Many people ask themselves whether a supply chain degree is worth it. The answer, in most cases, is yes. Supply chains are designed to meet customer needs by connecting all production parts to provide a product in the most efficient way possible.
A supply chain can be layout into 6 components: suppliers, upstream partners, distributors, producers or makers, customers, and downstream partners.
Types Of Supply Chain Management Degrees
There are many different degrees in Supply Chain Management, including Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Supply Chain Management (BSBA) or a Master’s Degree in Logistics & Industrial Engineering (MSLIE).
These programs teach students about how to manage operations across industries such as retail stores, manufacturing plants, technology companies, and more.
If you want to learn about supply chain management or logistics, there are several degrees that you can choose from. The most popular one is the Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration on Supply Chain Management. Supply chain degrees can lead to high-paying jobs and career opportunities that are not offered elsewhere.
Supply Chain Management has been evolving as a profession since around 1930. Its importance continues to increase as our society becomes more dependent upon the companies’ products and services.
What Do Supply Chain Managers Do?
There are many different opportunities for supply chain managers to do their job, but there are two primary ways that they do so. The first way is in the field where they are employed, either directly or through an agent. The second way is through working with another company to handle their supply chain management.
There are many jobs that a person can end up doing in this industry with the same degree. However, the job with the most opportunities is in field management. Field Managers would usually work in different organizations, but some work for other companies in their industry, which brings up another point regarding supply chain degrees.
The starting salary for these jobs is $50k annually (plus generous benefits). – Supply Chain Career Guide ranges from $45k-80k annually. For those just out of college, average salaries are between $50-$55k.
Supply Chain/Logistics Jobs, these jobs provide great advancement opportunities for employees who go the extra mile and participate in company programs like rotational assignments (which allow you to work in various areas).
Also, the World Economic Forum, annual spending on logistics is expected to reach over $40.45 trillion within the next 5 years.
Supply Chain Degrees and Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain degrees are a different thing altogether when you talk about supply chain management. What they do in general is help companies provide their products efficiently and effectively. This is the primary job of the supply chain, to make sure that their products profitably get to consumers.
There are many different jobs in this industry for all types of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. However, the easiest way to be successful is through getting a supply chain degree.
The top of the line supply chain degrees, which people pursue after getting a degree and job training, will include all of these things and more. You can do it on your own, but it is much easier to do with the help of a company.
What Is a Supply Chain Degree Worth?
A supply chain degree is worth pursuing if you’re going to work in this line of business. A supply chain manager can earn an excellent salary. There are many different opportunities for people who get a degree in the field.
In some companies, you will have a level of control over how your job is carried out. You can even have a hand in the hiring process, giving you even more control over your career.
Did you know that supply chain degree programs are classified into two types?
These two types of program programs need different search strategies to find them and make the proper decision. These two types of supply chain degree programs are online degrees and campus degrees.
Online college supply chain programs are the new trend in the industry, and there are more than 65 of them at present. The online supply chain degree programs will help you obtain the qualifications you need to enter this industry. Some students can get their degrees online at home on their own time.
Campus-based supply chain degree programs will require you to be enrolled on campus to obtain your degree. These programs are also referred to as distance learning degrees. These are the more traditional type of programs that you will find in this industry.
A Supply chain degree is worth it because the supply chain is one of the topmost demanding and biggest employers globally. Careers for Supply Chain Graduates
Supply chain managers are constantly looking for qualified, skilled employees. If you can provide the right combination of business savvy and technical skills, you will be offered a position in the company.
A supply chain manager’s job is to ensure that goods are shipped to customers on time with minimal problems. They may find themselves handling large amounts of paperwork as well as managing customer relations. A supply chain manager’s job is very lucrative, but it isn’t for everyone.
What the Outlook Is for Supply Chain Graduates
The outlook is excellent for those who want to pursue a career as a supply chain manager.
Those who are interested will find that they can earn salaries of around $70,000 for entry-level positions. As they gain experience, jobs should increase by up to 9% per year.
There are many different opportunities for supply chain managers to do their job. There are two primary ways to do so. The first way is in the field where they are employed, either directly or through an agent. The second way is through working with another company to handle their supply chain management.
There are many jobs that a person can end up doing in this industry with the same degree. Also, the job with the most opportunities is in field management. Field Managers would usually work in different organizations.
A supply chain degree can be very lucrative in today’s market, and it’s one of the degrees that has more people questioning its worth. Supply chains are a crucial part of any business. Without them, many companies would not survive as long as they have been able to.
Questions to ponder?
Is the salary good enough to make it worth going back to school for four years and paying all that money in tuition fees when you have already been out in the workforce for five or ten years?
Do companies expect recent graduates from supply chain degrees who are just starting their careers to handle the responsibility of a managerial role?
– Are there other options available if you don’t want to pursue supply chain degrees and be stuck in one field for your entire career?
– The job market is very competitive, but it’s still worth going back to school to get yourself an education.
The job market for supply chain degrees
– The job market is very competitive because companies are always looking for new graduates with innovative ideas.
– The average salary for a supply chain graduate is $67,000.
– There are even those that make six-figure salaries out in the workforce right away, thanks to their degrees in supply chain management.
– Supply chains are a crucial part of any business because, without them, companies would not survive as long as they have been able to. It is also worth going back to school for your degree if you want to impact the growing field of supply chain management.
Best graduate supply chain management schools
***Penn State University ranked on the list one of best graduate supply chain degrees in the nation. Penn State is also known for its coop program. About half of all business majors get to spend six months out into the workforce doing internships or getting real-life experience in their field of study at a company.
– The career placement rate of 91 percent is just one example that companies value their graduates and what they’re capable of once they get out into the workforce.
– Penn State has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:35 which means more one-on-one attention in the classroom for students.
This is an excellent opportunity to get the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your chosen career path early in school, before even graduating.
***Arizona State University
– The career placement rate of 97 percent is just one example that companies value their graduates and what they’re capable of once they get out into the workforce.
– ASU also has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:35, which means more one-on-one attention in the classroom for students.
ASU is also known for its coop program. About half of all business majors get to spend six months out into the workforce doing internships or getting real-life experience in their field of study at a company.
***University of Florida
– The career placement rate of 97 percent is just one example that companies value their graduates and what they’re capable of once they get out into the workforce.
– UF also has a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:22, which means more one-on-one attention in the classroom for students.
***Michigan State University
– Ranked #51 in the nation for its undergraduate supply chain management degree.
– The career placement rate of 91 percent is just one example that companies value their graduates and what they’re capable of once they get out into the workforce.
– MSU has a student-to-faculty ratio of 21:29, which means more one-on-one attention in the classroom for students.
***University of Tennessee
– The career placement rate of 91 percent is just one example that companies value their graduates and what they’re capable of once they get out into the workforce.
***University of Missouri
– The career placement rate of 89 percent is just one example that companies value their graduates.
See Video: Supply Chain Degree Worth It
In Conclusion, Is a Supply Chain Degree Worth it?
Yes, if you want to influence your organization and do more than sit behind a desk. A supply chain management degree can be beneficial and help you stand out, taking on a new challenge and getting out into the workforce as soon as possible to start making a difference.