In today’s world of online retail, it’s easy to take our access to consumer goods for granted. But behind the shopping cart on your favorite website is a whole world of coordination. Supply chain managers and logisticians are responsible for ensuring that products move from business to consumer. Learn more about what a career in logistics and supply chain management entails and some of the benefits associated with this profession.
Before a product ends up in a user’s hand, it starts out as raw materials. Each step in the process from raw material to end product is a step in the supply chain. Supply chain management refers to the coordination of all the companies, people, software, and tools along that chain.
Supply chain managers work in every industry, from healthcare to technology to food and beverage. Those industries need to make sure that their products get to the right place at the right time, which is where logistics come into play. Logistics is the packaging, shipping, distribution, and delivery of goods.The experts who manage logistics for companies are called logisticians, and they work in nearly every industry. If you aren’t sure if you should embark on a career in logistics and supply chain management, consider the following advantages:
In our increasingly globalized world, skilled logisticians are needed more than ever to keep supply chains running effectively. If you’re wondering how important these jobs are, just think back to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when it was difficult to find essential goods, like milk or disinfecting wipes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for logisticians is bright. Employment in this field is expected to grow by 30% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the national average for all occupations. The BLS predicts that there will be more than 24,500 job openings for logisticians in the U.S. each year.
For individuals looking to shift into an industry that offers a competitive salary, supply chain management is a good choice. In 2020, the median annual wage for logisticians was $76,270 per the BLS. However, the top 10% of earners in this field had a salary of more than $122,580. Experience in logistics and supply chain management can also set you up for a career as an operations research analyst, using statistical analysis and modeling to optimize logistics and make businesses more efficient. Operations research analysts earn $86,200 on average.
When you work in supply chain management and logistics, you’re building relationships with all kinds of people — suppliers, distributors, vendors, and more. So you’ll have ample opportunity to hone your soft skills, such as effective communication and delegation. And if you’re overseeing different aspects of a supply chain, you’ll likely be managing other people in your company. Building your management skills can help you move up the corporate ladder, gain new responsibilities, and reach a higher pay grade.
When you’re in charge of managing inbound and outbound logistics for a company, each day is different. Logisticians may need to travel regularly to visit different manufacturing sites and distribution hubs or to meet with suppliers and clients. They also use sophisticated software to track the movement of goods and manage their inventory. When a problem arises, such as a disruption in the supply chain that can cause a delay, it’s up to the logistician to find a solution and recommend how to adjust business operations accordingly. If you enjoy variety, overcoming challenges, and problem-solving tasks, this career may be a good fit for you.
More advanced than a bachelor's degree in logistics, the right master’s program can set you up for the career that you want. At MVNU, you can earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Logistics Management — just one of the comprehensive concentrations we offer. The MBA in Logistics Management consists of twelve 3-credit classes, including nine core MBA courses and three concentration-specific courses. Students typically complete the program in 19 months. The MBA program at MVNU is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
At MVNU, we offer a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs. Our online programs are designed to accommodate working adults who are balancing school, family life, and a career. To learn more about pursuing an online master’s degree in logistics, contact us today.