Page 55 - Linkline Spring 2017

Diary of a Diploma Student
Martin MacNeill is currently in his first year of the Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Despite his years of experience in the logistics industry, he decided it was time to return to formal education and upskill. He hasn’t looked back.
It’s January 2016 and I’m approaching my 30th year in the logistics industry. I started my career working as a ware- house operative with a U.S. multinational and very quickly
discovered that the logistics sector was one I loved to work in. After that I had a wide range of roles, from manufacturing, distribution and 3PL management to outsourcing, setting up new warehouses as well as re-locating and expanding existing ones. Yet, despite everything – working with different companies and plenty of opportunities to develop my skills – I always felt something was missing.
Then, while working in project management, an opportunity arose to take some time out and travel. It was not only a great experience in itself but finally I had the time to think about my next step and where I should go from there. I soon realised to grow further in my career and to achieve an even greater sense of job satisfaction I needed to learn something new, I needed to push myself.
It was time to upskill; and for me that meant learning about supply chain management.
"I’m already looking forward to my second year of the course"
On arrival home, I researched the courses available. The CILT diploma had been recommended to me before and with a new, improved format that started just last autumn it seemed like the natural choice.
In all honesty the prospect of starting college was a daunting one. I left school straight after my Leaving Cert and not having a formal third-level qualification was something I dwelled on often over the years. I had thought about going back to study on many occasions but there just never seemed to be time, or work and other commitments got in the way. When I finally got the opportunity, there were no more excuses. I had gained plenty of hands-on knowledge of logistics and warehouse management over the years; it was time to take things to another level.
I started my college career in September 2016. I am one of 34 students, and the oldest in my class. It’s a diverse group with people from all different aspects of the sector, so we all learn from each other’s experience. The course itself is very interesting as it covers all facets of logistics and supply chain management. I particularly enjoy the lectures by industry professionals; they really add to the learning experience and help you understand how supply chain theory is put into action. I’ve even gotten used to the assignments and class-work!
The Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is a part-time course, which means many in the class are juggling work and study. It might seem like a big commitment initially but fortunately the classes are well structured and the lecturers give plenty of notice ahead of assignments, making it much more manageable.
As of now, I’ve completed my first semester and am nearing the end of semester two. I’m already looking forward to my second year of the course and have even started thinking about the possibility of continuing onto the degree programme. Hard to believe after all those years struggling to even commit to one course!
Career-wise, the diploma has already proved beneficial with my new knowledge of supply chain management helping me secure work on some major projects.
This is a course I would recommend not just to those interested in working in the sector but to anyone who wants to expand their knowledge. So what are you waiting for? There’s no time like the present, go for it and, like me, you too can discover that it’s never too late!
If you’d like to contact Martin you can reach him at: martinmacneill@gmail.com
The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport 55
STUDENT DIARY