In today’s world, supply chain management positions are growing faster than economics ones. Thanks to efficient logistics organizations like Amazon, many companies are stepping up their game to provide seamless logistics services to consumers worldwide.
But what does this mean for the supply and transport industry? Well, it simply means that there is significant potential in the supply chain sector and any student or even essay writer pursuing an alternate career in this field is on the right path.
However, to break even in this industry, it’s essential to arm yourself with experts’ best tips and advice. Fortunately, we have outlined working career tips designed to help any student easily integrate into the logistics and supply chain management industry. So let’s get started.
What is Supply Chain Management All About?
In simple terms, supply chain management entails all the processes involved in creating a product, from raw materials to delivery for the end-user. This field is vital because either a positive or negative impact on the supply chain can cause a ripple effect throughout the business in question.
For instance, if a production company offers low-quality logistics services, this will lead to customer loss or a drop in customer retention rates. The latter, in turn, leads to lower demand, decreased production capital, and the possible deterioration of available goods.
As such, it’s crucial to ensure that the supply chain is influential, well-connected, and involves communication at every link within the chain.
What Career Tips Should Students in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Know?
So you’re looking to pursue a career in transport and supply chain management. What exactly do you need to know about this sphere? If you have millions of questions running through your mind (which you probably do), here are some valuable tips we culled from experts in the field:
Find your niche
Supply chain management is diverse and goes beyond moving and storing goods. Before you hop into the industry full-time, it’s essential to identify what area you want to work in. According to Dr. Cynthia Kalina-Kaminsky, the president of Process and Strategy Solutions, it’s advisable to choose any aspect of the supply chain that interests you in the slightest bit and research it.
Your search should be multi-pronged to enable you to get a complete picture of the work involved in your chosen area. Read books, blogs, converse with people about it and even take online classes if you want. Once you’ve decided that’s the area you want to venture into, you can place the stamp of approval on your chosen niche.
But that’s not all yet. In your search for a niche, you equally have to garner knowledge about the less exciting links within the supply chain. This way, you can broaden your knowledge and become a valuable asset in your chosen field.
Brush up on your people skills
Most textbooks and theoretical courses on logistics and supply chain management focus on the industry’s technical processes. However, in the real world, supply chain management demands people skills as well.
Sure, you may break into the industry determined to fulfill the logistical demands of your role. However, knowing how to manage and work productively with other people will shoot you to the top. According to Hayato Yoshida, the co-founder of Wagyu Beef, the only people who make it to the top of the industry are people with strong interpersonal and social skills. People who rely solely on their technical expertise are often left at the bottom or middle levels of the industry.
In the logistics and supply chain management domains, you need to have leadership and teamwork skills. Luckily, you can develop these skills as a student before you get thrust into the real world.
The industry comes with a lot of pressure
Let’s face it: the transport and supply chain industry is filled with a lot of pressure. Regardless of your role within a company, you have to perform optimally or risk costing the company thousands of dollars. Due to how competitive the industry is, the tiniest mistake can cause any company to lose money or deals with potential partners.
As such, you have to brace yourself for the pressure ahead and give your all when it comes to doing your job. A great way to do this is by nurturing your passion for the field. Once you’re excited about what you do, you’ll be able to keep up with the demands of the industry.
Network as much as you can
One thing is to know a lot about your chosen field; another thing is to know the right people. In the supply chain management industry, networking is a priority. Connecting with the right people can help you solve potential hurdles and reach the apex of your career. For instance, meeting and building connections with certain suppliers can be beneficial when you need a favor or guidance on specific issues.
Similarly, try to get a mentor that will teach you the ropes of the industry and help you avoid pitfalls.
Get ready to play multiple roles
Here’s one thing you should know about pursuing a career in the logistics industry: you will have many unpredictable days. One day or another, you may have to play different roles outside your field of expertise. Usually, some unexpected events such as a crisis might occur, requiring you to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.
For instance, you might find yourself putting out a fire or operating a complex machine just to ensure that the process doesn’t lag. Although this may be frustrating, it’s all part of the numerous roles you’ll need to play within the industry.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a student looking to pursue a career in logistics and supply chain management, you’ll most likely face a lot of surprises when you venture into the industry. However, when you combine technical knowledge, expertise, and interpersonal skills, you can reach the peak of your career.
