Undergraduate Students

Exploring Careers

Career Paths for Logistics, Transportation, and Supply Chain Management (LTSCM) Majors

Career Description

The supply-chain is a complex sequence of events and decisions, which connects sourcing raw materials with manufacturing and the end consumer. Logistics is the management of this end-to-end supply-chain, and companies are increasingly using supply-chain management and related technology to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Proper performance of the logistics functions can contribute to both lower costs and enhanced customer service. Careers in logistics range from overseeing the whole supply chain, to focusing on a specific task within a select part of the process.

Sample Career Opportunities

Supply Chain/Logistics Manager- The Supply Chain or Logistics Manager serves as a team builder and leader. He/she plans and monitors all activities at a specific location including incoming and outgoing shipments to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Routing Supervisor- Routing supervisors will frequently have to research new geographic areas as well as new combinations of resources to determine optimal transportation routes. They will then manage a team of workers/drivers in carrying out those plans.

Materials Manager/Planner- The routine duties of Materials Managers and Planners often include production scheduling, warehouse storage, and general inventory control. All fields of logistics and most businesses as a whole depend on effective resource planning.

Warehouse Manager- A Warehouse Manager is responsible for routine activity such as receiving, loading, picking up, and transfers, in addition to maintaining the physical condition of the warehouse (e.g., temperature, humidity, lighting, etc.) Typically, warehouse managers supervise a team of line supervisors.

Loss Prevention Analyst- A critical position in any retail store or warehouse, Loss Prevention Analysts typically focus on safety, theft, and fraud issues for the benefit of employees and customers alike. This is accomplished through proactive efforts to avoid loss and by tracking incidents of loss/damage.

Skills Needed

Following are some skill sets that LTSCM employers will commonly look for during interviews:

• Attention to detail

• Problem-solving ability

• Technology proficiency

• Management and teamwork skills

• Strong, clear communicator

• Broad knowledge of general business

Resources for Further Research

Online Resources:

• The Institute of Logistics and Transport: great starting point to explore career path in logistics, transportation, and supply chain management http://www.iolt.org.uk/pages/careers 

• Supply Chain Council: professional association http://www.supply-chain.org/

• Transport World--Online Transportation Community & Service Network: http://www.transportworld.com/ 

• Bureau of Transportation Statistics: government site http://www.bts.gov/ 

• Manufacturing.net: Information, industry news and resources for manufacturing professionals: http://www.manufacturing.net/ 

• Jobs in Logistics: A database of logistics and related careers nationwide: http://www.jobsinlogistics.com 

• Salary Expert- salary, bonus, cost-of-living, and benefits data for US, Canadian and international jobs: http://www.salaryexpert.com

Print Resources:

• Logistics: An Introduction to Supply Chain Management: Donald Waters

• Supply Chain Optimization: Building the Strongest Total Business Network: Charles Poirier, Stephen E. Reiter

• Supply Chain Strategy: Edward Frazelle

• Delivering the Goods: The Art of Managing Your Supply Chain: Damon Schechter

• Oracle E-Business Suite Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management: Bastin Gerald

Logistics Employers at Smith

Following is a small sample of employers who recruit LTSCM majors at Maryland. The positions are just an example. Also, be sure to read the job description thoroughly. Sometimes assumptions from the job title may be misleading. You can find out more through SOURCE or the OCM.