Question

Topic: Career/Training

Freight Forwarding As A Career In Marketing .

Posted by Anonymous on 12/2/2008 at 1:47 AM ET 125 Points
I have completed MBA from Central university in Delhi in May 2007. I specialized in Finance and International Business. Since Aug' 07, I have been working for an Executive search firm specializing in CXO level recruitment as a Researcher. My tasks involved identification of people, interviewing and presenting a shortlist to the client. We are given complete authority to manage the client and candidate and close the position. We work only at senior level retained searches.

Recently i have been offered a job in frieght forwarding company based in China, Dubai, India to join thier marketing division as marketing executive. My initial responsibilities would include looking after project cargo business directly reporting to the ED (India).

I would like to understand wheather frieght forwarding as a profession offers good earning potential apart from travelling across the world?

I am personally intrested in the job as it involves travelling and exposure to various companies but my dilemma is wheather it holds good monetory prospects as compared to Executive search?
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by georgi.stoilov on 12/2/2008 at 2:59 PM Accepted
    Mudessir,

    I am in the freight forwarding business since 1998 and I can tell you that I am amazed that to a new comer it has been offered such an important position and especially in project cargo. My advise is

    DO NOT GO !!!

    These guys either have some problems for which they need someone to take the responsibility for or are absolutely out of their minds.

    From the other side - freight forwarding is a direct mirror of the business situation.

    My advise is - do not jump in
  • Posted by matthewmnex on 12/4/2008 at 7:52 PM Accepted
    My question is not, do you want to have a career in Freight Forwarding but 'do you want to have a career in marketing?'

    Marketing is a career, the types of products or services that you market are secondary to the the fact that you are a marketing professional first.

    I have to agree with Georgi to a certain extent? Congratulations on getting the job but why didn't they hire a 'Marketing Graduate'.

    My suspicion is that when you get there, you wil probably end up being a 'sales executive' not a marketing executive.

    There is a world of difference but many companies do not properly define these roles.

    I have seen many companies re naming sales jobs as marketing jobs because they have a hard time to attract talent. Many young graduates, especially those such as yourself feel that 'sales' is beneath them , especially if the have an MBA already.

    This is a shame because selling can be a very rewarding and exciting career and being a true sales professional takes time, skill and study.

    I suggest that you check back with the employer first and get a real job description from them before you take the post.

    But to get back to your original question: You must decide for yourself if you want to have a career in 'Marketing' 'Sales' 'Administration' 'Finance' etc etc etc.

    Once you have decided that, then stick to your guns and go out and get a job in that field.

    You are still young and you have a job now so you can afford to take a little time to decide exactly what you want. Don't just jump into any job because it was offered. Plan your career path and go after what you want.

    Good luck,

    Matthew
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