Logistics, already integral to the lives of so many, is a steadily growing industry. With an increasing number of businesses operating solely online, with products delivered straight from warehouses rather than bought from shops, the industry is only set to grow. An integral part of that process, supply chain management has seen a number of disruptions over the past few years, from Brexit to the Covid pandemic.
We explore the merits of studying supply chain management, and how it can help you take your logistics career to the next level. We want to say a big thank you to the Joloda Hydraroll team for their expert career insights and guidance which made this article possible!
Invest in your career
Having a certification in supply chain management can significantly improve your job opportunities in the logistics industry.
Many higher-level positions require supply chain management training as a prerequisite, and if you’re applying for a position that doesn’t, you’ll be considered a more qualified applicant than those who aren’t trained. While the upfront costs of studying may seem significant, in the long run, they’ll be easily covered by the increased earning capacity they’ll give you.
See your education as an investment in your career, not just an opportunity to learn valuable information and skills.
Learn to navigate a tumultuous industry
While supply chain management has never been simple, the past few years have shown just how big an effect geopolitical events can have on the logistics industry.
Learning how to analyse and predict the impact that various events will have on your particular supply chain is an incredibly important skill, and will equip you with the ability to navigate a seemingly increasingly complex industry. It’s possible to pick those skills up on the job, but learning through trial and error can have massive consequences in an area with stakes as high as the logistics industry.
Implement proper systems
Studying systems and the latest technology around supply chain management will allow you to develop and implement the most effective systems in your new role.
Helping your organisation to perform at maximum efficiency should be your main priority as a supply chain manager; avoiding bottlenecks and predicting shortages before they occur can be helped through system management, and technology is increasingly becoming a useful tool in making those predictions.
Getting training rather than learning on the job will mean that you’re exposed to the latest industry knowledge and trends, giving you a competitive advantage before you even start working.
Hit the ground running
It’s possible to learn on the job, but as mentioned before, making a mistake in supply chain management can have disastrous consequences.
Burning bridges by messing up early in a career in logistics could have ramifications long down the line, and getting a decent education in supply chain management significantly reduces the risk of that happening. Instead, it’s far more likely that you’ll hit the ground running, impressing your superiors and providing real value to your organisation.
