Graduating with a degree in transportation and logistics will leave you with no shortage of career paths. Not only
are logistics utilized by a wide variety of institutions (everything from global corporations to city governments),
the transportation and logistics industry is made up of many different parts that perform very different functions.
These are just eight of the possible careers you could pursue with a degree in transportation and logistics:
Analyst
Analyst is the most common entry-level logistics position. Analysts are responsible for gathering and analyzing data
to look for problems. Good math and computer skills are generally required for these positions; thriving in a team
setting is also important, as analysts are expected to recommend solutions to their supervisors. Although it is an
entry-level position, an analyst’s tasks become more varied and complex as he or she accumulates experience. The
basic understanding of logistics planning that one acquires as an analyst is useful in many more-advanced positions.
Logistics Engineer
A successful analyst might find himself promoted to Logistics Engineer. The tasks of an engineer are related to those
of an analyst: engineers evaluate the supply chain and logistics systems for trends or problems using computer
systems and mathematics. While analysts make recommendations, however, engineers are responsible for implementing
solutions. They manage their own projects as well as those of analysts, and must be able to write technical
proposals for their plans. Management becomes an important part of many transportation and logistics careers.
Consultant
Consultants work directly with clients devising and implementing logistics solutions for specific problems. This
often requires the consultant to be a free agent of sorts, moving from city to city solving problems; many
consultants, however, find this challenge to be rewarding. Project management is a key part of consulting work;
consultants must manage data to find solutions, oversee the implementation of those solutions, and ensure that
clients understand basic supply-chain needs for independence moving forward.
Customer Service
Customer service specialists are not required to have college degrees or entry-level knowledge of logistics, but the
best customer service usually features both. Whether acting as a sales team or managing existing clients, customer
service acts as an intermediary between clients and the rest of the logistics team. A client’s needs and concerns
must be relayed to engineers or managers; likewise, if there is a problem of logistics, the problem and its solution
must be communicated to the client. Therefore, a knowledge of logistics offers both clients and customer service
representatives a greater grasp of the situation. As with other positions, successful customer service eventually
leads to a management position responsible for establishing procedures for the entire customer service team.
Purchasing Manager
Not every company that employs logistics professionals will employ a purchasing manager. Carriers such as UPS, FedEx,
and USPS, for instance, distribute goods or products that are ready to be sold, or already have been. Manufacturers,
however, must acquire resources and materials and have them delivered for production. Purchasing managers find
materials suppliers across the world, sign them to contracts, and manage relationships with them. They must also
communicate with inventory and warehouse managers to coordinate the delivery of materials.
International Logistics Manager
While international logistics managers aren’t responsible for acquiring materials, they are responsible for
maintaining relationships with international partners. International logistics requires a familiarity with
ever-changing international customs, laws, and regulations. Such managers often start off working as
importer-exporters and are expected to collaborate with manufacturing, marketing, and purchasing to build and manage
supply chains. Knowledge of both logistics and international business are essential to the successful international
logistics manager.
Inventory Manager
Inventory managers oversee the accumulation of resources and material goods, and examine data for trends. They are
responsible for identifying problems with inventory and implementing solutions by managing data and computer
systems. Inventory managers coordinate with purchasing and logistics managers to optimize order and distribution
schedules. They generally have experience with logistics and importing/exporting.
Supply-Chain Manager
If transportation and logistics is the study of distribution systems, you might expect the supply chain manager to be
the king of all managers. This is not quite true, but they are very important. Supply-chain managers oversee the
entire supply chain (including purchasing, warehousing, inventory, and production) and seek to streamline the system
in order to reduce cost and optimize productivity. Supply-chain managers are expected to understand logistics
planning in order to forecast long-term financial needs. Again, the ability to communicate, collaborate, and manage
is key; if the supply-chain manager recognizes a problem, he must ensure its implementation by many other managers
and departments.
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