How to build my career?

Career Advice: How do you build a supply chain career after IT experience?

• Having 5 years of experience in IT and 2 years in IT-Supply Chain Consulting, I wanted to seek advice on how to pave a path to a supply chain career? I have passed the APICS CSCP certification on Dec 30th 2013. Left my last job in Sept 2013 to move to US. I wanted to know, while I am unemployed and looking for opportunities; what are the best ways to - 1. keep myself informed and build the capabilities? 2. Will seeking internships help? 3. How do you look for opportunities in core industry?

• Answer:

  There are many areas of supply chain to consider (forecasting, distribution, transport, logistics, IT support) depending on where your interests are. I guess the short answer is that it seems like you've already started to build a career in the direction you want to go, so you are not starting brand new. I started in manufacturing, and I am currently in grocery retail supporting an SAP implementation. You've accomplished to obtain the CSCP which teaches a business perspective on supply chain; I think there is a lot of value in completing the CSCP. I completed my CPIM and currently am going after the CSCP. I find the CPIM is more common, more manufacturing focused with an emphasis on inventory management (order methods, JIT, Lean, optimal placement of safety stock). I think there is a significant amount of value in understanding IT, and no harm in staying close to an IT-supply chain role. I think it's easier to transition from an IT background into a business role if that's your interest, because there is a large amount of value in understanding IT, and this is something you should sell yourself on. You could use your skills to design supply chain functions for new systems development and implementations, or act in an IT support capacity. Your local APICS chapter would likely have more knowledge about local opportunities, with access to professionals within your area. Just remember to always step forward in career moves, lateral only if necessary to gain skills/experience.