Employers

Logistics analysts work for major corporations, small businesses, and the federal government. They are employed by companies that are involved in logistics, shipping, distribution, manufacturing, military and defense, government contracting, among other services. Some examples of companies that work with logistics analysts are Amazon, DHL, Dell Computers, and Wal-Mart, to name only a few. The Department of Labor reports that there were 174,900 logisticians employed in the United States in 2018. The scope of the logistics analyst and supply chain field can also be seen in the size of memberships to professional associations. For instance, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals has more than 6,000 members and APICS, another association for logistics and supply chain professionals, has more than 45,000 members worldwide.

Starting Out

Logistics analysts start their careers in various ways. They may get their foot in the door through an internship or entry-level position in a logistics or supply management department of a company. They may also gain entry to logistics through work in the industrial production department or other related departments. Ask your school's career services office for help with locating internship and job openings in companies that have logistics services. Also search the career sections of professional associations' Web sites for job listings and other resources. One example is the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals' Career Center, which offers job and internship postings and other useful information: https://careers.cscmp.org.

Logistics analysts may start as junior or associate analysts or coordinators. After two or more years they may become analysts. Those with three or more years of effective experience as a logistics analyst may move up to become senior analysts or managers, responsible for more complex projects and coordinating and overseeing the work of larger teams. They may eventually become department heads. Other ways logistics analysts advance include getting certification, going back to school for an advanced degree, and leaving the job to start their own logistics consultancy.

An internship or part-time job in the logistics department of a manufacturer or shipping company is a good way to learn more about this job and make valuable connections. Ask your school's career services office for help with researching employment and internship openings.

Find useful resources and job listings for logistics professionals by searching the career sections of professional associations' Web sites, such as APICS, http://www.apics.org/apics-for-individuals/careers-resources/career-center, and the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, https://careers.cscmp.org.

Attend industry events and conferences to meet logistics professionals and learn about job opportunities. Find event listings on industry associations' Web sites, such as https://werc.org/events/event_list.asp.

Keep up with news and developments in the logistics and supply chain industry by reading publications such as Supply Chain Quarterly (https://www.supplychainquarterly.com).