Logistics

Manufacturing

Areas

• Purchasing
• Operations Management
• Distribution
• Inventory/Materials Management
• Warehouse Operations
• Systems Management
• Customer Service
• Rate Analysis

Employers

Manufacturers of: Industrial goods, Consumer goods

Strategies

Many entry-level positions as analysts, management trainees, or first line supervisors are available with manufacturers and merchandisers. 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.

Merchandising

Areas

• Purchasing
• Distribution
• Inventory Management
• Warehouse Operations
• Systems Management
• Supplier Sourcing
• Customer Service

Employers

• Retailers
• Wholesalers
• Distributors

Strategies

Many entry-level positions as analysts, management trainees, or first line supervisors are available with manufacturers and 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.

Service Institutions

Areas

• Purchasing
• Operations
• Systems Management
• Customer Service

Employers

Service institutions including: Banks, Financial institutions, Hospitals, Educational institutions

Strategies

Develop skills with computers and information technology.
Learn to communicate well with others.
Complete an internship in logistics to gain relevant experience.

Transportation

Areas

• Rate Analysis
• Systems Management
• Transportation Management
• Traffic Management
• Dispatching
• Sales
• Customer Service

Employers

Freight and passenger carriers including: Aviation, Rail, Trucking, Shipping

Strategies

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.

Third Party Logistics

Areas

• Analysis
• Sales
• Customer Service
• Systems Management
• Warehouse Operations
• Dispatching

Employers

• Warehousers
• Dedicated carriers
• Forwarders

Strategies

Gain experience through internships or summer jobs in logistics and/or sales.
Develop negotiation, persuasion, and communication skills. Learn to problem solve effectively. Must be highly motivated and organized.

Government

Areas

• Purchasing
• Inventory/Materials Management
• Systems Management

Employers

• State and local agencies
• Government agencies including: Department of Transportation, Armed Forces

Strategies

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. Consider enrolling in R.O.T.C. if interested in a career with the armed forces.

Consulting

Employers

• Consulting firms

Strategies

Learn to work well on a team. Develop strong communication skills, both oral and written. Gain experience making presentations. Earn an M.B.A. for advancement into higher positions.

General Information

• 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 developed through participation in leadership of student organizations.
• Develop decision-making ability.
• Learn to work well in 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.
• 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.

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer