Every product or service sold is the conclusion of a multi-faceted process, from acquiring raw materials, to manufacturing, to delivering products to consumers. Supply chain management coordinates the flow of goods, services, and resources throughout all stages of this process. Organizations pursue competitive advantages by making the links between stages as efficient and economical as possible.Working successfully in supply chain management requires you to integrate knowledge from many disciplines, including systems engineering, project management, and information technology. To be successful in the field, you need to be detail-oriented, a strong communicator, and capable of working with people from all backgrounds. Familiarity with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software package is also crucial.One of the best ways to obtain these skills is by earning a degree in supply chain management. Read on to learn more about how to start your career in the field.
Meet Our Expert: Frank Guenzerodt
President & CEO USA, DACHSER USA Air & Sea Logistics Inc.
LinkedInOnline Supply Chain Management Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $9,381 | 16.57% | 2 years | $44,000 | $48,454 | 5.5% |
| Bachelor's | $14,882 | 10.91% | 4 years | $54,079 | $72,212 | Not reported |
| Master's | $22,011 | 6.11% | 2 years | $68,353 | $81,107 | Not reported |
Many students from indirect backgrounds seek work in supply chain management, such as those who've studied engineering or advanced management. Therefore, students with specialized degrees in supply chain management have a leg up, having actively focused on planning, procurement, manufacturing, and logistics throughout their education.Students interested in supply chain management can pursue an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree. While many people get their start with an associate degree, working primarily in planning or operations, common mid-career positions as logisticians and purchasing managers usually require a bachelor's-level credential. Higher positions, such as those in global supply management, may require a master's degree.
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| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician | $74,260 | 2% | 130400 |
| Purchasing Managers | $108,120 | 1% | 73000 |
| Buyers and Purchasing Agents | $59,620 | 2% | 443200 |
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Meet Our Expert: Frank Guenzerodt
President & CEO USA, DACHSER USA Air & Sea Logistics Inc.As President & CEO of DACHSER USA, Frank Guenzerodt oversees the continuing expansion of the company's U.S. logistics network of branch offices and service offerings. Since joining the corporation in 2004, he has led the company's strategic growth program to increase its footprint in the USA for greater reach and value for customers.
LinkedInOnline Supply Chain Management Professional Requirements
APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
The APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (APICS CSCP) is recognized around the world as the leading education and certification program in supply chain management. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have a bachelor's degree (or international equivalent), three years of related work experience, or be designated CPIM, CFPIM, CIRM, SCOR-P, C.P.M., CSM, or CPSM. The exam features 175 multiple choice questions which cover supply chain design, supply chain planning and execution, and supply chain improvements and best practices. Earning the APICS CSCP designation shows potential employers that you have a thorough knowledge of the field and are qualified to use enterprise resource planning systems to streamline operations. The APICS CSCP designation is not required to work in the field, however, many employers do seek employees who have the credential. More than, 19,000 professionals in 82 countries have been certified through this program since 2006. Most people spend 100 hours preparing for each exam. Candidates are allowed four hours to take the exam.
ISM Certified Professional in Supply Management
Around the world, individuals and employers working in procurement, supply management, and supply chain management regard the ISM Certified Professional in Supply Management (ISM CPSM) as a sign of achievement in the field. To be eligible for the CPSM, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and three years professional work experience in supply management, five years professional work experience in supply management, or have passed three CPSM exams. You may take the CPSM exams before you complete all your work experience. The CPSM exams are comprehensive, covering cost and finance, supplier relationship management, logistics, organization/department assessment, leadership, strategic sourcing, and more. The CPSM is not required, but candidates with professional certification commonly receive higher salaries. The program insists on continuing education to maintain certification, which establishes the currency of training for employers. Depending on your schedule and study habits, preparing for and passing the CPSM takes between six and 12 months. The CPSM designation is valid for three years.
SCPro Certification
The SCPro certification program helps supply chain management professionals establish and grow their careers, both through the process of preparing for the SCPro exams and in the credibility the certification testifies to their level of expertise. SCPro certification consists of three modules, which build on each other and delve progressively deeper into the complexity of supply chain management. Eligibility requirements change at each level. Level I requires a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited institution, or four years work experience in supply chain management. Level II requires SCPro Level I certification and a supply chain management degree plus three years of work experience, or seven years work experience without Level I certification. Level III requires SCPro Level II certification and a supply chain management degree plus five year's work experience, or nine years of work experience. SCPro certification is not required. Professionals pursue the certification to enhance their marketability to employers and demonstrate their ability to enhance organizational operations. Candidates who took the SCPro Level I Certification independently said it required 2-4 hours a week over 2-3 months. Those completing a work-sponsored program took 12-18 months.