High School

Logistics analysts must have good business management, financial, and analytical skills and the ability to communicate clearly with a variety of people. To develop these skills, take classes in math, business, English, and computer science (especially advanced artificial intelligence). Some high schools—in cooperation with community or technical colleges—offer coursework in logistics and supply chain management.

Postsecondary Education

Most companies prefer to hire logistics analysts who have a bachelors degree in supply chain management, business, or systems engineering. Bachelor degree coursework usually covers operations and database management, systems dynamics, and logistics, as well as accounting and English. Computer classes are also essential as logistics analysts use various software and technologies, such as radio-frequency identification, to conduct their work. Classes in marketing and product development may also be useful.

Some aspiring logisticians train for the field via apprenticeships. A list of companies and organizations that offer logistics apprenticeships in the United States is available at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-job-finder. The U.S. Department of Labor also funds a resource called FASTPORT (https://nationalapprenticeship.org) that seeks to connect aspiring logistics professionals and other types of apprentices with qualified training providers.

The armed forces also provides excellent training in logistics. Visit TodaysMilitary.com for more information on logistics careers in the military.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer certificate programs in logistics, supply chain management, and emerging technologies. They are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats, and they typically last six months to a year. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs. Additionally, the Association for Supply Chain Management offers certificate programs in supply chain technology, supply chain planning, and other fields. Visit https://www.ascm.org/learning-development/certificate-programs for more information.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education seminars, webinars, and other learning opportunities are provided by the Association for Supply Chain Management, Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, Institute for Supply Management, and other organizations. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification

Some companies prefer to hire logistics analytics who have certification in certain specialties. Certification can improve logistics analysts skills and knowledge as well as enhance their job prospects. The following associations provide certification to logistics professionals:

• Association for Supply Chain Management: certified in planning and inventory management, certified in transportation for supply chain, certified supply chain professional; certified in logistics, transportation, and distribution
• Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals: SCPro^TM certification
• Institute for Supply Management: certified professional in supply management, certified professional in supplier diversity, associate professional in supply management
• National Contract Management Association: certified professional contract manager
• SOLE-The International Society of Logistics: certified professional logistician, certified master logistician

Most employers prefer to hire logistics analysts with three to four years of prior experience. Logistics analysts must have strong communication skills and be able to identify and solve complex problems. The job entails working closely with others on a team, so good interpersonal skills and a cooperative attitude are essential. Logistics analysts use logic and reasoning in the approach to identifying and solving problems. They are knowledgeable about business and management principles, mathematics, transportation, and supply chain and logistics processes and practices. They must also be technologically savvy and well versed in logistics and supply chain software programs. People who do best in the logistics field are analytical, detail oriented, honest and ethical, and are willing to take on challenges and responsibilities.