Careers in Transportation & Logistics

Logistics is the second largest employment sector in the United States. It offers excellent salaries, opens doors, and provides advancement opportunities to the prospective manager in countries around the world. Logistics managers are in such great demand that both U.S. News and World Report Career Guide and Working Woman magazine have cited logistics as a hot career track.

Q: Is a college degree essential for a career in logistics management?
A: Recent studies consistently reveal that the majority of the logistics managers surveyed hold at least a four-year degree and an increasing number have earned graduate degrees. To achieve this goal, effective planning is needed. Organizations hire entry-level logistics managers from a variety of majors. However, a growing number specifically recruit students who major in logistics. This reflects the growth and quality of logistics, transportation, and supply chain management degree programs.

Q: How important is a graduate degree?
A: Some organizations (e.g., consulting firms and large manufacturers) specifically seek candidates with an MBA degree or other relevant graduate degrees. This is especially true for technical and quantitative positions—logistics engineering, planning, and systems development. While graduate level work is not a requirement for many logistics management positions, it can be very valuable over the course of your career. A graduate degree can enhance your logistics management expertise as well as improve your strategic planning, financial management, and analytical skills. Such skills translate into upward mobility, career flexibility, and increased earnings potential according to recent research.