It’s not easy to run a business, and it’s even harder when there are logistical and supply chain issues. Nevertheless, top-notch managerial abilities and ingenuity are essential for the survival of any company. Enrolling in a supply chain management course equips you to handle your company affairs during both normal and unexpected circumstances.
A career in supply chain management has several advantages, which you should be aware of if you’re thinking about pursuing one. This post explains what is supply chain management and why you should study supply chain management.
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What is Supply Chain Management?
Supply chain management is the process of ensuring that goods and services are made available to consumers at reasonable prices and on time.
A supply chain connects businesses with their consumers. For example, let’s have a look at how a high-end smartphone is made. Smartphone components, such as microchips, screens, and cameras, are produced by various suppliers and manufacturers globally. These parts are then transported to a central site for assembly into the final product, the smartphone. To guarantee that all components are available when required, it is the responsibility of the supply chain manager to optimize transportation routes and make educated judgments regarding supplier selection.
Why You Should Study Supply Chain Management
Gaining experience in the supply chain can boost your marketability to potential employers and open doors to promotions in almost any field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that, jobs for logisticians who oversee the supply chains of businesses, are expected to increase by 30% over the next decade. Therefore, if you want to become a supply chain manager, here are the reasons why you should study supply chain management.
Job Growth
The logistics sector continues to develop and expand at a quick pace, even amid economic downturns. The outlook for supply chain management is brightening even further, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 30% increase in employment for supply chain management professionals between 2020 and 2030, which is much higher than the national average for all occupations.
Opportunities for Growth and Promotion
Having a bachelor’s degree is enough to get by in the supply chain management field, but a master’s or PhD will open more doors for you to advance your career. An advanced degree is necessary for many managerial positions, but you’ll also need relevant work experience and solid academic credentials. Therefore, taking part in courses related to supply chain management is crucial.
Job Satisfaction
Many people are seeking employment chances in the supply chain management field because of the high salaries and steady work schedules, but those who have worked there for some time also say that the “job satisfaction” they get from their work is a big reason why they stay.
Accessible Career Path
Those with experience in supply chain management might find rewarding careers that do not need advanced degrees. A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for most jobs in logistics and supply chain management, while some do need master’s degrees or other types of additional training.
Acquire Transferable Skills
When you have transferable skills, you can use them in various fields and occupations. Studying supply chain management equips you with numerous transferable skills. They include workflow optimization, management, forecasting, and financial planning.
What Do Supply Chain Managers Do?
When you study supply chain management and pursue a career in it, you might one day become a supply chain manager. The role of a supply chain manager is to streamline the movement of goods from their point of production to their destination of final consumption.
As part of your role as supply chain manager, you will be responsible for coordinating the acquisition of raw materials to the shipment of finished goods. You’ll also be responsible for coordinating the product’s storage and making sure the correct quantity of goods is manufactured at the proper time.
Conclusion
A supply chain management degree will make you stand out in the competitive logistics, transportation, operations, and supply chain management industries. Take classes on your own, join a certificate program, or even acquire a degree to boost your current job chances and start a new, highly sought-after career path.
