Logistics can be a stressful job but enjoyable for those who are prepared to put in the work, and English language skills are essential, Pegasus Cargo vice president, Aydin Alpa told students at Istanbul University’s Transportation and Logistics Faculty.
Speaking at the International Transport and Logistics Conference on 24 March, which Pegasus was hosting in partnership with the university for the fifth time in five years, he told students if they want to have a successful carrier in logistics, they must be able to handle stress and speak good English. Alpa, along with other distinguished speakers told students about issues in the industry and what to expect when they join the world of logistics.
Alpa says: “I have been in transport and freight for 32 years, the most important thing after training is a command of English, you will have a lot of competitors who can speak it well.”
“In the courses, masters students say the same thing. Logistics is not easy, it is not ideal for those who can’t stand stress. The stress never ends even though it is enjoyable.”
The students heard from a number of distinguished guests from the logistics industry, with speakers including DAMCO chief executive officer for the Eastern Mediterranean region, Okyay Oztugran, DHL Express vice president for operations in Turkey, Mustafa Tonguc, Lufthansa Cargo general manager for Turkey, Hasan Hatipoglu, UTIKAD president, Turgut Erkeskin and UPS Turkey country manager, Ufku Akaltan.
Erkeskin repeated Alpa’s call that students must learn English to be successful. “Our job is international, you have to speak English, you have to learn it, without English you will struggle. In order to advance and be a global citizen you must learn English.”
The speakers discussed issues such as the growth of e-commerce, the potential of China’s One Belt One Road policy for Turkey, and the effects of expanding Istanbul’s airport infrastructure.