Logistician 1

Logistician
Mason Weyland
Salt Lake Community College
Logistician 2

Logistician

For my research paper I wanted to research what a logistician does. Before researching

this career, I knew very little about this career. What I knew about this career was that you

figured out the logistics of things, like shipping things and getting them to the correct place in

time. I wasn’t wrong in thinking that’s what they did but, it’s more than that. The technical

definition of what they do is, someone who analyzes and coordinates an organization’s supply

chain. Logisticians manage the entire life cycle of a product from, how it is acquired, distributed,

allocated and delivered. Logisticians work in just about all industry jobs.

Here is a list of things that Logisticians typically do

 Develop business relationships with suppliers and customers

 Work to understand customers’ needs and how to meet them

 Direct the allocation of materials, supplies, and finished products

 Design strategies to minimize the cost or time required to move goods

 Review the success of logistical functions and identify areas for improvement

 Present performance data to management

 Propose improvements to management and customers

 Stay current on advances in logistics technology and incorporate new technologies into

procedures (Sokanu, n.d.)

After I searched what a logistician does, I looked at what it takes to become one. From,

what researched you will most likely need a bachelor’s degree. Some say that an associate degree
Logistician 3

is sufficient. But having a bachelor’s degree to start would be best. Depending on your employer,

they may require you to have a more advanced degree like a professional, or a master’s degree,

depending on the position and level of responsibility. An internship is a very good way to get

first- hand experience in this field. Some schools have a logistics and supply chain management.

Or you can get a degree in business management but with a logistics focus.

If you were to peruse a bachelor’s in logistics and supply chain management, you would

focus on areas of global supply chain management, transportation, logistics, warehouse

operations, demand planning and forecasting, inventory management, manufacturing and

procurement processes. There are two other bachelor’s degrees you can have in Logistics,

bachelor’s in project management Programs and Bachelors in Operations Management

Programs. They’re pretty much the same thing except for the operations management having

more hiring skills. There are a few master’s degrees that you can have in this career, masters in

logistics and supply chain management, master’s in project management, masters in operations

management and master’s in industrial engineering.

The one that I would consider getting if I were to pursue this career, would be the

masters in logistics and supply chain management. This degree would prepare you for

management positions in government, military and the private sector. It seems like it would be

the most useful for this line of work as it would give you the direct set of skills that are most

desired in this career. You can get a doctoral but those are for people who want to become a

researcher analyzing logistics and supply chain management.

One of the most common entry level careers in logistics is customer service management.

This job is important because it is on the individual level. Listening and helping the consumer is

the backbone of any business. After you gain enough experience in your entry level job, you’ll
Logistician 4

be able to take on more advanced roles. If working abroad interests, you then this career offers

that opportunity. Since the world is ever increasingly globalizing, many logistics companies

work with foreign distributers to conduct business.

The pay for this career is not too bad. The median annual wage for logisticians was

$74,590 in May 2017. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,820. These people are the

people just getting out of college and are just getting into the career or they’re on an internship

with some company. The highest 10 percent earned more than $120,120. These are the big

bosses. They are probably the guys with their master’s degree and are at the top of their career.

They did their diligence and are reaping in the rewards. Most logisticians worked full time and

sometimes work overtime to ensure that operations stay on schedule.

The projected growth for this career field is 7 percent from 2016 to 2026. This is about as

fast as the average for all occupations. Employment growth will be driven by the need for

logistics in the transportation of goods in a global economy. The performance of the logistical

and supply chain process is an important factor in a company’s profitability. Companies rely on

logisticians to manage the movement of their products and supplies. Supply and distribution

systems have become increasingly complex as they continue to try to gain more efficiencies at

minimal cost. Employment is expected to grow as companies need more logisticians to move

products more efficiently, solve problems, and identify areas for improvement. However, this

growth may be limited by mergers of third-party logistics companies. (Bureau of Labor Statistics

, 2018)

I don’t personally know anyone who is in the field of logistics. So, I went online and

found a video with Gregory. He works at a French company, Newrest and has been there for the

past 17 years. To get to where he is Gregory said “I have climbed the ladder thru several
Logistician 5

positions to reach a position of general manager for the inflight unit in Toulouse, which I

handled for 10 years. I am now the logistic director for out Charles De Gaulle unit in Paris.”

Gregory then goes on to tell us what his job is. “I am in charge of all logistic and transport

aspects, which start from the flight launch, the control with our supervisor flight controller, and

the delivery to the aircraft with our drivers.” He gives us a clear definition of what his job is.

After this Gregory tells use about his tasks with Newrest “I’ve done several sites opening as well

as new company start up. For instance, in Canada or Belgium.” He then goes on to explain what

an average day looks like “We are always on the edges with days that never look like yesterday.

Lots of activity and unforeseen things to do. I consider that it’s better for manager to be on the

ground with its team versus seating behind his desk.” After this he tells us what he likes about

his job, “It’s a job that demands you to always be alert and on the edge.” Listening to this

interview with Gregory form Newrest was a big help in researching this career path. He gave me

a little view of what it is like being a logistician. I like how it’s a different day, every day.

Some pros and cons of being a logistician is

Pro:

 Above- average job growth for logisticians (22% projected from 2012- 2022)

 Above – average income potential ($71,150 annually)

 Many professional certifications available

 Opportunities for military veterans to use their training and experience

Con:

 Stressful, fast- paced work

 High level of education may be required

Logistician 6

 Travel required for many aspects of your work

 Requires the ability to engage in multiple projects simultaneously

Would I fit in this career? I think that I would. I always like a good challenge, and

this feels like it could be one. I really like how this career is always different on a day to

day basis. This means to me that you will never be board of your job. If you are always

on your toes, then your day will most likely be unpredictable. One of my biggest fears

with finding a good career is how boring will that job be. I like to be on my toes, I don’t

care if it is a little stressful at times.

Logistician 7

References

Sokanu. “Logistician.” Sokanu, Sokanu, www.sokanu.com/careers/logistician/.

“Careers in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (SCM).” LogisticsDegree.net,

logisticsdegree.net/careers-in-logistics-and-supply-chain-management/.

“Careers in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (SCM).” LogisticsDegree.net,

logisticsdegree.net/careers-in-logistics-and-supply-chain-management/.

Newrest. “Grégory - Logistics Manager.” Newrest, www.newrest.eu/en/video/gregory-logistics-

manager/.

Learningpath.org,
learningpath.org/articles/Becoming_a_Logistics_Consultant_Job_Description_Salary_Info.html.
Logistician 8

Reflection

By writing this paper about the career of a Logistician, I learned a lot. I learned what it takes to become
one, what a logistician does, what different degree paths you can take, and whether I would like to
pursue this as a career. If I were to pursue this I would at very least get a bachelor’s degree in logistics
and supply chain management. This seems like it would be the best bachelor’s degree to get. I would
then consider getting a master’s degree in logistics. With a master’s there’s so much that you can do. If I
want to be top dog one day, this would be the best degree to go for.