Many entry-level positions as analysts, management trainees, or first line supervisors are available with manufacturers.
Develop strong analytical skills and a logical approach to problem solving.
Take additional courses in statistics and computer systems.
Learn to communicate with different types of people across different functional areas.
Complete an internship in a manufacturing environment.
Area:
Merchandising
Sub-Area:
Purchasing
Distribution
Inventory Management
Warehouse Operations
Systems Management
Supplier Sourcing
Customer Service
Performance Analysis
Employers:
Retailers
Wholesalers
Distributors
Strategies & Information:
Many entry-level positions as analysts, management trainees, or first line supervisors are available with merchandisers.
Develop strong analytical skills and a logical approach to problem solving.
Take additional courses in statistics and computer systems.
Gain experience through an internship with a retailer.
Get involved in student organizations and seek positions of leadership.
Area:
Service Institutions
Sub-Area:
Purchasing
Operations
Systems Management
Customer Service
Employers:
Service institutions including:
Banks
Financial institutions
Hospitals
Educational institutions
Strategies & Information:
Develop skills with computers and information technology.
Learn to communicate well with others.
Complete an internship in logistics to gain relevant experience.
Area:
Transportation
Sub-Area:
Rate Analysis
Systems Management
Transportation Management
Traffic Management
Dispatching
Sales
Customer Service
Employers:
Freight and passenger carriers including:
Aviation
Rail
Trucking
Shipping companies
Transportation companies
Strategies & Information:
Develop strong computer and analytical skills.
Learn to work well and communicate with different types of people.
Be willing to start in a hands-on position, such as a loading dock supervisor for a trucking company. This allows employees to learn the business from the bottom up.
Area:
Third Party Logistics
Sub-Area:
Analysis
Demand Forecasting
Sales
Customer Service
Systems Management
Warehouse Operations
Dispatching
Employers:
Warehousers
Dedicated carriers
Forwarders
Third party logistics firms
Strategies & Information:
Gain experience through internships or summer jobs in logistics and/or sales.
Develop negotiation, persuasion, and communication skills.
Learn to problem solve effectively and to stay calm under pressure.
Demonstrate a high level of motivation, organization, and planning skills.
Area:
Government
Sub-Area:
Purchasing
Inventory/Materials Management
Systems Management
Employers:
State and local agencies
Government agencies including:
Department of Transportation
Armed Forces
Strategies & Information:
Develop a well-rounded background in business.
Take additional courses in statistics or computer systems to enhance skills.
Maintain a high grade point average.
Learn the application process for government agencies. Complete a government internship.
Consider enrolling in R.O.T.C. if interested in a career with the armed forces.
Learn a foreign language.
Area:
Consulting
Sub-Area:
Employers:
Consulting firms
Strategies & Information:
Learn to work well on a team.
Develop strong communication skills, both oral and written. Hone your presentation skills.
Complete one or more internships to gain relevant experience in supply chain management.
Earn an MBA for advancement into higher positions.
Area:
International Opportunities
Sub-Area:
Global Supply Chain Management
Purchasing
Distribution
Inventory Management
Warehouse Operations
Systems Management
Supplier Sourcing
Customer Service
Performance Analysis
Employers:
Domestic and international companies including:
Manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, and distributors
Freight and passenger carriers
Shipping companies
Third party logistic firms
Tranportation companies
Offshore suppliers
International suppliers
Government departments
Strategies & Information:
Learn about import/export laws.
Become familiar with how US Customs and other organizations regulate trade.
Cultivate foreign language skills and cultural awareness.
Plan to start in domestic positions and work towards international assignments.
General Information and Strategies
Majors in logistics, supply chain, transportation, and industrial engineering are particularly helpful to gain entry into this functional area.
Gaining experience through part-time and summer jobs or internships is critical.
Information technology, analytical, and quantitative skills are particularly important in the logistics and transportation field. Develop these skills through courses and work experience.
Many desirable skills can be enhanced through participation in leadership of student organizations.
Develop flexibility, negotiation skills, and the ability to make sound decisions.
Learn to work well on a team and to work effectively with a wide variety of people.
Some organizations may not have a "logistics" department. Look for positions in operations, manufacturing, or marketing.
Plan to start searching for internships or jobs four or more months in advance of when you would like to start the position.
Develop and utilize a personal network of contacts. Once in a position, find a mentor.
Consider earning an MBA after gaining a few years of work experience to reach the highest levels of logistics.
