking you want to focus on freight, only to discover you prefer working with systems or customer fulfilment. That’s completely normal and part of the learning process.

Stay Ready for Interviews

If your application gets you through to an interview, take some time to prepare. Think about what you want to learn and how your past experience — even outside of logistics — has helped you develop useful skills.

Need help knowing what to expect? Look for advice on how to prepare for a work placement interview so you can walk in feeling confident and ready.

Use Every Opportunity to Grow

Once you land a role, show up ready to contribute. You don’t have to know everything, but being dependable and showing interest goes a long way. Offer to help where you can, take feedback seriously, and always be professional.

The contacts you make and the experiences you gain could lead to more opportunities later — even a permanent job offer. And if not, you’ll still walk away with something valuable to add to your resume, which can help you stand out when applying for your next role.

The more you say yes to learning and helping out, the more you’ll grow. And that’s exactly what early experience is all about.