Logistics is a booming industry, full of opportunity and
growth. A logistics degree is now a popular degree among aspiring business
professionals.
But what else makes a logistics degree so valuable these
days? We’ve put together a list of five reasons why earning a degree in this
field is a wise career move with the potential for awesome professional and
personal payoff.
Let’s face it. Money is a motivator, and logistics careers
typically pay well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual
wage of $73,400 in May 2013. Not bad, right? Imagine what you can earn after
you’ve worked in the field for a few years; erhaps a six-figure salary is in
your near future. If you earn an advanced degree in this field, the opportunity
to earn more increases. You might want to consider pursuing a master’s degree
in order to boost your earning potential.
No matter what, companies will always needs employees to
help with distribution of merchandise. Without logisticians, manufacturing and
other businesses would have a very hard time succeeding. Logistics keeps the
supply chain flowing, which in return, keeps you employed. Logistics is
definitely a field with limitless potential.
You don’t have to have a master’s degree to land a job in
logistics. This field has entry-level positions as well as career opportunities
for job seekers with more experience. Entry-level opportunities include
forklift operator, material handler, and truck drivers while mid- to
upper-level positions include operations managers, logistics analysts, and
purchasing agents. However, by earning an advanced degree, you might qualify
for leadership positions. But a bachelor’s degree will get your foot in the
door and off to a great start in the industry. Below are a few of the typical
entry level positions:
Planner or Analyst – Responsible for assembling data,
identifying problems, and developing recommendations which support the
management of a supply chain.
Buyer – Identifies sources of supply, evaluating and
selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing relationships with
suppliers.
Inventory Specialist – Responsible for inventory quality and
accuracy, monitors inventory flow, and works on stock location and order
picking strategies to optimize work flow and labor productivity in distribution
facilities.
Materials Planner – Coordinates with purchasing,
manufacturing, and supplier to ensure reliable, cost efficient delivery of
materials.
Transportation Coordinator, Traffic Analyst – Manages
relationships with carriers and customers to ensure the timely delivery of
goods.
Production Coordinator / Operations Planner / Analyst –
Coordinates daily production schedules and forecasting future production needs.
Logistics is a diverse industry with a wide variety of
sub-sectors, keeping your daily schedule both interesting and challenging.
You’ll learn about many different industries and how they function. You can
work for profit as well as non-profit organizations. It’s all up to you and
what you’re most interested in doing. A great way to determine what industry
best suits you is securing an internship while in school. You can intern at a
large corporation, a non-profit, a government agency, and many other places
that need individuals with a passion for logistics.
Perhaps the most exciting reason to earn a degree in
logistics: gaining international business experience is pretty cool. You’ll
develop relationships with professionals around the globe if your employer
deals with international customers – and most do! Who knows, you might score a
few travel opportunities to Asia, South America, or anywhere for that matter.
If you decide to work as a consultant, you can choose which companies you want
to work for, which leads to more opportunity to travel and work with a variety
of clients.
Having a relevant education is critical for anyone
interested in a logistics career. Logistics degree programs cover subjects such
as management, managerial decision-making, distribution and logistics and
supply chain management. Given the broad scope of the field, some programs are
referred to as an operations management degree or logistics and supply chain
management degree. Some schools offer a degree in transportation and logistics.
It’s important to find the right program for your career
goals. Below you’ll find a list of accredited schools that offer a number of
quality degree options.
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