If you’re interested in pursuing a career in supply chain management, there are plenty of options out there—but if you’re just getting started, you might not know where to begin. You can find great careers as either entry-level or executive-level professionals, but it can take some time to figure out how the field works and what opportunities are best suited to your particular strengths and interests. Here are five things you probably didn’t know about supply chain management that will help get you started in the right direction.
1) Working In SCM is Exciting!
The supply chain is a relatively new field of management. As companies strive to gain a competitive advantage by delivering products and services in faster, cheaper, and more efficient ways, supply chain management has emerged as a key discipline. With SCM practices spreading quickly into all corners of the business and global markets becoming more transparent, supply chain managers have plenty of opportunities. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that demand for SCM professionals will grow by 28 per cent between 2008 and 2018!
2) It’s An International Career
Whether you’re planning to work in Canada, Europe, Asia, or even Africa, you can expect your career in supply chain management to take you all over the world. Thanks to globalization and outsourced production lines, supply chain managers are becoming more integral than ever to businesses large and small. While some business travel may not be required, it will likely be part of any job involving international trade. That means that global business and language skills will often be needed in addition to strong organization and time-management skills.
3) There Are Great People!
It’s easy to fall into a negative mindset and focus on all of your struggles as a new supply chain professional. We get it! But, instead of focusing on how hard it is to break into supply chain management, focus on your opportunities for growth within any given role. The relationships you make and the advice you gain can be just as valuable as cash bonuses or other incentives. These are some of our favourite things about supply chain management! Don’t miss out! Dive right in and meet some great people – both friends and mentors.
4) You’re Always Learning Something New
Even if you think you know all there is to know about supply chain management, don’t worry—you don’t. SCM and global logistics are industries that have changed dramatically over time, and it’s rare for someone in supply chain management to learn everything they need to know before taking on a new role. In fact, there’s likely a ton of things you never considered or even heard of that will be essential to your success in SCM. If that doesn’t excite you, think about it like this: There are certain experiences or skills others need to advance their careers at any given time.
5) Supply Chain is Highly Competitive!
There are thousands of companies operating in today’s global market and many smaller ones making big waves. Companies are constantly developing new products and trying to cater to a wide range of consumers. This increases competition as more supply chain managers try to produce higher-quality products for lower prices. In supply chain management, you can’t just focus on one area—you have to keep an eye on your direct competitors and know their strategies. And if you aren’t going head-to-head with any other companies at your stage, then you should still be aware of how things change over time as others grow or leave your sector completely.
Conclusion
The supply chain industry is a great field with many employment opportunities. The most impressive supply chain managers aren’t boastful or overconfident; instead, they are humble and constantly seek ways to improve themselves and their practices. LBTC offers warehouse management courses where you learn as much as you want about supply chain management and solidify your career in it. For a consultation, give us a call or visit our website for more details.
Leave a Reply