Logistics and supply chain management are two separate but related fields that have grown in popularity over the past several years. But if you’re just starting to learn about them, it can be hard to know where to start.
This guide on logistics and supply chain management will help you figure out how these topics relate to each other, how they’re taught in schools, and what career opportunities are available to you with this diploma.
What is Logistics and Supply Chain Management?
The field of logistics and supply chain management is a fast-growing part of business that examines how businesses can best integrate information technology, human resources, purchasing, and manufacturing in order to lower costs, improve their customer service levels, have better control over inventory levels, and ensure compliance with government regulations.
There are many different types of logistics positions available for workers today. This can include jobs as courier services managers or warehouse managers.
Some employers may also require those in logistics work to complete an internship before earning a full-time position.
Studying logistics and supply chain management allows students to find out exactly what it takes to become one of these workers.
How Do I Get Into The Program?
If you want to study logistics or supply chain management, first decide what your career goals are. Once you’ve done that, pick a school (or schools) that offers classes in these fields. This allowed you to get a Logistics and Supply Chain Management Diploma.
You’ll want to ensure that your prospective college has a strong business program; if you don’t see any specific courses in logistics or supply chain management, talk with some professors who can guide you towards taking an appropriate class.
It’s also a good idea to take classes at local colleges or community colleges before committing to one school. This way, you’ll be able to experience various instructors and get a feel for how different schools handle teaching logistics and supply chain management skill sets.
And speaking of skill sets: it goes without saying that when studying logistics or supply chain management, you should try out internships!
What Classes Should I Take?
Take as many math classes as you can. Logistics is a quantitative field, so you’ll need a solid base in math before moving on to logistics-specific courses.
Be sure to check out supply chain management courses online through your college or university; if they don’t offer one, request that one be created.
Introductory classes like these will provide an overview of all areas of logistics, allowing you to focus more on particular parts of logistics in upper-level courses.
Where Can I Work After Studying This?
As a graduate of a logistics or supply chain management program, you’ll be qualified for a variety of career paths—which is great, because these fields are booming.
Supply chain management is an increasingly important part of any business, but it also extends into government organizations like Customs and Border Protection. Logistics can prepare you for careers in industrial engineering or international commerce.
A diploma may open even more doors. You could earn a degree if you want to teach at a university or pursue research opportunities at institutes like MIT.
If you earn your doctorate, some employers will help pay for your tuition and additional educational expenses, since PhDs usually lead directly to high-level positions that carry big responsibilities.
Is This Career Right For Me?
In order to determine if supply chain management is right for you, it’s important to figure out what kind of job opportunities you’re interested in pursuing.
While there are many different positions available in logistics and supply chain management—from procurement specialists to traffic analysts—if you’re just starting out, it can be helpful to know exactly what kinds of jobs are available before diving into your studies.
There are several degree programs geared toward supply chain and logistics, which can lead directly into specific types of jobs.
How Much Money Will I Make?
If you’re planning on studying logistics or supply chain management, you should know that it is a stable career path. According to Glassdoor, logistics managers make an average of $84,048 per year; in addition, many positions also come with bonuses.
Extra Resources
People who pursue a logistics and supply chain management diploma usually have an interest in business, math, economics, or engineering. Before you enroll in a university program, think about which areas of the supply chain appeal to you.
Then find a program that focuses on these areas. Some programs will provide more hands-on experience than others; if the hands-on experience is important to you, make sure your school has relevant courses (and talk with current students if possible).
