TO: James Okrasinski

FROM: Sherry Jing

DATE: November 22, 2019
SUBJECT: Jobs Report: Logistician vs. Operations Research Analyst

I have enclosed a job report examining the job specifications and outlook for logisticians and
operations research analysts. This report was prepared to assist individuals who are interested in
these two fields to select the job path that best fits their personalities and wants.

This report reviews the similarities and differences between the two occupations in terms of
background, education and skills, working conditions, pay, job outlook, and geographic factors.
It also includes recommendations about which job best suites certain individuals. Although both
occupations are growing and vital to business operations, certain factors such as pay and job
outlook vary between the two career paths and should be taken into consideration.

I hope that this report will be useful to students and job seekers interested in pursuing either of
these fields. I would be happy to address any questions or concerns that arise and can be reached
at (123) 777-8888 or by email at jings@dupage.edu.

Sincerely,

Sherry Jing
College of DuPage Student
 BUSINESS CAREERS REPORT
2019 Jobs Report

Prepared by Sherry Jing

College of DuPage Student

Report Distributed November 22, 2019

Prepared for
Mr. James Okrasinski, English 1105-010
 Business Career Report – 2019

ABSTRACT

This report examines two career paths within the field of business, logistics and operations.
Many people who desire to pursue a career in business are unaware of all of the job specialties
out there, and this report looks at two lesser known but growing professions: logisticians and
operations research analysts. These two occupations are analyzed according to job background,
required education and skills, working conditions, pay, job outlook, and geographic expectations.
It also contains pay and job outlook data from 2018 so that interested individuals can plan for the
future. The report ends by making recommendations about which job may be the best fit for
certain individuals based on factors such as personality, skills, and values.

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 Business Career Report – 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT ……………………………………………………………………………. iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ……………………………………………………………. 1

INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………………. 2

LOGISTICIANS ……………………………………………………………………. 2

Job Background ……………………………………………………………. 2

Required Education and Skills ……………………………………………. 2

Working Conditions ……………………………………………………………. 2

Pay ……………………………………………………………………………. 3

Job Outlook ……………………………………………………………………. 3

Geographic Expectations ……………………………………………………. 3

OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYSTS ……………………………………………. 4

Job Background ……………………………………………………………. 4

Required Education and Skills ……………………………………………. 4

Working Conditions ……………………………………………………………. 5

Pay ……………………………………………………………………………. 5

Job Outlook ……………………………………………………………………. 5

Geographic Expectations ……………………………………………………. 6

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ……………………………………. 7

REFERENCES ……………………………………………………………………. 8

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 Business Career Report – 2019

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The business field is a multidisciplinary field with a wide variety of specialties. Oftentimes,
individuals going into this field aren’t even aware of all of the options available to them. This
report will examine two careers within the business field, logisticians and operations research
analysts. By addressing the similarities and differences between these two career paths,
individuals who are considering these career options can assess which one is better for them.

Job background – Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain. They
manage the movement of a product through its life cycle in areas such as purchasing,
distribution, and warehousing. Operations research analysts use statistical and analytics programs
to help organizations solve problems and make better decisions. They gather and analyze data to
create solutions to business problems.

Required education and skills – Most logistician positions require a bachelor’s degree, and
students are encouraged to major in areas like business management, supply chain management,
and industrial engineering. Operations research analysts need to have at least a bachelor’s degree,
and many jobs prefer a master’s degree. These professionals typically hold degrees in business,
analytics, operations research, engineering, computer science, or mathematics. Communication,
critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are important for both occupations.

Working conditions – Both logisticians and operations research analysts work full time during
regular business hours. They typically work in an office setting, although travel might be
necessary to meet with clients or attend meetings. Logisticians work with people inside and
outside the company to coordinate the movement of products. The work can be stressful due to
the fast-paced nature of the job and the deadlines that must be met. Most operations research
analysts work in teams and collaborate with others to collect information, analyze data, and solve
business problems.

Pay – The median annual wage for logisticians is $78,730, while the median annual wage for
operations research analysts is $88,350 (BLS, 2019). Different industries offer different pay
levels.

Job outlook – Employment for logisticians is expected to grow 5% from 2018 to 2028, which is
about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment for operations research analysts is
projected to grow 26% over the same time period, which is much faster than average (BLS,
2019).

Geographic expectations – Employment opportunities and pay varies by location for both jobs.
Many logistician and operations research analyst jobs are located in metropolitan areas where
businesses are located or have offices.

Logistics is a fantastic career path for individuals who like to work in a fast-paced setting and
deal with many moving parts. Operations research analysis is a terrific option for those who are
detail-oriented and enjoy working in teams. Both are rewarding careers that help organizations
run smoothly by addressing business problems and providing solutions.

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 Business Career Report – 2019

INTRODUCTION

Business is a vast field that encompasses many disciplines and specialties, and oftentimes
students and job seekers are overwhelmed with all the different options to choose from. This
report examines the commonalities and differences between two areas within the business field:
logistics and operations research. The report will describe the job backgrounds, education and
skills, working conditions, pay, job outlook, and geographic considerations for logisticians and
operations research analysts in order to compare and contrast what each job entails.

LOGISTICIAN

Job Background

Logisticians are individuals who analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain. They
can work in many different areas such as purchasing, inventory, delivery, distribution,
warehousing, and transportation. They manage a product’s movement throughout the entire
supply network, from the point of origin until it reaches the hands of the final consumer.

Required Education and Skills

Even though an associate’s degree may be sufficient for some entry-level positions, most
positions require a bachelor’s degree. There are many majors that an individual may choose
from, including business management, supply chain management, and industrial engineering
(“What is a Logistician?”, n.d.). Logisticians deal with the logistics network of an organization,
so technical skills in using analytics software is highly recommended. Database management and
data analytics are also greatly valued in the logistics field. Job seekers can benefit from work
experience or job internships in a related field, such as supply chain or procurement internships.

Although licenses and certifications are not required for many jobs, obtaining these can help
further a career in logistics. Certifications can be obtained through the American Society of
Transportation and Logistics (ASTL) or the International Society of Logistics (SOLE)
(“Logistician”, 2018). Lean Six Sigma certifications are also available.

Logisticians must interact with many people inside and outside the company on a daily basis, so
good communication skills are critical. Suppliers, retailers, and consumers all have different
needs, and it’s up to the logistician to coordinate with them to ensure efficient movement of a
product. In addition, supply chain networks must be dynamic in order to respond to the real-time
events of the external environment. Logisticians must have critical-thinking skills in order to
respond to any unexpected challenges that may arise. They must also have good problem-solving
skills in order to analyze the logistics network for inefficiencies and propose solutions. Other
important qualities of a logistician include organizational, collaborative, and leadership skills.

Working Conditions

Most logisticians work full time during regular business hours. Although logisticians generally
work in an office setting, some may work in a factory or a warehouse, depending on which stage

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 Business Career Report – 2019

in the supply chain they are responsible for. Some individuals may be required to travel to
different job sites. The largest employers for logisticians are in the manufacturing sector and the
federal government. Logisticians work in a variety of settings because every business that deals
with products and moving parts needs people to coordinate their supply chain.

Working as a logistician can be stressful due to the fast-paced nature of the job. Schedules and
deadlines are a fundamental aspect of the job, and logisticians must work quickly to resolve any
unforeseen issues, such as inclement weather or traffic patterns. Besides just coordinating the
movement of products, logisticians perform many other important tasks. They must develop
strong relationships with suppliers and customers, whether it’s a final consumer or a retailer.
They must also analyze and identify areas of improvement within the supply chain in order to
minimize the company’s costs and increase efficiency.

Pay

The median annual wage for logisticians was $78,730 in May 2018. The lowest 10% earned less
than $44,440 and the highest 10% earned over $119,950. The top paying industries were
Insurance-Related organizations followed by Food and Beverage Stores (BLS, 2019).

Job Outlook

Employment for logisticians is projected to grow 5% in the 10-year period from 2018 to 2028.
This rate of growth is about as fast as the average for all occupations (BLS, 2019).

Geographic Expectations

Pay and employment opportunities for logisticians vary depending on the location. This is due to
the distribution of the various organizations that employ logisticians, as well as factors such as
the cost of living and the general population concentration in an area.

The five states with the highest employment levels are California (20,980), Texas (14,340),
Illinois (8,170), Michigan (8,120), and Virginia (7,810). Figure 1 shows employment by state.

Figure 1: Employment by State, May 2018

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 Business Career Report – 2019

The five states with the highest annual mean wages for this occupation are Rhode Island
($105,730), District of Columbia ($95,000), Maryland ($91,710), Washington ($90,240), and
Alabama ($87,600) Figure 2 below displays the annual mean wage by state in May 2018.

Figure 2: Annual Mean Wage by State, May 2018

Many jobs are concentrated in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Detroit,
Philadelphia, and Dallas-Fort Worth.

OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

Job Background

Operations research analysts are individuals who use mathematical and analytical methods to
help organizations with problem-solving and decision-making. They are responsible for
collecting and organizing data to examine it for potential organizational problems. They use
various programs and software to analyze information and develop practical solutions to business
problems in areas such as production, sales, or logistics. Operations research analysts help
business leaders make smart and efficient decisions when operating an organization.

Required Education and Skills

The typical entry-level position requires a bachelor’s degree, but many organizations prefer to
hire analysts with a master’s degree. Operations research analysts typically have a degree in
business, analytics, operations research, engineering, computer science, or mathematics.

Operations research analysts work with statistical and database software, so coursework in
computer science and mathematics are critical. Statistics, calculus, and linear algebra are all part
of a student’s course load. Other relevant courses include economics, data analytics, and various
technology and software classes. Students wanting to pursue a career in operations research can
improve their resume through internships in various areas of business analytics.

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 Business Career Report – 2019

Individuals in this occupation need to have excellent analytical skills in order to make sense of
the data they’re analyzing. Critical-thinking, problem-solving, and math skills are also vital.
Operations research analysts typically work in teams, so interpersonal and communication skills
are essential (“Operations Research Analyst”, 2018).

Working Conditions

Operations research analysts generally work full time for a variety of organizations. Although
most work in office settings, some travel may be required to meet with clients and attend
conferences. The industries that employ the most operations research analysts are the
Management of Companies and Enterprises industry followed by the Computer Systems Design
and Related Services industry (see Figure 3).

Figure 3: Industries with Highest Employment Levels, 2018

Most operations research analysts work in teams due to the complex nature of the job. Job
responsibilities include collecting and organizing information, analyzing data to develop feasible
solutions, and preparing reports for managers and executives. Meeting deadlines are a crucial
part of the job, as the findings and recommendations directly affect the top management’s actions
in operating a business.

Pay

The median annual wage for operations research analysts was $88,350, or $42,48 per hour. The
bottom 10% earned less than $46,810 per year while the top 10% earned over $136,250 per year
(BLS, 2019)

Job Outlook

Employment for operations research analysts is projected to grow 26% in the 10-year period
from 2018 to 2018. This rate of growth is much faster than the average for all occupations (BLS,
2019). As the environment becomes more dynamic and advances in technology are made,
businesses need to place more emphasis on efficient and adaptive operating practices. The
demand for operations research analysts will grow as more businesses strive to meet the ever-
evolving needs of consumers and the global economy.

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 Business Career Report – 2019

Geographic Expectations

When looking for a job as an operations research analyst, location plays an important role in
salary as well as employment opportunities. Different industries offer varying levels of pay, and
the concentrations of these industries are not the same in all geographical areas.

The states with the highest employment levels for this occupation are California (11,340), Texas
(11,190), Virginia (9,100), New York (5,790), and Illinois (5,100). Uncoincidentally, these states
all have large metropolitan areas were many businesses are headquartered or have offices. In
fact, the metropolitan areas with the highest employment levels for operations research analysts
are in Washington (Arlington, Alexandria, DC), New York, Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth), California
(Los Angeles), and Illinois (Chicago). Figure 4 below shows employment by state.

Figure 4: Operations Research Analysts Employment by State, May 2018

The annual mean wage also varies by state. The top paying states for this occupation are the
District of Columbia ($109,400), New Jersey ($106,820), Virginia ($104,980), New York
($102,560), and Hawaii ($102,270). Figure 5 below shows annual mean wage by state.

Figure 5: Annual Mean Wage by State, May 2018

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 Business Career Report – 2019

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The business field is a vast and multidisciplinary field. Logistics and Operations Research
Analysis are two career paths among many that are available to individuals interested in
business. Both professions help organizations run smoothly by addressing business concerns and
providing solutions.

Logisticians deal with the movement of products throughout the supply chain. A bachelor’s
degree is usually required for most jobs, although an associate’s degree may suffice for some.
Logisticians need to have excellent critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to deal with any
unexpected problems that arise. The job outlook is similar to the average for all occupations and
pay and job openings vary by location. This job is a great fit for individuals who like to work in a
fast paced setting where they get to interact with various groups of people and use innovative
solutions to solve unexpected problems.

Operations research analysts collect and examine data to solve business problems. Although a
bachelor’s degree is a good starting point, many employers desire master’s degrees. Analysts
often work in teams and need to have great interpersonal and critical-thinking skills.
Employment is expected to grow much faster than average due to the increase in big data. This
career path is a great fit for individuals who are detail-oriented and desire meaningful work, as
analysts can directly influence top managers in a business through their findings and
recommendations.

Both occupations are highly regarded in the business field. If pay and job outlook are important
factors to you, then a career in operations research analysis might be the best fit as it offers a
higher median annual wage and a faster employment growth projection. If you desire a job where
you get to work with many moving parts and no two days are the same, then you might find a
more satisfactory career in logistics. Both professions are vital to businesses as they place
increasing emphasis on sustainability and cost effective operations.

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 Business Career Report – 2019

REFERENCES

Logistician. (2018, June 19). Retrieved November 19, 2019, from https://www.truity.com/career-
profile/logistician.

Logisticians : Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2019, September 4). Retrieved November 19,
2019, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm.

Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2018: Logisticians. (2019, March 29). Retrieved
November 19, 2019, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes131081.htm.

Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2018: Operations Research Analysts. (2019, March
29). Retrieved November 19, 2019, from
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes152031.htm.

Operations Research Analyst. (2018, June 21). Retrieved November 19, 2019, from
https://www.truity.com/career-profile/operations-research-analyst.

Operations Research Analysts : Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2019, September 4).

Retrieved November 19, 2019, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-
analysts.htm.

What is a Logistician? (n.d.). Retrieved November 19, 2019, from

https://www.topaccountingdegrees.org/faq/what-is-a-logistician/.