In today’s interconnected world, where efficiency and seamless operations are paramount, the role of logistics and supply chain management has become indispensable. From coordinating complex networks to optimizing processes, these fields are the lifeline of countless industries.
In this blog, we delve into the top 10 compelling reasons why a career in logistics and supply chain management offers unparalleled opportunities for growth, innovation, and impact. Discover how these dynamic fields pave the way for a fulfilling and rewarding professional journey.
WHY CHOOSE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Choosing a career in supply chain management offers a world of opportunities for logisticians seeking a dynamic and impactful profession. With its central role in orchestrating the seamless flow of goods, information, and services, supply chain management presents an exciting and rewarding path. Logisticians specializing in supply chain management gain invaluable strategic planning, problem-solving, and data analysis skills, enabling them to optimize processes and enhance operational efficiency. From procurement and inventory management to transportation and distribution, the diverse range of logistics and supply chain management responsibilities ensures a stimulating and ever-evolving work environment. Moreover, the increasing globalization of businesses and the rapid advancement of technology present new challenges and opportunities, making this field both intellectually stimulating and highly relevant. By choosing supply chain management, logisticians position themselves at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and the transformative power of effective logistics in shaping the success of organizations worldwide.
WHAT DO SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGERS DO?
Supply chain managers play a pivotal role in orchestrating the intricate web of activities involved in the movement of goods and services from suppliers to customers. They are the driving force behind the seamless flow of products, services, and information — ultimately ensuring customer satisfaction and competitive advantage for organizations.
Specifically, key responsibilities of supply chain managers include:
- Planning and strategy – Develop and implement strategies to align supply chain activities with organizational goals and forecast future demand.
- Procurement – Manage the sourcing and purchasing of raw materials and services to ensure timely and cost-effective supply.
- Logistics and operations – Oversee the movement, storage, and delivery of goods, ensuring efficient operations across the supply chain.
- Process optimization – Continuously evaluate and improve processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase productivity.
- Risk management – Identify, assess, and mitigate risks to maintain supply chain resilience and minimize disruptions.
IS SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT A GOOD CAREER?
There are a number of different jobs for supply chain managers, which makes it a good career choice for those looking for a variety of career path options after college graduation. For example, there are positions in manufacturing companies where the supply chain manager oversees production and delivery to make sure everything runs smoothly. In other cases, people with this degree might work as a buyer or procurement manager at a retail store like Walmart or Target.
Detailed below are 10 excellent reasons to pursue a career in logistics and supply chain management.
1. Job Growth
Logistics is a rapidly expanding field that experienced growth even in the height of the recession. Now, the field is even more promising, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 19% job growth between 2023 and 2033.
2. High Pay
As of May 2023, the median annual pay for a logistician in the United States was $79,400, or $38.17 per hour. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the lowest 10% earned less than $47,990, and the highest 10% earned more than $128,550.
3. Relatively Low Barrier to Entry
Logistics offers professionals the opportunity to score high-paying work without an advanced degree. Although some roles may require graduate education or other forms of advanced training, most individuals can find work in logistics if they possess a bachelor’s degree. A handful of jobs are available to those with associate’s degrees, but in general, aspiring logisticians are advised to pursue four years of post-secondary education. You can learn more about earning your operations and supply chain management bachelor’s (BSBA) degree or operations and supply chain management MBA degree from JWU Online.
4. Opportunities for Advancement
Although an advanced degree may not be required by all employers, it can pave the way to rapid career growth. Upper management jobs are plentiful but may require a graduate degree and additional experience .
5. International Travel
Some logistics jobs require frequent international travel. Although these trips focus far more on work than sightseeing, they offer an array of opportunities for those eventually hoping to break into the field of international business.
6. Local Job Availability
Not all aspiring supply chain management professionals hope to travel on a regular basis — many prefer to stay put. This is also possible in logistics, which, despite having a few hotspots, has broad appeal across numerous regions.
7. Industry Options
Within the field of logistics, professionals can pursue a specialization in such sub-sectors as wholesaling, warehousing, and postal services. Places of employment also can vary from big corporations, small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, or for local or federal government entities.
8. Abundant Internship Opportunities
Although logistics and supply chain are growing fields, many aspiring professionals worry about finding their first position. Plenty of stepping stones to entry-level employment are available, including paid internships at companies that may offer jobs to successful interns upon program completion.
9. Development of Transferrable Skills
Many logisticians remain in the field for decades, but others use the skills they’ve gained to transition into other fields. Transferrable skills fostered in the field of logistics include forecasting, workflow optimization, general management, analytics, and financial planning.
10. Personal Satisfaction
Although steady employment and high pay entice many individuals to find careers in supply chain management, most choose to remain in the field because they find their work rewarding and impactful. In a 2017 report compiled by supply chain management research association APICS, millennials see supply chain management as an opportunity for growth. These surveyed upbeat employees believe in their ability to make a difference in this field while it will provide personal growth and development. In the end, the prospect for a deeply rewarding career should be any prospective logistician’s chief reason for pursuing a career in supply chain management.
Potential Careers in Supply Chain Management
Examples of supply chain management careers to consider include:
- Supply chain manager – Oversee and coordinate all aspects of the supply chain to ensure seamless production, storage, and delivery of goods or services. This role may also involve managing a team.
- Purchasing manager – Manage procurement activities, negotiate contracts, and ensure the organization acquires quality materials at optimal costs.
- Logistics analyst – Analyze numbers and data related to delivery routes in order to optimize supply chain operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
- Operations manager – These managers may wear many hats and assume broad responsibilities across various departments. They supervise daily business operations to ensure processes run smoothly and align with organizational goals.
- Transportation manager – Plan and oversee the efficient movement of goods within the context of their respective vehicles’ routes, ensuring timely delivery and cost-effective transportation solutions.
Begin the Next Steps Toward a Career in Supply Chain Management Today
Interested in a career in supply chain management? Take the next step by earning your BSBA — Operations & Supply Chain Management degree or MBA in Operations & Supply Chain Management from JWU Online. For more information, complete the Request Info form, email [email protected] or call 855-JWU-1881.