CAREERS IN
                            LOGISTICS
                                                                                            ®
                                                  Introduction                                                                     1
                        TABLE OF The Nature and Importance of Logistics                                                            2
                                                    What is logistics?   2
                                                    How important is logistics?    3
                     CONTENTS                       What is the role of logistics in the organization?   4
                                                    Who works in logistics management?         4
                                                  Salary Information                                                               5
                                                    Do logistics managers earn high salaries?     5
                                                    Why are there such wide salary ranges?       6
                                                    How can I estimate my earnings potential?       6
                                                    Are benefits important?     6
                                                  Where the Jobs Are                                                               7
                                                    What kinds of organizations employ logistics managers?        7
                                                    What is the most common career path in logistics?        7
                                                    Where do new logistics managers get started?       9
                                                    What skills do logistics managers need?      10
                                                  Job Profiles                                                                   11
                                                    Analyst   12
                                                    Consultant     13
                                                    Customer Service Manager        14
                                                    International Logistics Manager      15
                                                    Inventory Control Manager       16
                                                    Logistics Engineer     17
                                                    Logistics Manager     18
                                                    Logistics Services Salesperson    19 
                                                    Logistics Software Manager      20
                                                    Materials Manager      21
                                                    Production Manager       22
                                                    Purchasing Manager       23
                                                    Supply Chain Manager       24
                                                    Systems Support Manager (MIS)        25
                                                    Transportation Manager       26
                                                    Vendor Managed Inventory Coordinator         27
                                                    Warehouse Operations Manager         28
                                                  Education and Training Required                                                29
                                                    Is a college degree essential for a career in logistics management?     29
                                                    How important is a graduate degree?       29
                                                    What if I haven’t completed a college degree?     30
                                                    What type of experience/training should I obtain?       30 
                                                    What should I do if I already have a degree?     31
                                                    Where Can I Go For Additional Information?  31
                                                  Council of Logistics Management                                                32
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                                                                                                                       INTRODUCTION
                 If this headline looks too good to be true, think again!  Logistics management
               offers everything that you want in a career—job openings at all levels, excellent
               salaries, upward mobility, exciting responsibilities and worldwide opportunities
               within the function and throughout the company.  This booklet is designed to
               provide you with an introduction to the field of logistics and an overview of
               the career opportunities that await you.
                 In order to make the best decision about a career, you need to understand
               your interests, abilities, and goals.  You need to know about possible career
               options as well.  This booklet will address many of your questions about logis-
               tics career options.  It contains information related to the future demand for
               logistics managers, potential career paths that match your qualifications and
               interests, education and training requirements, and compensation levels.
                 The booklet is presented in a “Question and Answer” format so that you can
               access information quickly.  However, we suggest that you take the time to
               read the entire booklet as it is full of valuable material.  If you finish this
               booklet and still have additional questions, talk to your professors, career
               counselors, and logistics professionals in your area.  They will help you deter-
               mine if logistics management is the career for you!
                 Careers in Logistics was written by Brian Gibson, Marcia Gibson, and Steve
               Rutner of Georgia Southern University and published by the Council of
               Logistics Management (CLM).  The information contained in the booklet is
               based on a combination of existing information and interviews with nearly
               500 logistics professionals from all over the United States.  This diverse group
               of 329 men and 150 women provided a great deal of insight regarding their
               career experiences for your review.
                 The authors and CLM would like to thank all of the companies, individuals,
               and CLM Roundtables (local chapters of CLM) who shared their time and
               expertise on this project.  Special thanks are in order for the Careers in Logistics
               committee members—Rhoda Isaacs, R.I. James, Inc., Chairperson; Kelly R.
               Abney, Payless Cashways; Terry La Barge, Kraft Foods; Andrea Pike, Alrod
               International, Inc.; James Seber, Seber Logistics Consulting, Inc.; and Andrea
               Manning, Council of Logistics Management—for their dedication to producing
               an informative, high-quality booklet.
               CAREERS IN LOGISTICS                                                                                                                            1