Studying Logistics in the USA: Is It Worth It?

I'm considering logistics as a potential study path in the USA, and I'm wondering what the industry demand is like. Is it a growing field, and what kind of jobs could I land after getting my degree?

Logistics is indeed a vibrant and growing industry and can open doors to a variety of job opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment in logistics is projected to grow 19 percent from 2023 to 2033 due to the demands of a globalized market.

With a degree in logistics, there are several types of jobs you could potentially land. Here are a few examples:

- Logistics Analyst: In this role, you could work in coordinating and forecasting the purchasing and distribution of products. It's a crucial role in a firm's supply chain operations.

- Supply Chain Manager: This is a leadership role where you would coordinate all aspects of the supply chain process, from developing forecasts, evaluating vendors, monitoring product or service delivery, to negotiating contracts.

- Warehouse Operations Manager: As the title suggests, Warehouse Operations Managers are responsible for managing the operations of a warehouse. This can involve logistics software management, inventory control, and overseeing shipping and receiving procedures.

- Global Logistics Manager: This is a more international role, where you'd be coordinating and managing a company's product distribution on a global scale, handling both international transportation and global supply chain processes.

In terms of picking a university for your studies, various prestigious universities in the US offer undergraduate and graduate programs in logistics and supply chain management. Some examples are Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Michigan, and Arizona State University. You could also pursue a degree in a more general, but still related, field, like business or statistics, as that would give you a wider variety of schools to choose from, and you could then seek out opportunities and coursework related to logistics specifically once you arrive on campus.

Remember that alongside your degree, internships and gaining practical experience in the field can significantly enhance your prospects for employment post-graduation. Going into the field with some hands-on experience can also give you an edge in understanding practical logistics and supply chain issues, which can reflect positively in interviews and your job performance.

Overall, studying logistics in the United States can certainly be a worthwhile endeavor, backed by a growing industry and a wide range of potential job opportunities.