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
  • BLOGS & MORE
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • SCQ Forum
      • Reflections
    • Mobile Apps
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • Upload your video
  • BLOGS & MORE
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • SCQ Forum
      • Reflections
    • Mobile Apps
Home » Selling the "supply chain story" to the next generation
Direct Connection

Selling the "supply chain story" to the next generation

March 6, 2015
Rick Blasgen
No Comments

One of the most critical issues facing supply chain leaders today is the growing talent shortage. There just aren't enough qualified young people entering our field. Many of the students in our colleges and universities aren't even aware of the supply chain management (SCM) profession.

Those who are peripherally aware of it may mistakenly think of it as dull—managing trucking schedules or warehouse operations. But we know it's so much more than that! What we, as supply chain leaders, need to do is overcome undergrads' misperceptions by sharing with them the excitement and opportunities that await them in a career in supply chain management.

Television and the movies are saturated with productions about the glamorous lives and careers of lawyers, doctors, and detectives. But supply chain management is just as exciting, just as interesting, just as sexy.

There are more forensic scientists entering the field today than we'll ever need, thanks to shows like "CSI: NY." How many bright young minds could we recruit with a series titled "SCM: San Diego" or "Supply Chain Confidential"? Each week, we would see young people jetting around the globe, sourcing raw materials in South Africa, designing a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Singapore, or leading a team of logistics experts in Paris charged with moving designer goods to markets in every corner of the world.

Supply chain management is exciting! What other career offers a young professional the opportunity to travel the world, work with the latest technology, and collaborate with partners across the entire spectrum of business? It's a fast-paced, challenging, and constantly evolving profession, not to mention financially rewarding. Advancement opportunities are plentiful. Supply chain management is a meaningful career as well. We make significant contributions not only to our companies, but also to our communities, the environment, and to society as a whole. I won't hold my breath waiting for Hollywood to produce a film or television program showcasing the adventures of a supply chain vice president, so it's up to us to spread the word. Let's get the message out to students that supply chain management is a cool career. Contact the career office of your alma mater and volunteer to speak to student groups. Invite young people to your local CSCMP roundtable and spend some time talking to them about the profession. CSCMP is doing our part as well. We're promoting supply chain management as a career choice to the best and the brightest in our institutions of higher education. We offer a wide range of programs for students and young professionals to get them started in SCM, too.

The talent shortage affects us all. It increases our costs with regard to hiring, training, and retaining talent. And, when there's more demand for workers than supply, we aren't able to grow our businesses.

Students need to be turned on to supply chain management, and to how important it is to every company and to the global economy. They need to know that a career in SCM is their chance to make a difference, make some money, and embark upon the adventure of a lifetime.

  • Related Articles

    Announcing the next generation of supply chain career programs

    The "buzz" around supply chain management

    Caretakers of the supply chain industry

Rick Blasgen is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).

Recent Articles by Rick Blasgen

Look to your leaders

Planning ahead

Caretakers of the supply chain industry

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

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • The 3PL industry: time to reset

  • Resiliency starts with supplier mapping

  • Freight market growth expected to slow in 2021

  • Seizing the helm

  • Retailers designing stores to support inventory and logistics work, not just shopping

Featured Video

6cabd6ef 64df 4460 bb11 e90c2bdea0a5

Identifying Intralogistics Solutions to Fit Your Operation: LinkedIn Live Ep. 4

Viewer Contributed
As technology evolves, the advantages of using semi- and fully automated solutions to increase productivity and address labor shortages are clear. However, before an organization jumps fully into automation, optimization is a key step that must happen first. Intralogistics solutions, such as Raymond’s iWAREHOUSE and...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • Warehouse Management System Project Toolkit

  • Solving Talent Management Challenges Now and In the Future

  • Shaping Up Last Mile Delivery to Surpass Customer Expectations

  • Finding the Right Transportation Management Partner

View More

Subscribe to Supply Chain Quarterly

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

Copyright ©2021. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing