2 pages essay

What can I do with this major?

Area

Employer

Information/Strategies

Area:

Manufacturing

Sub-Area:

· Purchasing

· Operations Management

· Distribution

· Inventory/Materials Management

· Warehouse Operations

· Systems Management

· Customer Service

· Rate Analysis

· Performance Analysis

Employers:

· Manufacturers of:

· Industrial goods

· Consumer goods

Strategies & Information:

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

· 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

Area:

Sub-Area:

· Purchasing

· Distribution

· Inventory Management

· Warehouse Operations

· Systems Management

· Supplier Sourcing

· Customer Service

· Performance Analysis

Employers:

· Retailers

· Wholesalers

· Distributors

Strategies & Information:

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

Area:

Service Institutions

Sub-Area:

· Purchasing

· Operations

· Systems Management

· Customer Service

Employers:

· Service institutions including:

· Banks

· Financial institutions

· Hospitals

· Educational institutions

Strategies & Information:

· Develop skills with computers and information technology.

· Learn to communicate well with others.

· Complete an internship in logistics to gain relevant experience.

Transportation

Area:

Sub-Area:

· Rate Analysis

· Systems Management

· Transportation Management

· Traffic Management

· Dispatching

· Sales

· Customer Service

Employers:

· Freight and passenger carriers including:

· Aviation

· Rail

· Trucking

· Shipping companies

· Transportation companies

Strategies & Information:

· 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.

Area:

Third Party Logistics

Sub-Area:

· Analysis

· Demand Forecasting

· Sales

· Customer Service

· Systems Management

· Warehouse Operations

· Dispatching

Employers:

· Warehousers

· Dedicated carriers

· Forwarders

· Third party logistics firms

Strategies & Information:

· Gain experience through internships or summer jobs in logistics and/or sales.

· Develop negotiation, persuasion, and communication skills.

· Learn to problem solve effectively and to stay calm under pressure.

· Demonstrate a high level of motivation, organization, and planning skills.

Government

Area:

Sub-Area:

· Purchasing

· Inventory/Materials Management

· Systems Management

Employers:

· State and local agencies

· Government agencies including:

· Department of Transportation

· Armed Forces

Strategies & Information:

· 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. Complete a government internship.

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

· Learn a foreign language.

Area:

Consulting

Sub-Area:

Employers:

· Consulting firms

Strategies & Information:

· Learn to work well on a team.

· Develop strong communication skills, both oral and written. Hone your presentation skills.

· Complete one or more internships to gain relevant experience in supply chain management.

· Earn an MBA for advancement into higher positions.

International Opportunities

Area:

Sub-Area:

· Global Supply Chain Management

· Purchasing

· Distribution

· Inventory Management

· Warehouse Operations

· Systems Management

· Supplier Sourcing

· Customer Service

· Performance Analysis

Employers:

· Domestic and international companies including:

· Manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, and distributors

· Freight and passenger carriers

· Shipping companies

· Third party logistic firms

· Tranportation companies

· Offshore suppliers

· International suppliers

· Government departments Strategies & Information:

·

· Learn about import/export laws.

· Become familiar with how US Customs and other organizations regulate trade.

· Cultivate foreign language skills and cultural awareness.

· Plan to start in domestic positions and work towards international assignments.

General Information and Strategies

· 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 enhanced through participation in leadership of student organizations.

· Develop flexibility, negotiation skills, and the ability to make sound decisions.

· Learn to work well on 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.

· Plan to start searching for internships or jobs four or more months in advance of when you would like to start the position.

· 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.

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