Building skills, gaining experience and moving up in the supply chain sector

A career in the supply chain sector can lead down several different paths, and for those hoping to enter the field – or those looking to advance – there are some commonalities that cannot be ignored.

Matthew Drake is an associate professor of supply chain management at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa., and he is well aware of the vast opportunities available in the logistics industry.

“When I talk to parents of high school students during recruiting or open houses, or even our current students trying to figure out their major, I tell them that the supply chain area is made up of so many different functions that all work together,” said Drake. “These functions require different sets of skills, or more significantly, the same skills but in different concentrations.”

Drake said it’s difficult to pinpoint any one specific career path in the supply chain sector, as there are many, each one unique.

“That’s exciting and really good for people getting into the field because there are so many opportunities,” he said. “But it’s also hard to figure out where you fit best. I start conversations with students by asking what they like to do, because you can find your home in supply chain somewhere.

“The good aspect is that everyone can find a home in the supply chain that fits their skill set. The challenge is finding what fits your skill set best.”

One of the skills every supply chain professional needs is an ability to analyze data.

“Every supply chain job requires a good amount of data analysis – you can’t be a supply chain professional today without some degree of data analysis,” said Drake. “But it’s a spectrum – for some jobs, analysis is extremely important, for others, it may be less significant. On the other hand, we have interpersonal relationships; getting out there, talking with suppliers, talking with customers, collaborating on cross-functional teams. Some folks really gravitate toward that area because it fits their skills.”

One of the best ways to figure out which area of the supply chain industry fits your skill set is to test the waters through internships. As Drake pointed out, every single student in the program should have internships – as many as possible.

“It’s always a good learning experience, and I recommend purposefully getting internships in different areas,” he said. “One in procurement, one in planning, one in transportation logistics, so you can try out different areas and see what’s best for you.”

Getting internships in different industries also provides valuable experience that translates from one position to another. Drake added that if there is a specific industry a student wants to get into, there is nothing wrong with pursuing an internship with a company in that sector.

Rotational programs – where students are hired by a company, not for a specific job but to be given several different tasks – is another way to gain experience in areas such as corporate offices, operations or international assignments.

“It’s a great experience because at the end, you work with the company to figure out where your skills will be best utilized and what you want to do,” said Drake. “You can give preferences about working conditions.”

Companies will often recruit students at job fairs for rotational programs, targeting the best candidates.

“The good aspect is that everyone can find a home in the supply chain that fits their skill set. The challenge is finding what fits your skill set best.”

Matthew Drake,
associate professor of supply chain management at Duquesne University

Movin’ on up

As technology continues to change the landscape of the supply chain sector, students entering the industry and those already employed should focus on what Drake called a cross-functional perspective.

“People who want to move up in the organization need that cross-functional foundation and end-to-end perspective,” said Drake. “You may really know buying or procurement, but you may not understand how it connects with planning, engineering, inventory, and logistics. The supply chain is an interconnected web of processes and organizations.”

Drake said career advancement can happen in a vertical or horizontal way within an organization.

“We see people all the time who start in procurement, then move into planning and scheduling, logistics, sales, product management, marketing, or finance,” he said. “There are lots of opportunities, which adds to the concept that there’s no one path.”

Drake suggested getting horizontal experience early on in a supply chain career, but ensuring you gain cross-functional knowledge to help with advancement.

“You’re not going to be the chief supply chain officer by being just a material planner, then material planning manager, then director,” said Drake. “You have to have cross-functional experience. Get as many different experiences as possible early on.”

But there is a fine line between gaining as much experience as possible and jumping from job to job too often.

“Don’t be someone who moves every nine months thinking they’ve learned everything,” said Drake. “It might be 18 months, might be 24 months, but move when you’ve made a name for yourself and the organization is better because you made a difference.”

Technology and AI

You don’t have to be a technology or AI expert to enjoy a fruitful career in the supply chain sector, but you do need to be competent in the area.

Depending on how much a company has invested in new technologies and AI – with some being ahead of the game and others well behind – knowing the fundamentals of a supply chain position will never change. Whether a buyer, inventory planner, material planner or transportation coordinator, an understanding of the position coupled with being an effective user of technology and AI is how employees will find success.

Staying up to date with ever-changing technology is also essential, which is where continuing education plays a key role.

Whether through conferences or webinars, micro-credentials, certifications or another degree program, those in the supply chain industry must stay current.

“The key is figuring out what’s best for you,” said Drake. “Where are your skill gaps for the job you want? What can you do now versus what you need to develop? Then determine the best way to address those gaps.”