What Does a Logistics Analyst Do?

The leap from academia to the professional world can feel daunting. For me, the transition was seamless thanks to the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program at UC Davis.

Today, I’m a logistics professional at Mainspring Energy, a Silicon Valley clean energy company. Every day, I use the analytical and problem-solving skills I gained at UC Davis to improve operations and make a tangible impact. From the curriculum to career coaching to the practicum project, the MSBA prepared me to secure a role in just 10 months and thrive in the fast-paced world of logistics.

Building a Foundation in Analytics

The UC Davis MSBA curriculum is designed for the modern, data-driven economy. It provides more than just theory—it equips students with a deep understanding of the technologies and analytical methods that drive today’s businesses.

During the program, I built a strong foundation in big data analytics, database management, machine learning, statistics and data science. I also chose an elective in logistics and supply chain analytics, which was particularly relevant to my career goals. This course gave me the tools to use optimization and forecasting methods that I now rely on every day.

The depth and breadth of the curriculum ensured I didn’t just learn technical skills in isolation. I learned how to apply them in real-world contexts—exactly the preparation I needed to step into industry.  

Hands-on Learning Through the Practicum Project

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Inside a UC Davis Practicum Project on Marine Conservation and Data Science

• UC Davis MSBA students partnered with Sea Otter Savvy to build interactive tools that guide data-driven marine conservation decisions.

• The student team designed dynamic dashboards and an R Shiny app, transforming static R code into automated, efficient visualizations.

• The practicum project demonstrated how advanced analytics can translate complex environmental data into actionable insights that drive real-world impact.

What sets UC Davis apart is its emphasis on hands-on learning. The practicum project was a turning point for me.

The UC Davis practicum projects create a powerful learning experience by bringing company partners together with MSBA student teams and globally ranked faculty advisors to solve real-world projects. During the one-year course, you will work as part of a team to solve complex data analytics problems and then present your recommendations to the client company.

I served as a business analyst on the project for Sea Otter Savvy, a nonprofit focused on marine conservation. 

My role was to design dynamic dashboards and an interactive R Shiny web application to analyze behavioral data on sea otters. I converted static R-code into an interactive dashboard and automated visualizations, which significantly improved data processing time and memory efficiency.

This project tested everything I was learning in the classroom—data wrangling, visualization and stakeholder communication. More importantly, it prepared me to solve complex business problems for corporate partners. 

My MSBA practicum project gave me the confidence to walk into interviews with concrete examples of how I could create value for an organization.

Career Support That Makes a Difference

Another strength of the program is the personalized support from both the academic and career development teams. I benefited from one-on-one sessions to refine my resume, sharpen my interview skills and explore industries that matched my interests.

The academic team connected me with mentors who encouraged me to pursue opportunities in logistics, and the career team helped me articulate how my technical skills translated to business impact. This tailored coaching was crucial in helping me land the job offer at Mainspring Energy less than a year after starting the program.

What’s It Like Being a Logistics Analyst?

It’s fast-paced, data-driven and deeply fulfilling. Every decision I make—whether it’s optimizing delivery routes or improving sourcing efficiency—has a measurable impact.

My role at Mainspring Energy blends analytics with strategy and collaboration, exactly what the UC Davis MSBA prepared me for.

Making an Impact in Clean Energy

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At Mainspring Energy, analytics is transforming logistics. I’ve used forecasting models to optimize routes, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction. I’ve also drawn on my sourcing experience to identify local logistics partners, a move that saved the company more than $1 million in five months, with the potential to deliver multimillion-dollar savings annually. 

Beyond the numbers, I’ve had the chance to contribute to designing a warehousing network that reduces risk and increases efficiency. This work not only supports profitability but also strengthens Mainspring Energy’s mission of sustainable energy. It’s a clear example of how classroom learning translates directly into meaningful professional contributions.

What makes the experience even better is the culture. Mainspring Energy fosters collaboration, encourages innovation and empowers employees to take ownership of their work. The supportive environment has made my transition from graduate student to professional both smooth and rewarding.

The UC Davis MSBA Changed My Career Trajectory

Looking back, my MSBA journey was truly transformative. The program gave me technical expertise, hands-on experience and career guidance that allowed me to move quickly from campus to industry.

The UC Davis MSBA prepared me not only for my first role, but also for long-term success in a world where data-driven decision-making is essential. For anyone considering the program, I can say this with confidence: the skills, network and support you gain will stay with you far beyond graduation.