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0:00
welcome back everyone, I'm Professor Rodriguez, your college instructor, supply chain executive, and co-founder of the MVC Logistics Academy, a channel made for all things Supply Chain and Logistics related, that includes career and professional development in the field of supply chain and Logistics. Which is why I bring you this comprehensive video today that is focused on careers within the Supply Chain industry, so whether you're a student exploring potential
0:27
career paths, a professional considering a career transition or if you're just curious about what rules are available the skills you need and how to get started and you're in the right place. Supply Chain management is a field that touches every part of our lives and it offers an incredible opportunity for professionals at all levels. So what do you say let's explore how you can begin this journey in the supply chain and Logistics industry
1:01
okay so first let's let's break down the video what we're going to cover here in today's video first we're going to do an overview of careers in supply chain then we're going to talk a little bit about what is supply chain and that's of course as a brief little blip if you do want a longer video we have something on the channel that's like a full length video of what is supply chain and Supply Chain management so you feel free to check that out then we're going to touch upon some of
1:28
the entry level positions available out there and what are the different levels of positions you can have in supply chain we'll talk about some of the skills that are needed for some of the entry level positions then we're going to talk about education and certifications and finally we're going to touch upon some of the growth opportunities we have here in this field first let's start by briefly defining Supply Chain management emphasis on the brief we're just going to have
1:55
a quick little slide about it because that's not what I want to focus about on this video I want to focus more on the career side of things if you do like I said a more if you want a more in-depth video about this concept what is supply chain then you have a video that we have here on the channel that you can check out I'll put the links in the description down below and I will try to add it here in the cards as well so you have it easily accessible if not always feel free to check
2:23
out the channel and and watch for yourself some of the contact that we have that it's all about supply chain and Logistics right with that said we can Define Supply Chain management as the process of managing the flow of goods and services from the raw material stage all the way to the finished product that ends up in the customer's hands that is a definition what I like to call the elevator pitch definition that is what you need to know drilled into your mind when you think of what
2:59
what is supply chain if anybody asks you if you have a conversation with somebody this is what you need to know if you're starting from scratch this is exactly that definition on what is Supply Chain management so everybody's in the same page and we have a little bit of an idea of what that is right start from zero if you're professional then you know this very well but this is sort of the broad description the broad definition of what is Supply Chain management right the process
3:30
of managing the flow of goods and what are we manage in this flow we manage different things now this involves everything and we think of the processes and these can be things like procurement production Logistics Inventory management and finally distribution as well as customer service and just to give you a little bit of a a visual or um an idea of a supply chain in motion think about your morning cup of coffee how these beans are grown on a farm then transported
4:10
to a rooster then package then distribute it to stores as a finished good or a final product and then actually Brew into your favorite drink whether you're making it yourself at home or you're purchasing it from a retailer every step of that process proc is managed by a supply chain and by Supply Chain management professionals all the steps the Symphony of steps that have to happen in order for you to consume that cup of coffee need to be coordinated organized managed and
4:50
that has to be done by Supply Chain management professionals now let's talk about why agree and Supply Chain management might be one of the smartest decision someone can make when it comes to choosing an industry or choosing a career not that I'm biased although I might be uh frankly because I am in this industry I teach I work at it in it and I see the benefits to it right but as if as it is with anything in life there are pros and cons and you'll have to be the judge of
5:20
that yourself I'm just here to present you some of the facts about this industry and why might make sense for somebody to choose it right because you need to know facts before you make decisions and I hope that that's what I'm here to do with you now if you're someone who loves problem solving you thrive in Dynamic environments and you want a career that generally impacts the world around you then this is the field that's going to check all those boxes now here's the thing just like with
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the cup of coffee that we talked about before every product that you use in your home or at work from the phone that you you have in your hand that you might be watching this video on to the food on your plate that you eat every day it got there because of a supply chain and because of the Professionals in that supply chain it is an industry that quietly Powers the world and it is important because a high sky rocketed in recent years especially after the pandemic everybody
6:22
was wondering and asking what is supply chain what happened with the supply chain why were my products getting to me when I needed them why was it a short of all these different products during the pandemic so I sort of highlighted uh really what supply chain was to the general public so it became a little bit I don't want to say trendy because I don't think that would be the term but it has become more of something that is more known to the public and to people that might be
6:50
outside of the field now why is it important and why have people noticed more about it recently than they have before I would like to think because businesses now realize that efficient Supply chains and Supply Chain management are not just a cost benefit to the business or to the operations but they can also be a Competitive Advantage right you can differentiate yourself as a business from others by how strongly you build your supply chains and we started to see that from
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major events like the pandemic and we're starting to see that more and more now now let's break a little a bit of that down here in the next couple of slides first and foremost let's talk about job security Now Supply Chain management is a field that's growing fast and the demand for professionals is outpacing the supply according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment for Logistics professionals or people who analyze and coordinate Supply chains is expected to grow by
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28% over the next decade and that is massive and it's not just Logistics roles across the board in Supply Chain management are booming now why is this happening as I mentioned a little bit before the world it's more interconnected than ever before global trade although this is not something new but it is something that's become more of a focus for some businesses e-commerce as well and I think also a constant push for being more efficient and creating Supply chains that
8:24
are more efficient also means that companies need the skill profession who can actually manage the complexity in their supply chain networks add to that some of the lessons we learned from the pandemic from major disruptions and businesses are really doubling down are building more resilient more weld managed Supply chains and they need the professionals the supply chain professionals they need the skills or the people that have the skills to actually be able to do this another element to
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this is competitive salaries let's be real salary is a big factor when choosing a career right I know it has been in my case in some occasions and I'm sure that it is a big consideration for a lot of you when you think about what career is really going to pay off based on the salary that I will receive for that career but the good news is that supply chain professionals are very well compensated now entry level roles like Logistics coordinator inventory analyst often
9:31
start around $50,000 to $60,000 per year depending on the location and the company but as you gain experience then your salary also tends to climb as well now mid-level positions like supply chain analyst can earn between 65 and $85,000 per year while managers often pull in a little bit more hitting them closer to the six figure salaries also as you climb the ladder and you become more of the upper level positions think of Chief supply chain officer or one of the E-Level Suite
10:06
Executives then you're looking more at $150,000 to $200,000 per year or more for these type of positions now that's not bad and you also have to think about that some companies might offer bonuses and incentives that are tied to Performance and that makes it a little bit more lucrative for you as well okay keep in mind that these are just some general guidelines or some general information about salaries and that a lot of this will depend more on where you're
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located the companies that you're applying to and the level of experience that you have now here is the exciting part at least what I think is exciting is that Supply Chain management and jobs in Supply Chain management aren't just locally based meaning in your location it is what I like to call a global career if you ever dreamed of working abroad I know I have and of traveling for work then this field offers you many incredible opportunities to do just that for
11:08
example if you're managing logistics for a company like Nike you might coordinate with factories in Asia warehouses in Europe and retail stores in North America all within a single day it can be challenging yes but it can also be incredibly rewarding and let's not forget that Global exposure looks great on your resume. Now let's talk about impact in supply chain and a career in supply chain it isn't just what you do in your job in your position but it is about how everything is
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related and it has sort of this chain reaction to the external world beyond your company beyond your position beyond your title supply chain professionals can solve real world problems
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especially during a crisis for example think back to the pandemic where think about when a natural disaster hits a certain area or a certain location or there's a shortage of medication it is a supply chain team and a supply chain professional that can ensure that people get what they need and in a timely manner and that is that is impactful that is something that is not just you sitting behind a desk or you just doing a couple of different tasks it is something that eventually will have
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an effect on people on their well-being on their livelihood and it does sort of give you this bigger picture idea of how your work can impact somebody and how meaningful it can be depending on what it is that you're doing take humanitarian logistics for example organizations like the world food program rely on supply chain professionals to deliver food and supplies to disaster stricken areas imagine being part of a team that saves lives by ensuring that the essential Goods that
13:12
are needed reach those who need them the most so always think about that the impact and the meaning behind the work that you do and I think in Supply Chain management and professionals within this field can take pride in seeing that as well now also if you're someone that loves learning and staying on top of trends that this might be the career for you Supply Chain management is at the cutting edge of innovation from drones delivering packages to A.I. being included or
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being able to use it to optimize inventory there's always something new that's happening and some with something new that you constantly need to learn about as an example companies like Walmart and FedEx are already using Predictive Analytics to anticipate demand and optimize routes Amazon is actually experimenting with autonomous Delivery Systems and blockchain Technology is transforming the way that they track Goods across the supply chain the point here is that the field of Supply
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Chain management and Logistics is dynamic it can be exciting and also full of opportunities to learn about these new technologies and also be able to innovate and be part of that Innovation and gives you a lot of areas for further study okay so now let's talk about how to get your foot in the door and start a career in Supply Chain management now you might think that all supply chain roles require years and years of experience or Advanced degrees and like some like in every
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field some of them do but here's the good news there are plenty of entry level opportunities and positions that allow you to learn on the job to grow quickly and even to work your way up entry level roles are a great great starting point for anyone that's new to the Supply Chain management field or someone that's looking to switch careers they give you I guess a chance to learn the basics to also develop your essential skills and also to understand how the pieces of
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this supply chain puzzle start to fit together now here we're going to talk about some of the most common entry level positions and what they involve a first we have a logistics coordinator coordinator a logistics coordinator is like the conductor of an orchestra ensuring that all the moving parts of a supply chain work well together your main job here in this role is to manage the transportation of goods making sure that shipments arrive on time in good condition and at the right
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cost for the business now this role involves coordinating with carriers tracking shipments and solving any kind of problems that can delay a delivery or if there are any kind of routing issues with your shipping if you're organized and detail oriented and also strong Communicator then this is a fantastic starting point it is also one of the most in demand positions especially with a lot of e-commerce startups now as a quick tip to stand out familiarize yourself with software for
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Logistics like Oracle transportation management or Freight pop these tools are widely used and will give you a little bit of an edge when it comes to the hiring process okay so up next we have inventory analyst have this role is all about insurance the companies maintain the right balance of stock meaning that you have enough to beat demand but not so much that you're wasting money on excess inventory as an inventory analyst you analyze stock data track inventory movements
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and collaborate with dreams to plan for any kind of future demand this role is perfect for those of you who love working with numbers and problem solving as a quick tip Excel is your best friend in this role so mastering Advanced Excel skills like pivot tables and VLOOKUP can make you indispensable and if you want to go a little bit further and more advanced then the learning Inventory management software like SAP and NetSuite can really boost your career prospects
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this is a great time to talk about a tool that can actually make a huge difference when we talk about Inventory management and as well as your supply chain career especially if you're aiming to master Inventory management now if you're just starting now even if you're looking to take your Logistics role to the next level understanding how to handle inventory is crucial it is the backbone of supply chain operations ensuring that the right products are in the right place and at the right
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time and that is exactly where inflow inventory comes in now inflow inventory is a powerful user friendly Inventory management software that helps you gain full control over stock levels orders and sales data all from one intuitive platform if you felt overwhelmed by all the different spreadsheets or you worried about missing some reorders I get it I've been there inflow inventory can automate those tasks for you and give you real time visibility now one of the best parts inflow
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integrates seamlessly with some popular e-commerce platforms accounting software and even POS systems that means whether you're working in a warehouse at a retail chain or running your own business or own online store inflow can adapt to fit your workflow this versatility not only streams slide your day-to-day operations but also makes you more marketable as a professional who can navigate the cutting edge inventory tools in the system now imagine being able to automate reorders so you
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never run out of your best sellers or tracking orders and real time and generating reports that can help you forecast demand more accurately these are the kinds of skills that stand out on your resume and showcasing that and that you know a software that works with that and that you understand both principles of inventory control and also the technology that drives modern Supply chains is a great plus if you're serious about a career in supply chain getting familiar
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with top tier inventory management software like inflow inventory can give you a significant edge if you're ready to give it a try I've partner with inflow to offer you a special link and just you can check it out at the description down below now let's get back to exploring more about supply chain careers so let's get back into it and we continue with procurement assistant the procurement assistant supports the purchasing team by sourcing materials managing
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supplier relationships and ensuring the goods are delivered on time and within budget this role gives you hands-on experience and in negotiating contracts and building relationships with vendors companies like Apple and Tesla rely on their procurement teams to source critical components like semiconductors and batteries starting as a procurement assistant is a great way to learn how to manage cost and be able to ensure quality as a quick tip to excel in procurement
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hone your negotiation skills and learn about supplier management tools like Coupa or Ariba these tools are are commonly used and will make you a stronger candidate next we have customer service and representative let's not overlook the importance of customer service roles in the supply chain I started out in customer service so I would like to say I see the importance of this in this position you act as the bridge between customers and the supply chain ensuring that their needs
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are met while solving any issues that arise I like to think and I like to say that you're in the front lines of the supply chain because you deal directly with the customers so these can be some challenging positions but you are able to start as an entry level and then move your way into other types of jobs or other types of positions this role is ideal if you're a great communicator and you enjoy problem solving on the spot plus it helps you develop a sort of
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um understanding of how Supply chains interact with the end customers like I said you're in the front lines as a quick tip focus on developing your conflict resolution skills you're going to encounter frustrated customers clients and your ability to stay calm and collected and be able to resolve issues is going to set you apart now that we've covered some of the roles let's let's talk about how to make yourself the best candidate for these positions and here some advice to help
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you shine in the application process and on the job build your foundational skills employers are looking for candidates with strong foundational skills like attention to detail small errors in inventory or in shipments can have major major consequences when we're talking about Supply Chain so being aware of all the different details that are in motion is going to be very important so attention to details are crucial skill also time management Supply chains move super fast
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so you need to stay on top of deadlines on top of shipments and you need to be able to handle these tasks timely so be sure to be able to have enough skills with time management I wasn't always the best at this but I have developed that skill as I continue in my career and also moved it into my personal life as well another skill is technical aptitude get comfortable with tools and working with Excel working even Google Sheets if that's as as little as you know you're also going to need to
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know entry level supply chain software and and the tools that we use because these are needed in your everyday task and most roles nowadays you will need to have some level of a technical aptitude when it comes to using different types of WMS or TMS systems or an ERP these are going to be things that you're going to need to know at least to some degree so being computer savvy that's a must you need to be able to know how to handle and deal with being on a computer to some degree okay so
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if that is something that you need to build upon consider that you can also consider platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn learning that offer excellent beginner courses in both Logistics Inventory management and many other different processes as well as some of the technical skills like Excel and some of those type of software now completing these courses can give you a little bit of an edge and they can bring up your skill set so make sure that you consider some of these especially if you
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don't have any prior experience with some of these areas gain hands-on experience now experience is key but how do you get it without already being in the industry that is a question I get asked all the time well think about some of the options out there might be internships or part-time roles which are a great way to start many companies including Amazon and DHL offer internships especially for students or recent graduates that are interested in Supply Chain management even if
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it's not a formal internship look for ways to gain relevant experience right volunteer for Logistics roles in a non for-profit or an a small business where you might be able to gain some valuable skills while making a difference if you're transitioning from another field I would highly recommend that you highlight transferable skills for example if you worked in retail you already understand Inventory management and customer service if you manage projects then you're already
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familiar with meeting deadlines and organizing resources as a quick tip try to customize your resume for each role by using keywords from the job description this not only shows that you're a good fit but also helps your resume get past some of the application tracking systems and also think about the bigger picture entry level roles are your ticket into the supply chain industry they might seem small at first but they provide a solid foundation to build your career the skills
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you gain as a logistics coordinator or inventory analyst will open the doors through roles like a supply chain manager a procurement specialist or even later on a director of operations the key is to approach every role with respect as well as a willingness to learn remember that every great supply chain leader started out somewhere and this could be your starting point all right let's talk about education and certifications two of the key ingredients to launching and advancing your supply
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chain career whether you're coming straight out of school pivoting careers or looking to climb the ladder the right education and certifications can give you the knowledge the confidence as well as the credibility to stand out in this competitive industry so we're going to discuss the different levels or types of education and we're going to start with formal education now a bachelor's degree is one of the best ways to build a strong foundation for a supply chain career and here's
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the great news Supply Chain management isn't limited to just one type of degree employers are hiring candidates with diverse educational backgrounds here are some of the degrees that are highly relevant for supply chain roles first we have the bachelor in Supply Chain management as it is in the name this is the most direct path when some great programs like the one at Michigan State University and Arizona State University are globally ranked and they focus specifically
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on Logistics procurement and operations you also have the Bachelor's in Business Administration now this is a broad foundation in business principles and management which is essential for roles in Supply Chain management operations as well as Logistics programs like the one at the University of Pennsylvania and Indiana University School of Business are also highly ranked schools there's also degrees in economics and data analytics these degrees
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can help you specialize in demand forecasting inventory analysis and supply chain modeling some of the programs at the University of Chicago as well as the University of Texas at Austin focus on applying analytics to real world supply chain problems such as inventory optimization and demand forecasting now you might be asking or wondering what if I didn't major in one of these fields don't worry plenty of people enter Supply Chain management with unrelated degrees the
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key is to pair your background with industry relevant training even cross training and also certifications for example if you have a degree in it well they can try to specialize in supply chain systems like ERP software or blockchain Logistics platforms as a quick tip check out universities that offer online bachelor's programs if you're trying to balance work in your studies also for certifications check out platforms like EDX and Coursera that offer micro degrees and certificates
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from top schools like MIT and Pen State and many many others each of these programs provides a pathway to a successful career in Supply Chain management or related fields but if you're looking at other programs or other schools I do want to give you some tips for actually choosing a school first look for industry connections look at school those maybe with Partnerships with major companies like Amazon or IBM or maybe even theory that they often might provide better
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internship and job opportunities for when you actually finish your program you also should look into accreditations ensure that the program is accredited by reputable organizations depending on the type of program you're interested into going so make sure you check the accreditations you should also evaluate cost and scholarships many top schools offer scholarships financial aid or work study programs to make education more affordable for you so make sure you know
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how much the cost is going to be for the program the whole program yearly or however and make sure that you also check out what scholarships might be available to you both academically and depending on your background as well okay so check those make sure you check those out
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you should also focus on location proximity to Major supply chain hubs or Industries for example like in Atlanta for Logistics or in California like Silicon Valley for Tech or Chicago for transportation hubs they can make networking for you a little bit easier if you're already in close proximity to those then you might be able to have access to a larger pool of employers As you move in your program now let me know in the comments if you like for
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a little bit more of tailor advice for specific career goals that you might have and we can try to create some content around it now let's talk about Advanced degrees if you want to move into leadership roles like supply chain director or chief Logistics officer a master's degree or an MBA with a focus on Supply Chain management can take your career to the next level programs like the one at MIT with their masters and Supply Chain management or the University of Michigan Ross MBA
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program are highly regarded in the industry these programs go beyond the basics and they dive deep into the Strategic side of things both in sourcing Global Logistics and also talk about or touch upon emerging Technologies like Ai and blockchain an MBA or a masters isn't for everyone we understand that it's a big investment but here's the thing many employers will help fund your education if it aligns with your role so don't be afraid to ask about tuition reimbursement programs at your
33:06
current employer let's talk about certifications my favorite now certifications are like um a Super Booster to your resume they prove to employers that you have specialized skills and are up to date with the industry knowledge best of all you don't need years of experience to start earning them or investing years years into a formal education because you could get them right away now here I'm going to talk about the top certifications that supply chain professionals
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should consider whether you're starting out or if you're looking to advance your career first we have the certified supply chain professional this is a certification that you can get through APICS which is our part of the association for legit Supply Chain management and is one of the most recognized credentials worldwide it covers everything from supply chain design and planning to operations and even technology integration if you want to stand out in roles
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like a supply chain analyst or a logistics manager this certification is a fantastic choice plus you can study at your own pace using the online resources make sure that you visit APICS.org for details about the CSCP exam structure the cost the preparation materials and I know that they even offer some student discounts so take a look at those and take advantage of those and if you're considering the certification that is a great starting point that I think every
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supply chain professional should have in their resume and in their education it is the certified supply chain professional certification by APICS okay next up is the certified in production and inventory management or CPIM certification which is also offered by APICS this is perfect for anyone working with inventory control production planning or demand management or interested in those fields um you have to think of it as taking a certification is going to give
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you like a deep dive into the operational side of Supply chains in roles like inventory analyst or production planner you'll often see this certification listed as a preferred credential because it demonstrates that you understand how to align inventory with demand let's not forget about lean Six Sigma certifications these are game changers for anyone looking to improve efficiency and reduce waste in Supply chains the green belt level is ideal for beginners and it
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teaches you the tools and techniques to optimize processes now companies like Toyota and GE are famous for their lean Six Sigma practices and having the certification would make you a more appealing candidate because it'll see you as a more valuable asset to any team you can get started with a Lean Six Sigma certification on platforms like ASQ or Coursera where programs are often self-paced and also budget friendly now some positions that often require this
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certification are production planner process Improvement specialist and also quality manager
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next we have the certified professional in Supply management or the CPSM now this is offered by The Institute for Supply management ISM and it's excellent for professionals focusing on procurement and strategic sourcing it covers supplier negotiations contract management and cost reduction strategies if you are aiming for roles like a procurement specialist or a category manager this certification can help you hit the ground running as always I'm going
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to add the links to all of these certifications in the description down below so make sure to check them out if you're interested and you can find out more details and more information on any of these certifications and it goes without saying that education and certifications are very powerful tools that can help you open many doors no matter where you're starting from the supply chain industry is hungry for talent and invested in yourself is the best kind of investment and is
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also going to pay off in the long run if you're ready to take the first step let me know in the comments which certifications or degree paths are most interesting to you and don't forget to check the description below for some of the links to these resources if you're enjoying this content hit that like button and that subscri subscribe button for the MVC Logistics Academy so you can get more insights into supply chain careers okay so I do want to address something very important
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that I always tell my students not everyone has the time the resources or even the interest to pursue a formal degree like a bachelor's degree or even a master's degree and that is totally okay a successful career Supply Chain management doesn't always require a University degree there are plenty of what I I call or is known as nonformal education paths that can help you gain the skills the knowledge and even the confidence to land a job in this field up first we have online learning
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and online learning platforms have been a game changer for many years but I think specifically or more recently after the pandemic there's been a bigger increase in online learning and for anyone who wants to learn Supply Chain management on their own time at their their own pays and also at a fraction of the cost of a traditional degree then that's this might be a great alternative now as I mentioned earlier we do have platforms like Coursera EDX and Udemy that offer affordable high
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quality courses that are taught by industry experts and from top universities for example if you go on Coursera you can find courses like Supply Chain management specialization and this is offered by Rutgers University you also have one of my favorites which is A.I. for Supply Chain by the University of Minnesota and here's the best part many of these platforms offer payment plans or free trials or they might even let you audit the course for free that means that you can access
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this education without breaking the bank for you is to focus on building a learning schedule you have to block out one to two hours a day or even if you have 20 minutes block it out but need to make sure that you have consistency and that you create a learning schedule yes it is at your own pace you're doing it as you can but make sure that you stay consistent with learning the material taking on your assignments and completing or all the work that is required all right there is not
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going to be anybody behind you pushing you to this work like you do in a traditional setting with a school or university that's not the case okay so you're learning on your own but also the responsibilities are on your own so you need to make sure that you create a learning schedule that blocks out a certain amount of time a day for you to focus on that particular task now there's also free resources and Open Access content if you're really on a budget free educational resources are
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your best friend you can still though build a strong supply chain knowledge with the rank content let's start with YouTube now there are plenty of creators and channels dedicated to supply chain topics that explain everything from Logistics and inventory to case studies to technology Trends you name it you'll find it on YouTube our Channel aside there's still plenty plenty plenty of other channels and other creators that you're able to search for on YouTube and find
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content that is high quality content that you have for free that you can access and learn from okay so take advantage of that and always try to learn as much as you can from the tools you have access to now a few of the channels that I recommend that are great I I watch them also myself I try to watch at least once a day is MIT Open CourseWare now they have free recordings of MIT supply chain courses and other types of courses and lectures from the professors at MIT so it's a
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great great sort of inside look into what happens into some of these programs right a little peak into it so I love that channel there's another Channel That's the APICS Channel we talked about the certifications well they also have a channel that has videos that explain certifications and also what are some of the industry standards all right now another thing that you shouldn't forget about is websites like blogs or even white papers now there are websites like supply chain dive and
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theory insights that publish free reports they also have Trends and as well as case studies I get a lot of my resources from there now little tip I can give you I do this myself set aside 15 to 30 minutes every day to either read an article or watch a video that relates to this right treat it like your daily of professional development make sure that you at least once a day are watching something I usually do it in my morning routine as I'm getting ready for my day I just set up my
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tablet I put something on for one of these places I also podcast is a great resource as well that I didn't mention earlier but in YouTube you'll find all of them just to be able to get more knowledge as you take on your daily tasks so that's a little quick tip that I could give you now you also have some practical experience through volunteering or projects I mentioned volunteering a little bit before right but another path to building your skills without a formal
43:38
education is by gaining that hands-on experience and like I mentioned we can do this through volunteering through freelance projects or even through some parttime work now small businesses and profits are always always in the need for help and they might need help organizing like I said they Logistics managing their inventory or improving some of the processes they have in place right now for example you can help a local charity streamline a supply chain or for the food
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bank arrange their food deliveries or maybe assist a small business or a small e-commerce business in setting up a way to better track their inventory now these are experiences that are not only going to help you build your skill set with real world or hands-on experience and you can add them to your resume I've I've done that any kind of volunteer work that I've done I've added to my resume as a volunteer section and has sort of highlighted some of the skills that I acquire some
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of the things that I that I can highlight on there so you can you can always do that believe me okay now you can use platforms to find these type of um volunteer work or project work Platforms like UPwork or LinkedIn jobs you can find freelance gigs or small Project work lastly let's talk about networking and mentorship now sometimes one of the best ways to learn might not be through the traditional methods or through like a textbook it might be through having conversations with
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the people who have been there and have done that and who are already in the industry now here's what you can do you can join LinkedIn groups or industry groups on LinkedIn there are tons of them for supply chain communities where professionals share tips some resources and even my post job opportunities now another great way is to attend free webinars there's a lot of them that are hosted by organizations like APICS like the ISM or the logistics management magazine another thing
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that you can do is you can try to find a mentor you can reach out to someone in the industry and ask for advice I know that most professionals are willing to help others especially if you show that you have an eagerness to learn that you want to learn from them as a quick tip when you're reaching out to someone for a mentorship or showing a expressing a little bit of interest in that be specific for example say I'm interested in logistics coordination and we love to hear about
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your experience can I have like 15 minutes of your time for some advice on a particular problem or issue I'm having that clarity shows respect for this professional's time it shows that you put a little bit of thought and effort into reaching out and then you have a point that you're trying to get into it's not just randomly reaching out to somebody but actually asking for advice and most people they will take the time to actually give you a little bit of insight into their
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experience okay so don't be afraid to do that now here's an important thing that going to remember higher education is just one path into Supply Chain management online courses certification practical experience and mentorship can help you get started without a degree the key again is to take action learn something new every day build that hands-on experience or that hands-one skills and don't be afraid to start small every supply chain professional started out somewhere believe
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me now whether you're learning on YouTube You're earning and certification or you're volunteering at a local community center every step you take takes you a step closer into that career goal now if you get ready to get started check out the description down below for some great free resources links to the certification programs and to the online learning platforms and also let me know in the comments what is the first step that you're planning to take towards
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your career in supply chain okay so let's get into one of the most exciting parts of any career and that is growth opportunities now Supply Chain management is an incredibly dynamic field I've said that over and over again right but one of the best things about it is just the sheer variety of career paths that you can take whether you're just starting out or you've been working in this field for a while there's always room for you to grow now let's take a look into how you
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can advance in your supply chain career with some of the roles that you can aim for and the skills that you'll need to get there now entry level to midlevel roles these are the foundations for growth most people start this applying careers in entry level positions like Logistics Coordinator an inventory analyst or a procurement assistant these roles are your foundation and they teach you the nuts and bolts of supply chain operations now here's a great news Supply Chain management is
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a field where you can progress quickly if you show initiative you have the right skills and you have a willingness to learn now for example someone who starts out as a as a logistics coordinator can move into a role of a logistics manager or maybe Transportation planner within 2 to 5 years here's a quick tip take ownership of your work and look for ways to improve processes even in those entry level roles showing that initiative is going to be one of the fastest ways to get noticed and
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you can also learn a new process or skill along the way so always take pride in what you do and be willing to take on a challenge once you've gain a few years of experience you're likely to aim for some of the midlevel managerial roles now these include positions like a supply chain manager they oversee the end-to-end supply chain ensuring efficiency and cost control or a warehouse manager they focus on optimizing storage and inventory in warehouses and distribution centers a procurement
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manager they lead the sourcing strategies Supply higher negotiations and deal with cost reduction efforts a transportation manager they coordinate Logistics and shipping ensuring timely deliveries and cost efficiencies now in these roles you're not only manage day-to-day operations but also strategize for long-term improvements for example a supply chain manager might work on reducing lead times by implementing just in time inventory systems or by automating
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warehouse management processes at this stage soft skills like leadership communication and conflict resolution become as important as the technical skills consider taking courses or workshops in people management or emotional intelligence another path to Career growth is specialization instead of managing broad operations you can focus on becoming an expert in a specific area some examples of some specialist roles include demand planner focuses on forecasting customer demand
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to optimize inventory and production Quality Assurance Specialists they ensure that products meet quality standards throughout the supply chain sustainability specialist develops and implements echo-friendly supply chain practices like reducing carbon footprints and using sustainable materials data analyst or supply chain analyst uses data to optimize processes identify trends and improve decision making now these roles are ideal if you enjoy digging into more of
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a specific challenge now for example at the man planner at a company like Nike my specialize in analyzing his historical sales data and market trends to forecast how many shoes to produce for a particular season Specialists are highly sought after because they bring a more targeted expertise to the table to excel in specialized roles invest in certifications like the ones I mentioned before from APICS and from the other organizations for example Inventory management or Lean Six Sigma for
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process Improvement or a course on sustainability management if you're interested in sort of that Eco-focused approach after getting significant experience many professionals aspire to senior leadership roles like a director of supply chain they set strategic goals for the entire supply chain Network also Chief supply chain officer they oversee the global supply chain operations aligning them with the company's business objectives VP
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of operations they focus on overall operational excellence often managing Logistics procurement and Manufacturing teams now these roles are about Vision you're no longer managing day-to-day tasks you're driving the company's supply chain strategy forward for instance a chief supply chain officer at a company like Amazon might work on creating faster Delivery Systems using Automation and drone technology as we've seen that they're trying to do now
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these roles often come with six figure salaries and also with the chance to lead major projects and Innovations senior leadership roles often require Advanced education like an MBA and and appr proven track record of delivering results now start building a portfolio of your accomplishments like any kind of cost savings process improvements or team success that you can present when the opportunity arises let's consider that growth isn't always about climbing that corporate
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ladder sometimes moving sideways into a different function within the supply chain can open new doors for example a procurement manager might transition into the role in supplier relationship management a warehouse manager can move into supply chain technology implementation working on ERP systems or WMS software systems lateral moves can broaden your expertise making you more versatile and valuable to employers plus they also a great way to explore what areas of supply chain
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you might be more passionate about talk to your manager about cross training opportunities many companies are open to employees exploring different departments especially in educational programs if you're interested in working abroad or leading Global teams Supply Chain management offers incredible International opportunities some supply chain roles offer exciting challenges like navigating cultural differences or managing Logistics across multiple different time zones
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for instance a logistics manager for Tesla my coordinate shipments of electric vehicles or components between factories in Asia Europe and the US companies like apple DHL and Procter and gamble operate across continents and they always need professionals who understand the global logistics and also trade regulations a good tip for you is learn about international trade regulations and develop some cross-cultural communication skills and if you're multilingual
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well try to highlight that it is a huge asset when we're talking about global roles and before we wrap up let me share a few tips to help you accelerate your career growth in Supply Chain management invest in continuous learning stay up to date on Trends and Technologies like A.I. blockchain and sustainability certifications like the one I mentioned earlier like the CSCP or the Lean Six Sigma are great for building your credentials and they're always going to be
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a good investment I mentioned them before and I'm going to mention it again networking join professional organizations attend the conferences connect with uh your fellow peers whether it is through LinkedIn or other platforms but take advantage of the opportunities that can come from having these relationships in the industry seek mentors this can eventually be a result from the previous networking well try to find someone in a role that you aspire to and learn from their
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experiences many professionals are happy to Mentor ambitious newcomers or people that are starting out and there are professional organizations that have mentorship programs so take a look at those also document your achievements keep a record of your successes like anything related to how you improved processes or any kind of accomplishments that you had or your team had make sure that you document this because these are powerful tools that you can highlight during performance reviews
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and you could talk about when you're doing the interview circle and you can really talk and show what you did that is actually an achievement of yours also be adaptable Supply chains are dynamic and disruptions can and will happen so showing that you can adapt quickly to challenges is a skill that many many companies value High lot a journey we've been on today's video we've covered a lot of ground about the world of Supply Chain management and some of the careers and I hope
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you're walking away with some valuable insights and some actionable steps to build your career
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now here's what I want you to take away from this video and all of this and the conversation we've had today that there's never been a better time to start a career in Supply Chain management as we move into the new year the industry is growing rapidly there's a lot of demand for professionals that's far outpacing the supply and companies around the world are looking for people who can help them navigate these challenges that we are having in the industry how to embrace new
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technologies that are coming in and how to create more sustainable operations in the long run now whether you're starting from scratch from zero or you're trying to Pivot into another field well the opportunities are there and the time to act really is now so what would be your next step well maybe it's enrolling in your first online course or maybe think about earning a certification or even signing up for one of our courses here at the MVC Logistics Academy Shameless plug there
1:00:00
where we help you break down some of the supply chain Concepts into practical actionable lessons or maybe it's updating your resume to reflect those transferable skills or maybe reach out to someone that you know in the industry for some advice whatever it is that you decide to do don't let this momentum that you're having by looking up stuff about supply chain and a career in supply chain do it today build your future today remember that Supply Chain management isn't just a job it's
1:00:31
a field where you can grow you can innovate you can truly make an impact on how the world works it is about keeping goods moving and it is about problem solving and creating solutions to things it is about that but also think about what goes on beyond that right it's ensuring that medical supplies reach hospitals or making products more affordable or that they can get to families who need them so think about that right the bigger picture and this is your chance to be part of
1:01:01
something bigger than yourself you don't have to have all the answers right now but the important thing is that you take that first step no matter how small no matter how little you think it is just think about keep moving forward and remember you're not alone we're here to guide you every step of the way as much as we can whether it is through our videos through some of the courses that we built or through the amazing community that I see that's building in the comments so
1:01:29
just keep that in mind don't feel like you have nowhere to turn for answers I'll try my best to answer all the questions and all the comments you make here in the video I would love to hear about your goals in the comment section what's your dream role in Supply Chain management right what is that dream goal you're trying to achieve and we can try to see if we can make that happen together now until next time keep learning keep growing keep building that future and supply chain
1:01:56
and Logistics thank you for watching as always I appreciate it and see you in the next one, bye!
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