The previous week with co-operation with Metropolia, FIFFLA (Finnish Freight Forwarders and Logistics Association) held an interesting seminar about the future of logistics field at Metropolia Myyrmäki Campus. The seminar centred around sustainability and consisted of a speech from key note speaker CEO of DHL Freight Finland Kai Wicklund, several career stories from alumni’s and three interesting, interactive workshops held by highly experienced logistics professionals.

The seminar that even was trending on Twitter, was a success. Not only did students learn more about the field of logistics, they also gained knowledge of the direction the field is headed to in the future. Students also gained a better understanding of what their future career could look like if they end up working in the field.

I along 4 fellow students had the opportunity of assisting in the organization of the event. We interviewed students from each workshop to gain insight of what they learned from each workshop.

Workshop 1. “Sustainable development – how to reduce carbon footprint in logistics”

Interviewee: Maria Karvonen

What was the most interesting thing you learnt from the workshop?

I found it interesting how in many different ways you can reduce the carbon footprint in logistics.

Do you think you can apply what you learn today in the future and if yes, how?

Definitely. I can try myself to reduce my carbon footprint as much as possible in my daily life. Examples of this are reducing meat and using more public transportation.

In your opinion – after everything you have learnt today, how do you see the future of logistics.

Since the biggest topic today has been sustainability, I see the future of logistics being green and emission free.

Workshop 2. “Employers and corporate responsibility – how to become a good employer in terms of corporate responsibility”

Interviewee: Cedric Esguerra

What was the most interesting thing you learnt from the workshop?

I loved hearing the employer’s career stories, it is always interesting to hear real life examples.

Do you think you can apply what you learn today in the future and if yes, how?

Absolutely. I also learnt how important the values of a company are. In the future I want work in a company with whose values I support and agree with.

In your opinion – after everything you have learnt today, how do you see the future of logistics.

I see the future of logistics being full of opportunities. The future of logistics is being built now and we as logistics students can be a significant part of the development and the changes the field will experience.

Workshop 3. “What competencies are needed in the logistics field”.

Interviewee: Kingsley Ndukwe

What was the most interesting thing you learnt from the workshop?

I thought the global potential the future of logistics holds due to constant innovation and technological development was extremely interesting.

Do you think you can apply what you learn today in the future and if yes, how?

Yes. After the workshop I know not to be afraid to think big, since that is the way the future of logistics is moving.

In your opinion – after everything you have learnt today, how do you see the future of logistics­?

In my opinion, it is looking very promising, simultaneously enhancing the business environment.

On behalf of the organizing student group, I would like to thank everyone who participated. It was a joy to see so many students participating in the discussion of the future of logistics. Many of the students might end up working in field itself and it is reassuring to see how they genuinely care about a sustainable future, not only in the field, but also in the world. In the words of Kai Wicklund:” The future is yours”.

— Liina Uusitalo