Area
Employer
Information/Strategies
Area:
Manufacturing
Sub-Area:
- Purchasing
- Operations Management
- Distribution
- Inventory/Materials Management
- Warehouse Operations
- Systems Management
- Customer Service
- Rate Analysis
- Performance Analysis
Employers:
- Manufacturers of:
- Industrial goods
- Consumer goods
Strategies & Information:
- 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:
- 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
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.