Learning Supply Chain Management in New Hampshire

Products and services move through a process called the supply chain before they reach their final users. This process includes the design, development, packaging, transportation and delivery of the product and must be overseen by a trained logistician. Logisticians monitor the status of the product or service from beginning to end and work with clients, suppliers and shippers throughout the process. They also ensure that the process is completed in a timely and affordable manner to keep costs down and meet deadlines for both suppliers and end customers.

For most logisticians, a bachelor’s degree is the first step in obtaining an entry-level role in the field. Some employers may accept an associate’s degree or equivalent experience instead and may even help these employees continue their educations, as the specialized information that a four-year degree provides is important to have. Popular majors for future logisticians include operations, business management and supply chain management.

It is not necessary to hold a master’s degree for an entry-level job. Logisticians who choose to pursue one, however, make themselves eligible for higher-paying and more senior roles as they progress through their careers in supply chain management.

Four-Year Degrees in New Hampshire

Bachelor’s degrees in a relevant field are often a necessary first step in securing an entry-level job as a logistician. The following schools in New Hampshire offer some options:

Southern New Hampshire University. Southern New Hampshire University takes great pride in making college easier for online students. Its bachelor’s degree in Business Administration can be taken on campus and online and combines management courses with a broad base of business education.
Rivier University. At Rivier University, students studying Business Management learn business fundamentals and organizational skills using internships and elective courses to supplement their education.
New England College. New England College teaches organizational leadership, marketing, finance, accounting and law in its Business Administration program. Students have the opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty to discuss their career goals and create an educational plan.

Master’s Degree Options

With a master’s degree, logisticians can become eligible for higher-paying and more specialized jobs. These schools offer several program choices:

Granite State College. Granite State offers a master’s degree in Business Management that focuses on ethical decision making, economics, strategic management and more. The affordable course is also available online, and career counseling is available to all students and alumni.
University of New Hampshire. The University of New Hampshire offers part-time, full-time and online courses for students pursuing their Master’s in Business Administration. Students can complete the program in as little as 10 months, and the full-time program includes residencies in New York City and abroad.
Dartmouth University. Dartmouth’s Master’s in Business Administration program provides peer coaching and individualized instruction from professors. Students can select from a number of electives, research seminars, global consulting opportunities and international trips to create a specialization of their choice.

Available Certificates and Associate’s Degrees

Many community colleges and technical schools throughout the state offer associate’s degrees in business-related fields. Manchester Community College‘s Business Management program teaches students the basics of finance, marketing, human resources, economics, law and computers, providing a strong foundation for future education.

Some logisticians choose to pursue additional certificates to receive formal recognition of more specific skills in supply chain management. The American Production and Inventory Control Society offers several certificate courses, including Certified Supply Chain Professional, Certified in Production Inventory Management and Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution.

Salary and Employment Estimates

The Projections Managing Partnership estimates that the job market for logisticians in New Hampshire will grow by 8.7 percent during the 10 years to 2026. This is slightly higher growth than the national average of 7 percent.

Logisticians in New Hampshire can expect an average hourly salary of $34.87, or $72,540 per year. Some high-paying jobs can offer salaries of as much as $104,000.

Working in Supply Chain Management in New Hampshire

Logisticians can find work within various industries, including manufacturing, government work, scientific and technical services, wholesale trade and retail. Some choose to work for logistics firms that handle the supply chain for several companies, while others prefer to work as part of an in-house team for one entity. In a full-time role, you can expect to work about 40 hours per week. Occasional overtime hours and travel may be necessary.

In addition to formal supply chain knowledge, several interpersonal skills will help you become a better logistician. With good communication, critical thinking and customer service abilities, you will be able to establish strong working relationships with suppliers and customers while quickly solving any issues that arise. Logisticians can find work throughout New Hampshire, though larger cities-such as Concord and Nashua-have the largest selection of jobs. These positions typically offer higher salaries to match the cost of urban living.