Logistic managers are also known as distribution managers and that job description or title is probably more apt. After all, it is the distribution of goods that is really their forte as a job manager.
Without director jobs like logistics managers, most companies would be little more than rudderless boats.
Educational Requirements
To even apply for director jobs in the logistics field, you will need a Bachelor's degree at least. In fact, oftentimes a job manager will have a master's degree or even a PhD in logistics.
While in college, most aspiring logistic managers take courses in business or marketing. These are the fields that prospective employers expect to see on a resume. But as far as a major goes, the job description and title speaks for itself. You will be expected to have a Bachelor's degree in logistics and distribution management. Though they are highly specialized fields, most top colleges and universities offer reputable programs.
But if you do not decide on a career in logistics until college, do not fear. There are several other related fields employers are happy to see in a prospective job manager. As we mentioned, candidates with backgrounds in general business or marketing are always attractive, as well as those with degrees in accounting, transportation management or inventory planning.
However, it is definitely a plus if you obtain a degree in Logistics Management. In fact, many present managers with degrees in other fields actually go back to school to earn a second degree in the field. As far as minors go, it is often best for a future job manager to take classes in either business or marketing.
This next part is fairly obvious, but it needs to be said. You must participate in a summer internship program while at school. As with many other fields, this is not an option, it is a requirement. In fact, if you fail to complete an internship, there is an excellent chance that your resume will quickly find its way to the bottom of the stack.
If for some reason internships are not available in your area in this highly specialized field, you should honestly take anything you can get. Anything that gives you any kind of experience with distribution, even such quotidian jobs as working in the shipping department of a warehouse will give you a good idea of what it takes to be a logistics or distribution manager.
After your thrilling internship and subsequent graduation, you may choose to go on to earn your Master's degree in Logistics. Not surprisingly, this will give you a better chance of obtaining employment when you graduate. Remember, director jobs are not easy to come by so the more education you receive the better.
While in graduate school, if you choose to attend, make certain that you gain as much real world experience as you possibly can. Another internship and a part time job in the industry will look mighty good on a resume. Speaking of resumes, you should send them to companies that are advertising openings for both entry-level and management jobs.
Depending on the market and the strength of the economy, you may be asked to start at an entry-level job even if you have some experience in the field. After all, most companies are reluctant to trust someone who's just out of school to manage of their entire distribution system.
But getting back to the application process, it is always best to send resumes to companies you really want to work for. Perhaps you interned for a company while at school and were impressed with their operations. Well, even if they don't have an opening, it is still a good idea to send them a resume. In all likelihood, they will simply keep it on file and perhaps they will contact you when a position opens up.
Lastly, you must prepare for the job interview. Many new applications make the mistake of thinking that their resume will speak for them, but that is not the case. So, practice, practice, practice with your friends or roommates. Remember to stay cool and collected and if you get flustered by a certain question, simply answer it the best you can and nonchalantly move on. It is also a good idea to read the job description closely, because even if you think you know what a company wants, it is always best to be sure.
