Observant…. innovative…. determined… efficient. People in logistics careers analyze what it takes to develop a product from beginning to end, and then work to make every step more efficient and productive. These careers focus on an organization’s supply chain— how a product goes from raw material through production and shipping, to the consumer. Logisticians ensure that operations stay on schedule, and they work quickly to solve any problems that arise. They find ways to lower costs and improve delivery time— or otherwise meet a client’s needs— sometimes traveling to manufacturing plants or distribution centers. Logistics analysts gather data on every aspect of how products are made and distributed– to find where improvements can be made. They keep detailed records of costs, parts orders, shipping and billing. Logistics engineers use the information analysts gather to design improved processes and systems. They often direct the work of analysts. A bachelor’s degree in the field is required for most logisticians and logistics engineers; some positions require only an associate’s degree. Most logistics analysts need a bachelor’s degree, though job requirements may range from college coursework only, to a master’s degree. Most people in logistics careers work full time and may work overtime regularly.
What they do:
Design or analyze operational solutions for projects such as transportation optimization, network modeling, process and methods analysis, cost containment, capacity enhancement, routing and shipment optimization, or information management.
On the job, you would:
Propose logistics solutions for customers.
Develop logistic metrics, internal analysis tools, or key performance indicators for business units.
Conduct logistics studies or analyses, such as time studies, zero-base analyses, rate analyses, network analyses, flow-path analyses, or supply chain analyses.
Engineering and Technology
product and service development
design
Arts and Humanities
English language
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Transportation
movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Basic Skills
reading work related information
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
People and Technology Systems
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
read and understand what is written
communicate by speaking
Math
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
notice when problems happen
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
Analytical Thinking
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Initiative
Adaptability/Flexibility
You might use software like this on the job:
Analytical or scientific software
Minitab
SAS
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
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