Logistics, Supply Chain Management and Transportation

B. Steady/fast-paced

C. Whoa there. I’ll go as fast or slow as I want, thanks.

2. Which work duties would you prefer?

A. Working with computers

B. Working with your hands

C. Working with vehicles

3. In a group project, would you rather:

A. Take the lead — no one else can do it best.

B. Support and go with the flow — everyone should do their share.

C. Group what?! Ummm … can I just work alone?

4. What type of education program are you seeking?

A. A two- to four-year degree program

B. A short certification program

C. An on-the-job training program

5. What do you consider to be your best skill set?

A. Communication/customer service skills

B. Mechanical skills

C. Time management skills

Mostly As: You’re a Strategist—Like a Logistician!

Logisticians are like the parents of an organization’s supply chain. They are responsible for a product’s life cycle from production to delivery. They work with sophisticated software in a fast-paced work environment. Logisticians acquire organizational and problem-solving skills in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in business, supply chain management or engineer-ing. Jobs are expected to grow by an above-average 22 percent by 2022, and the median an-nual salary was $72,780 in 2012, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Mostly Bs: You’re Meticulous—Like a Conveyor Operator

Conveyor operators have mechanical, production and processing know-how, and organizational skills that help companies work efficiently. They weigh and measure products, inform supervi-sors of mechanical malfunctions, and ensure products are processed. Jobs are expected to grow 3 percent by 2022, with a median 2012 annual pay of $29,610, according to the U.S. Bu-reau of Labor Statistics.

Mostly Cs: You’re a Free Spirit—Like A Tractor-Trailer Driver

Heavy truck drivers live life on the open road while executing the delivery of products. They haul heavy loads (up to 26,000 pounds), often planning their own routes and stops to reach destina-tions on time. On-the-job training and a high school diploma provides access to this career, pro-jected to grow 11 percent by 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 2012 median annual pay was $38,200, plus bonuses. Entrepreneurial-minded drivers, known as “owner-operators,” own their trailers and contract their jobs from various companies.

Sources:

Logisticians:

■ http://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm#tab-1

■ http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1081.00

Conveyor operators & tenders:

■ http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/53-7011.00

■ http://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/material-moving-machine-operators.htm#tab-2

Heavy Tractor Trailer Drivers:

■ http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/53-3032.00

■ http://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/heavy-and-tractor-trailer-truck-drivers.htm