Considering what to study at College?
Wondering if a Supply Chain Management career is worth pursuing?
Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a vast area that offers a multitude of career opportunities.
In this article, we’ll explore some of these career paths.
But before we do, let’s answer the main question
Is Supply Chain Degree Useless?
A Supply Chain Management degree is valuable and far from useless. A degree that can lead to a range of interesting, in-demand, and high-paying employment choices, as well as career promotions. A four-year degree is definitely worth the time and money.
If you are a problem-solver who thrives on influencing and convincing others, a career in supply chain management is worth considering.
People who are attracted to working in Supply Chain Management are typically traditional, which means they are detail-oriented and organized and want to operate in a structured setting.
When deciding on a professional path, take into account the demand for positions, your skills, salaries, and, most significantly, your interests.
Now we have answered the main question let’s further explore career if Supply Chain Degree is useless or worth it
What is Supply Chain Management?
Before we continue with this article let’s describe what Supply Chain Management (SCM) is.
Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the handling of the flow of goods and services from the raw manufacturing of the product through to the consumption by the consumer. This process requires an organisation to have a network of suppliers (that serve as links in the chain) to move the product through each stage.
According to CIPSA who describes importance of Supply Chain Management (SCM) being
Good supply chain management is critical at reducing operating costs from Procurement activities, through operations and logistics functions and throughout the whole supply chain. The scale of profitability for large organisations is relative to the management of an organisations supply chain.
Working in Supply Chain Boring?
Working in the supply chain is rarely boring. In reality, the individuals you meet are by far the most interesting aspect. It’s a fast-paced, critical-thinking, problem-solving, deadline-driven environment that can be both enjoyable and frustrating. Working in the supply chain is appealing because of this.
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Supply Chain Management Degree Hard at College?
Supply Chain Management degree is not tough, however students who struggle with arithmetic and statistics may find it hard. It should not be difficult if you are comfortable with arithmetic, problem solving, and analytics.
No degree is a walk in the park, will require study and effort to submit papers and sit exams. If you are a slacker you will find it difficult.
Students typically complete subjects such as Economics, Management, Marketing, Procurement, Operations Management, Logistics and Risk Management.
What are the Supply Chain Management Career Paths?
Supply Chain Management careers paths are vast and varied. There are a multitude of options here is a list of a few options
Possible Job in Warehouse/Logistics
- Logistics Manager
- Logistics Administrator
- Transport Manager
- Warehouse Manager
- Inventory Controller
Possible Jobs in Procurement
- Strategic Sourcing Manager
- Purchasing/Buyer Manager
- Procurement Manager
- Procurement to Pay
- Category Manager
Possible job in Manufacturing
- Production Specialist, Supervisor, or Manager
- Maintenance Operative, Supervisor, or Manager
- Quality Manager
- Production Planner
- Purchasing Manager
- Production Warehouse Manager
We couldn’t list down each role but we can provide a flavor of the type of role, what they do, the demand and how much they pay.
Logistics
Wages: $76k per annum
Job Growth: 30% per annum (much faster than the average for all occupations).
A bachelor’s degree is typically required to enter the occupation, although an associate’s degree may be sufficient for some logistician jobs.
What they do
Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain—the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer. They manage the entire life cycle of a product, which includes how a product is acquired, allocated, and delivered.
Purchasing Managers
Wages: $72k per annum
Job Growth: 4% per annum (much slower than the average for all occupations).
Buyers and purchasing agents typically have a bachelor’s degree. Purchasing managers must also have a few years of work experience.
What they do
Buyers and purchasing agents buy products and services for organizations to use or resell. They evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and review the quality of products. Purchasing managers oversee the work of buyers and purchasing agents and typically handle more complex procurement tasks.
Operations Research Analysts
Wages: $86k per annum
Job Growth: 25% (Much faster than average)
Although the typical educational requirement for entry-level positions is a bachelor’s degree, some employers may prefer to hire applicants with a master’s degree.
What they do
Operations research analysts use advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help organizations solve problems and make better decisions.
Industrial Production Managers
Wages: $107k per annum
Job Growth: 5% (about average)
Industrial production managers typically need a bachelor’s degree and several years of related work experience
What they do
Industrial production managers oversee the daily operations of manufacturing and related plants. They coordinate, plan, and direct the activities used to create a wide range of goods, such as cars, computer equipment, or paper products.
Quality Manager
Wages: $40,460 per year
Job Growth: -12% (Decline)
With a degree, you’ll be too highly educated to get a position as a Quality Manager, because most quality control inspectors just require a high school certificate and on-the-job training that might last as little as a month or as long as a year.
The reason for the decline in job growth is a result of continued improvements in technology that allow manufacturers to automate inspection tasks, increasing workers’ productivity and reducing the demand for inspectors.
What they do
Quality control inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications.
Final Thoughts
A degree in Supply Chain Management is valuable and far from useless. A degree that may lead to a variety of stimulating, in-demand, and well-paying job opportunities, as well as professional advancement. A four-year degree is unquestionably worthwhile in terms of both time, effort and money.
When deciding on a professional path, take into account the demand for positions, your skills, salaries, and, most significantly, your interests.
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References
- Supply Chain Management | CIPS
- Logisticians : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
- Industrial Production Managers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
- Operations Research Analysts : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
