We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • ::COVID-19 COVERAGE::
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • SUBMISSIONS
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
Home » New report goes inside the minds of young supply chain professionals
Forward Thinking

New report goes inside the minds of young supply chain professionals

October 11, 2017
Supply Chain Quarterly Staff
No Comments

What do young professionals (YPs) think about working in the supply chain field? Why are they attracted to the business, and what are they looking for in a career? These are the questions leaders at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and third-party logistics provider (3PL) Penske Logistics set out to answer this past summer when they surveyed nearly 300 CSCMP members who are under the age of 30. The short answer to both questions, according to the survey results and a follow-up panel discussion at the 2017 CSCMP EDGE Conference, is opportunity—the opportunity to do interesting work in a variety of settings and for career development and advancement.

The typical YP responding to the survey has been in the industry for about three years, has or is pursuing a bachelor's degree, and works for a 3PL, manufacturing, or transportation and warehousing company. The top reasons why young professionals are attracted to the field include: the variety of opportunities and job types that the profession offers (20 percent); firsthand exposure through internships, jobs, and courses (19 percent); and a passion or excitement for the supply chain (17 percent). (See sidebar at right.)

Regardless of what attracted them to the profession, the young professionals surveyed enjoy working in the supply chain. Eighty-one percent strongly agreed that supply chain management is a good career choice, and no one who was surveyed disagreed.

Despite the high satisfaction levels reported, young supply chain professionals are always on the lookout for the next great job opportunity. Nearly one-third (32 percent) of respondents said they could be lured away from their current job by the promise of new development opportunities, and 27 percent said they would be willing to change companies for an increase in salary or benefits.

And they aren't afraid to relocate for the right opportunity. Adri McCaskill, general manager for the technology consulting company iPlan Global and the chair of CSCMP's YP Committee, said one big surprise from the report was that the vast majority of respondents said they are very willing (49 percent) or somewhat willing (39 percent) to relocate for a new job.

This willingness to move on to the next big thing is considered by many to be a positive trait. During the panel discussion, Dan Gagnon, vice president of marketing, global logistics and distribution, for UPS Supply Chain Solutions, urged young professionals to "always be constructively dissatisfied." Gagnon, who started his own career after college as a UPS driver, also encouraged them to expand their skills to areas where there are a shortage of qualified workers.

Gagnon need not worry. The survey shows that YPs are eager to continue their education on the job, according to McCaskill—but, perhaps surprisingly, they want to do it the old-fashioned way. The majority of respondents said they prefer in-person training, delivered through mentoring or task-based activities that can be completed at their own pace, rather than through online media.

To read the full report, including more on what YPs say about their jobs, their education, and their ambitions for the future, click here.

  • Related Articles

    Nominate a promising supply chain star for the CSCMP Young Professionals Emerging Leader Award

    CSCMP recognizes three young supply chain professionals as "rising stars"

    CSCMP and Trimble Transportation host video contest for young supply chain professionals

Recent Articles by Supply Chain Quarterly Staff

APM Terminals to add capacity at Port of Mobile

Cargo volume down in Oakland

Safety experts to headline National Forklift Safety Day 2022 program on June 14

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Logistics pros warn of business impact from Russia-Ukraine war

  • Container prices continue to drop

  • How to resolve your inventory dilemma

  • Warehouse vacancy rates sink to 27-year low

  • Empty shipping containers stack up at U.S. port depots

Featured Video

Cccb7d13 710a 4473 8132 da8b6cc286f1

The Sportsman's Guide Case study: Increasing Accuracy & Productivity

Viewer Contributed
Thanks to the Lucas Warehouse Optimization Suite, The Sportsman's Guide has increased productivity, reduced training time, and experienced a boost in accuracy for both full-time staff and seasonal employees. Want to learn how Lucas can help your DC be more efficient, accurate, and safe while reducing labor costs?...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • Omnitracs One – Last Mile Solutions

  • The enterprise shipper's guide to building a smarter truckload RFP

  • Fixed vs. Flexible Automation: Which Option is Better for 3PLs?

  • Enhancing Relationships in Logistics through Data & Collaboration

View More

Subscribe to Supply Chain Quarterly

Get Your Subscription
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • E-NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2022. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing