Few people stop to think about how dependent we are on a smoothly functioning transport and logistics sector. But let’s imagine: if the logistics supply chain stopped, within a few days parcel services would shut down, stores would start running out of products, ATMs would be out of cash, fuel shortages would appear, and industry would come to a halt. Such a scenario clearly shows that logistics is not just the movement of goods, but the driving force of the entire modern economy and society.
In Lithuania, this sector is one of the most important, generating about 12% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). As with any business field, efficient logistics is impossible without professional and experienced employees.
"Today we face challenges due to the shortage of drivers both in Lithuania and across Europe. But no system can function without logistics specialists who manage the entire supply chain, analyze data, optimize logistics activities, manage risks, and work with international partners," says Antanas Šimelis, President of the Lithuanian Logistics Association (LLA).
The shortage of these specialists is becoming more noticeable in Lithuania’s labor market. This is partly due to prevailing myths that logistics is only a “trucking” business or that there are few career opportunities in this field. However, A. Šimelis and Professor Dr. Darius Bazaras, Head of the Department of Logistics and Transport Management at VILNIUS TECH, refute these myths and confirm that logistics is a constantly growing sector offering wide career prospects.
Constantly growing opportunities
The Lithuanian logistics sector is one of the key drivers of the country’s economy. Despite facing geopolitical challenges and economic uncertainty, the sector shows growth trends and leadership in the Baltic region, says A. Šimelis, who has nearly three decades of experience in the logistics sector.
"It no longer surprises anyone that we constantly live in a whirlwind of events: the needs of globalization, the global financial crisis, the Mobility Package, tensions on any continent, the pandemic, and finally the war in Ukraine have all required quick and smart action. Now we see that Lithuanian businesses know how to adapt and survive under any conditions. Over the past decade, Lithuanian logistics has handled challenges well and shifted from transit between Western and Eastern markets to becoming a strong player within the European Union," says the LLA President.
According to the expert, in the next 5–10 years, Lithuania’s logistics sector can expect significant technological changes: rising operating costs will accelerate digitalization, automation, and robotization; sustainability initiatives will continue; and green logistics will become an important link connecting production, trade, and recycling.
"Lithuanian logistics companies are advanced in implementing automated and digital solutions because we have curious and professional employees and businesses investing in technology. We can confidently say that Lithuania’s logistics sector is moving along the path of digital transformation, where the pace depends not only on financing but also on company size, leadership vision, knowledge, and a clear understanding of the benefits of technology," says the LLA President.
Logistics specialists are needed everywhere
In recent years, the number of specialists from various fields working in logistics has been decreasing. This is often related to the widespread myth that the main job in this sector is driving trucks. However, as A. Šimelis explains, logistics also involves many other professionals responsible for ensuring that there is always food in stores or fuel at gas stations.
"In the past, logistics was indeed often seen narrowly, as moving goods from point A to point B. But today this concept is much broader and includes the complex management of the entire supply chain. Modern logistics is an integrated system — it’s not just the physical movement of goods but also the planning, execution, and control of all related processes from raw material extraction to the delivery of the final product to the customer, and back to raw materials," explains the logistics expert.
According to A. Šimelis, the logistics sector increasingly faces a shortage of qualified specialists who can work with modern technologies and manage complex supply chains. "This shows the sector’s transformation and the growing need to invest in technologies and employee competencies. Beyond traditional competencies such as transport operations management, inventory management, sales, customer service, and quality management, there is a rising demand for IT specialists, systems integrators, and robotics engineers. The importance of these skills will only increase, and specialists who know how to use new technologies effectively will have great career prospects."
The LLA President adds that logistics is a highly dynamic field offering broad opportunities for growth and development.
"This includes not only sectors directly related to logistics but almost the entire economy, because no activity can function without the efficient movement of goods and services. This means that with logistics knowledge and skills, one can successfully work and specialize in various areas, as logistics specialists are needed everywhere," says A. Šimelis.
Studies for future leaders
The Logistics and Transport Management study program (formerly Transport Engineering Economics and Logistics, now shortened to 3.5 years) has been taught at the VILNIUS TECH Faculty of Transport Engineering for about four decades and remains one of the strongest programs preparing future specialists. Prof. Dr. D. Bazaras says that the program is constantly updated to stay relevant to business, society, the labor market, and attractive to students.
"The Logistics and Transport Management program is in continuous development because we regularly review course content, consider feedback from social partners, students, and alumni. Many changes have taken place in recent years: the study content was improved, the duration was shortened to 3.5 years, and the name was changed. Shorter studies are more concentrated, and after finishing in January, graduates have a valuable half-year to think about further career decisions and can continue their master's studies with us from the fall," says the Head of the Department.
When improving the study content, much attention is paid to recommendations from logistics and business experts, so graduates meet labor market needs.
"Businesses are looking for competent, eager-to-improve specialists who understand transport and logistics processes well and have strong IT skills. Entrepreneurship, responsibility, initiative, communication skills, foreign language knowledge, and the ability to sell services are also very important, so we develop these competencies and skills. We aim for students to gain knowledge and skills in logistics and transport process change management, working with information systems and technologies, and mastering the latest — artificial intelligence — tools."
In addition, some lectures, workshops, and final thesis supervision are carried out by lecturers who currently work or have worked in the transport and logistics sector, so future specialists gain not only theoretical knowledge but also examples from real business practice.
Students also have opportunities for introductory and production internships, studying abroad, and obtaining a double degree from VILNIUS TECH and Windesheim University (Netherlands).
"During studies, we provide every motivational opportunity for students to grow and develop — we organize introductory internships and excursions, encourage teamwork, joint projects, participation in Erasmus+ exchanges, intensive international study weeks, and other activities, both within the study program and in non-formal settings, such as student organizations, arts, or sports groups," says Prof. Dr. D. Bazaras.
Why choose Logistics and Transport Management studies?
"Choosing a career is an important step for a young person. Logistics is a highly promising field where you definitely won’t be bored: it is dynamic, innovative, cosmopolitan, and global. Everyone interested in automation, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and other innovations will find themselves here, with all the opportunities to pursue a career both in Lithuania and worldwide," advises LLA President A. Šimelis.
"People will always want to eat, get medical care, buy goods, travel, and move around cities — so the need for logistics and transport is constant. Only the forms and circumstances change, but this activity will always be needed," concludes VILNIUS TECH Professor Dr. D. Bazaras.
More about the Logistics and Transport Management study program (formerly Transport Engineering Economics and Logistics) can be found here.
