How Fast Can I Get into Supply Chain Management?

If you're interested in becoming a supply chain manager, you may wonder how long it could take to follow this career path and what training you'll need. You may want to get into the industry as quickly as possible. So, is there any way to speed up the process and get started in supply chain management (SCM) faster?

Getting a bachelor's degree in supply chain management or a certificate is typically the fastest way to start a supply chain management career. An accelerated degree program can help you finish your education faster and transferring credits can be even more beneficial for helping you enter the supply chain industry quickly.

Read on for more information and tips to quickly start a supply chain management career.

Tips for Quickly Becoming a Supply Chain Manager

To get started in supply chain management, you'll need to master various hard and soft skills like procurement and sourcing techniques, data analysis, problem-solving, and communication skills. Follow the tips below to help yourself learn these fundamentals quickly.

1. Find an Online Degree Program

It's not always necessary to earn a supply chain management degree; you could also pursue an associate degree, bachelor's degree, or master's degree in business administration, data analytics, project management, or a related field. But if you're looking for the most direct path to a supply chain management job, an accelerated SCM bachelor's degree is one of the best options. Let's look at a few schools that offer these online supply chain management programs.

Arizona State University � Online BS in Supply Chain Management

Arizona State University is a large public school offering a wealth of degree programs, some in-person and some online. Among the available online degrees is a Bachelor of Science in supply chain management. This acclaimed program features accelerated course sessions that take a little over seven weeks, making it possible to graduate in an accelerated timeframe if desired.

American Public University � Online BA in Supply Chain Management

American Public University is an online school that provides flexible degree programs for busy nontraditional students. One of the programs available is a Bachelor of Arts in supply chain management. The program allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits and boasts flexible courses offered in eight-week and 16-week course formats so you can study on a schedule that works for you.

DeSales University � BS in Supply Chain Management

DeSales University is a private school in Pennsylvania. It offers both online and campus-based degree programs. Adult students can enroll in a flexible online Bachelor of Science in supply chain management degree. Those with transfer credits may be allowed to transfer up to 75 into the program, and accelerated courses are available to help you graduate sooner.

2. Utilize Transfer Credits

If you've ever been to college before, you may have transfer credits that you could apply to your supply chain management degree. Essentially, transfer credits allow you to receive credit for classes you've already taken so you don't have to retake them.

Many schools allow you to transfer one-half to three-fourths of your total credits from other institutions. If you attend a college that accepts transfer credits and have earned enough transfer credits, you could potentially graduate with a bachelor's degree in as little as one to two years.

3. Test Out of Courses with CLEP Exams

There are other ways to earn transfer credits besides taking college courses. One of the most popular ways is to take CLEP exams or other credit-by-examination tests.

These exams award college credits when you pass them, allowing you to skip taking certain courses in college. The more CLEP exams you pass, the sooner you can graduate because you will have fewer courses to complete.

4. Get Online Supply Chain Management Certification

If you already have a degree in an unrelated field, you may be able to gain the supply chain management know-how you need through a certificate program. Many schools and learning platforms offer these supply chain management certificates online, and they can usually be completed within a year or so. Some good options include the following.

Southern New Hampshire University Supply Chain Management Graduate Certificate

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school offering a range of degree and certificate programs. One of the certificates available is a supply chain management graduate certificate. Students in this program learn many supply chain management basics, including information systems, warehouse management, and quality control. Students can typically graduate within a year or less, as the certificate consists of 18 credit hours.

The University of Texas at Austin Supply Chain Management Certificate

The University of Texas at Austin awards certificates automatically whenever a student completes the necessary courses; no separate enrollment is necessary. One of the available undergraduate certificates is in supply chain management. This certificate consists of six credits completed within a three-year timeframe, though it's possible to complete all required courses within a single semester.

University of Miami Supply Chain Management Certificate

The University of Miami offers a supply chain management certificate through its Division of Continuing and International Education. The course is self-paced and completed entirely online. Covering topics like demand planning, inventory management, and transportation, the course consists of eight modules and is typically completed within six months.

5. Create a Disciplined Study Routine

Disciplining yourself to study regularly can help you in many ways. For one thing, it can help you develop good study habits so you don't fall behind in any of your classes. It can also help you stay focused, even if you struggle with some course material.

Studying routinely will help you build soft skills like time management, organizational skills, and perseverance. These skills will come in handy as you pursue your supply chain management career.

6. Network With Supply Chain Management Professionals

Networking with others in your field is beneficial in any industry, and supply chain management is no different. Aim to build strong working relationships with professionals like operations managers, production managers, and supply chain analysts.

Knowing others in the global supply chain field can help you learn more as you work toward your career, as those in your network will be happy to share information, advice, and resources. They may also help you find work opportunities that can help you get your foot in the door or advance your career.

7. Seek Internship Opportunities

To become a supply chain manager, you will likely need several years of experience working in related roles. Internships can be a great way to gain hands-on learning and real-world practice.

Internships can benefit you in other ways as well. They provide opportunities to meet supply chain professionals you can add to your network, and they may even lead to entry-level positions that look good on a resume as you endeavor to climb the corporate ladder.

FAQs About Quickly Becoming a Supply Chain Manager

If you still have questions about getting into supply chain management fast, keep reading as we provide some answers.

How Long Does It Take to Be a Supply Chain Manager?

It usually takes a combination of education and experience to start working as a supply chain manager, which could take at least four to five years for many individuals. However, as noted in this article, it's possible to complete your degree and gain relevant experience much more quickly depending on various factors.

Are Supply Chain Jobs Hard to Get?

Supply chain professionals, known collectively as logisticians, are in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job market for these professionals is expected to grow at a much faster than average rate by 2032. This means that, though some supply chain jobs are more competitive than others, generally speaking, these careers are not hard to get.

What Does a Supply Chain Manager Do?

Supply chain managers manage and oversee all aspects of a supply chain. They perform various managerial duties, such as overseeing budgets, handling supply chain disruptions, and ordering raw materials. They also act as team leaders for other groups of supply chain professionals.