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Career Opportunities: Supply Chain Job Growth in 2021 and Beyond

Posted by [email protected] on Aug. 9, 2021  /  Subscribe 0

Picture it: You're sitting in a coffee shop with a friend discussing the future when they ask you a question you've already heard a hundred times before, "So, what are you going to do now?" It's the same question you've asked yourself more times than you can count. As you stare at the coffee cup, swishing the stirring stick around, you realize you have no clue where either item came from. 

Looking around the coffee shop, you begin to wonder, "How did any of these things end up here?" The answer to that question is supply chain and logistics. And with the supply chain job growth being observed in the current market, it should be the answer to the first question, too!

What is Supply Chain and Logistics?

Answering what industries are not involved somehow with supply chain and logistics would be easier than outlining the industries in which it is a crucial element. When it comes to making things happen in business, industry, or government, everything begins with supply chain management (SCM) and logistics management. An in-depth analysis of data concerning SCM could be helpful, but perhaps a better way to answer the question is to provide a small sampling of the general areas involving SCM and logistics:

• Materials Planning
• Materials Procurement
• Dispatch and Transportation Scheduling
• Inventory Control
• Manufacturing
• Forecasting
• Vendor Management
• Quality Control
• Analytics
• Customer Support
• IT Systems Development and Implementation
• Financial Management
• Expense Management
• Risk Management
• Cash Flow Management
• Training and Education

Is Supply Chain a Growing Field?

On any given day, at any given moment, anything can go wrong. It can happen anywhere to anyone. When a factory burns down or a ship sinks, supply chains are interrupted in a significant way. That kind of disruption can stop a production plant in its tracks. The costs start piling up and don't stop until the problem is solved and everything returns to normal. The disruptions that occurred during the recent pandemic served to establish the importance of supply chain and logistics processes in business. According to RetailNext.net's analysis, the pandemic majorly impacted the global supply networks during 2020:

• 64% of worldwide retailers modified their supply chain to adapt to e-commerce demands placed on them
• 56% of retailers had to renegotiate vendor contracts
• 28% of retailers had to locate new and/or alternative vendors
• 26% of retailers were understocked or completely out-of-stock of regular inventory

Is Supply Chain Management in High Demand?

All that bad news means good news to those looking to enter the ever-growing and ever-expanding field of supply chain and logistics support. The global supply chain management market is expected to grow 11.2% from 2020 to 2027, starting with annual revenues of $37.4 billion in 2020. In less data-heavy terms, the future looks bright, and if your education is applicable in the field, you'd better wear shades.

Is Supply Chain a Good Career?

If you know nothing about supply chain and logistics management, then the world is your oyster; the available logistics career opportunities and career paths are simply too numerous to list. When you discover the data concerning annual salaries for supply chain managers or logisticians, it's easy to see that you're primed for quick job placement. Entry-level positions can quickly become senior positions in the supply chain industry due to the enormous demand for qualified, diligent professionals. The overall job outlook is positive no matter where you are located on the planet—or where you want to be located on the planet. If ever there was a career path that could lead to almost anywhere you want to go, doing nearly anything you want to do, it's supply chain and logistics management.

Are Supply Chain Majors in Demand?

Speaking to the elephant in the room, what kind of education is required to get into the industry? The answer is simple: A high school diploma is a great start. From there, you can get an Associate's Degree or go for a Bachelor's Degree if you want. The good news is, since many companies offer training and educational support for supply chain positions due to their importance, you can gain valuable supply chain work experience in the industry while you learn. The schools that provide the required education offer a variety of programs for industry rookies and veterans alike. Bachelor's and Master's degree programs provide ongoing training to help professionals learn the latest technologies and opportunities to maintain an active professional network, an extremely valuable resource in this field or any other.

Is Work in Supply Chain and Logistics Right for Me?

Whether you see yourself as a logistics manager, operations manager, purchasing manager, or any of the other myriad job opportunities awaiting you if you have strong problem-solving skills, supply chain management might be the industry for you! The kind of job skills typically required in supply chain and logistics revolve around resolving issues and keeping processes as streamlined as possible. Communication is vital, so the ability to communicate effectively with others is also an important aspect of the job. Solving problems means helping people and getting the job done right, on time, and without difficulties. Minimizing interruptions while keeping operations functioning saves time, money, and potential disaster further downstream.

What Industries Need Supply Chain and Logistics?

A wise man once said that the definition of "business" was nothing more than the daily solution of problems. And whoever this anonymous man was, he was absolutely correct! The people across industries who can solve problems become extremely valuable to those who have the problems. 

In supply chain and logistics management, unavoidable problems come with the territory. Whether it is getting a shipment out of customs and onto a ship or making sure an electronics supplier is certified to manufacture a subcomponent properly, the list of potential issues is neverending.  

Help Solve the World's Problems with ASCM Houston Chapter

Those who can anticipate, understand, and resolve problems quickly, efficiently, and diligently occupy an important and unique space in any industry. The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) Houston Chapter offers classes and opportunities for those wishing to further their education and begin a career in supply chain and logistics management. 

Join our chapter’s 800+ members to gain access to certification classes, professional development meetings, plant tours, and more helpful resources to take advantage of the massive supply chain job growth our industry is currently experiencing!

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