Non-Traditional Jobs are Offering Women Upward Mobility

 

August 2025 Issue
by Edwina Hoyle

Change is being delivered for careers in logistics and supply chain, traditionally known as a male-dominated field. What exactly is Logistics and Supply? According to Steve Thrift, logistics instructor at Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL), it applies to any product used by consumers or business. “It starts with getting raw materials to production, storing the products, procuring products, storing and transporting products to warehouses, and transportation to its final destination. There are a lot of activities involved.”

Historically, females are under-represented in this industry, he explained. “There is a lot of opportunity today, and jobs are hard to fill, so women may want to consider this field. There is a wide variety in roles, most are challenging, and offer good career path progression, especially in procurement,” Steve said.

“The world changes so fast. A different point of view and perspective in a field with females drives creative innovation. There is opportunity in jobs that are always changing, always challenging. They will never get bored, and there are rewards for getting the job done well, especially with a sense of urgency,” Steve added.

"There are lots of job opportunities.
And there are impressive salaries
for entry level jobs"

“For a long time military officers in logistics were hired by large companies. Now they are looking for these skills wherever they can find them. With ports in Charleston, Savannah, and other large port cities up and down the coast, there are lots of job opportunities. And there are impressive salaries for entry level jobs,” Steve said.

“The whole concept of supply and logistics started with the military of the Roman empire, and perhaps even earlier,” said Steve. Crucial to the support of its vast army and conquests across expansive territories, they had to move people, equipment, and food to support troops, and their emphasis on infrastructure development, supply chain management, and logistics laid the foundation for contemporary practices.

A few years ago, the Technical College of the Lowcountry started with one class in logistics, and two years ago met the requirements to offer a certificate program with five classes, according to Karen Smith, Dean of the School of Business and Industrial Technologies. This year the Business Administration Logistics Pathways associate degree includes the Logistics and Supply Chain Management Certificate.

According to the TCL website, logistics professionals manage the movement of goods, materials, and information, keeping businesses running smoothly from warehouse to worldwide delivery. TCL’s program teaches materials and operations management, warehousing, purchasing, transportation and international trade — useful skills for both manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors. 

Hailey Ross is a student in this program. “I was actually introduced to the supply chain industry when I began working in the restaurant business after high school. My job was keeping records of what items were low in the restaurant and helping management order more items,” Hailey said. “After a while, it piqued my interest if there was really a job or career in something similar to what I was doing at the restaurant. What excites me about this career is the many job opportunities that will come with receiving this college certificate. Businesses need someone behind the scenes to help keep products and supplies flowing. My long-term goal is to make a difference in some way, shape, or form, hopefully alongside our services members and first responders.” 

Karen said that salaries are good for logistics and supply jobs, and with two ports and the new Hyundai plant in Hardeeville, there are plenty of opportunities. She said there is a good military presence in the TCL program because they are offering one class per semester at the Marine Corps Base in Beaufort.

Karen is also excited about reaching out further. “In looking toward the future, we are in the works to offer logistics and supply courses within the all-female Federal Correctional Institution in Estill. We are working toward rehabilitation, not punishment. We got our first set of approvals, so we’re getting there. These women made mistakes that put them there, and this program is giving them a second chance.”


UP CLOSE——————————————————————————

> Supply chain job-seekers found fast, lucrative employment: 76% were employed in less than three months.

> Supply Chain salaries by education level further underscore how highly employers value their supply chain talent. At all degree levels, supply chain professionals report a salary that is about $30,000 more than the national average for two-year, associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

> The national average salary for supply chain professionals with a two-year associates degree is $72,000. Holding one credential raises median salary by 10%; two credentials increases it by 35%.

Source: Association for Supply Chain Management; ascm.org

To learn more about the Logistics and Supply Chain Certificate
and Associate’s Degree offered by TCL, log onto
www.tcl.edu/?s=supply+chain