Is 30 Too Old to Get a Supply Chain Management Degree?

Perhaps you're thinking about going back to school to pursue a career in supply chain logistics management, but you're wondering if you're too old. Is 30 too old to pursue a new degree and change careers?

No, 30 is not too old to get a supply chain management degree, or any college degree for that matter. Nontraditional adult students are becoming more and more common in college programs as they attempt to gain new skills and stay competitive in the job market.

Reasons To Earn Your Supply Chain Management Degree at 30

If you held off on getting a degree when you were younger, there are many good reasons why now might be the perfect time to go back to school. Some of these reasons include:

To Advance or Change Your Career

Do you like your current job but need to get a degree to pursue advancement opportunities? Getting a supply chain management degree can translate into a variety of leadership roles in various industries, helping you become eligible for promotions and possible pay increases.

Alternatively, perhaps you're looking to transition into a completely new field. If you're looking to change careers and try something new, getting a supply chain management degree at 30 can make it possible for you to explore a variety of new professional possibilities.

To Improve Your Skills

Whether you want to advance in your current career or change to a new one, improving your skills can give you an edge over the competition. This is especially true if you're a little bit older and trying to stay competitive with all of the young up-and-coming graduates.

Supply chain management degree programs teach a wide variety of skills in business, finance, management, and leadership that can serve you well regardless of the specific career path you pursue.

To Finish What You Started

If you started college when you were younger but never graduated, you may be feeling the itch to go back. You don't like having unfinished business in your life, and you want to go back to school to finish what you started.

Finishing your degree in supply chain management will not only give you a sense of accomplishment but will make you a more desirable job candidate once you graduate.

What Will I Learn In a Supply Chain Management Degree Program?

Most students pursue a bachelor's degree in supply chain management, but master's degree programs in supply chain management are also common. There are one-year master's degree programs in supply chain management available for those interested. Coursework and topics covered will depend on the type and level of the program as well as the school that offers it.

That said, all supply chain management programs cover some of the same broad topics, providing a strong educational foundation in business, finance, and the supply chain.

Some common supply chain management courses you may expect to take as part of your degree program include:

• logistics management
• global supply chain management
• supply chain strategy
• business decision models

What Can I Do With My Supply Chain Management Degree?

A degree in supply chain management can translate into a variety of business and management careers. A few common careers in supply chain management to consider include:

Supply Chain Manager

Supply chain managers oversee all components of the supply chain. Some of their job duties include sourcing materials, supervising production and distribution, and establishing plans and protocols.

Purchasing Agent

Purchasing agents are tasked with supplying the materials and equipment a company needs to operate. Their job is to procure the best products and services at the most affordable prices.

Transportation Director

Transportation operations directors manage and oversee the movement and delivery of goods. They are in a position of management over teams of delivery drivers and are responsible for planning routes, creating schedules, and ensuring all vehicles meet regulations.

Commodity Manager

Commodity managers analyze the market, watching for trends and changes to determine the best time to purchase goods. They also work to solve any supply chain issues that come up using their knowledge of the market.

Business Analyst

Business analysts analyze the productivity and efficiency of company processes, looking for areas that need improvement and addressing those needs. They commonly hire members of the IT department and may act as liaisons between IT and other corporate officials.

FAQs About Starting a Supply Chain Management Degree at 30

If you still have questions about getting your supply chain management degree, keep reading for answers to some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

Are There Benefits To Starting My Supply Chain Management Degree at 30?

Working in supply chain management requires having excellent communication and leadership skills, as well as a knack for organization and finance. As a 30-year-old, you may have already gained some of these skills in previous work experiences. Being a little older and wiser when you start your degree program can lead to success both in school and after you graduate.

What If I Already Have a Degree in Another Field?

You can still get a degree in supply chain management even if you have a degree in another field. If you already have a bachelor's degree, consider pursuing a master's in supply chain management. This will provide all the core courses you need to earn your degree and begin working in the field.

Will Transfer Credits Apply To My Supply Chain Management Degree?

If you have some previous college experience, you may be able to transfer some or all of your credits to your new degree program. Each school handles transfer credit a little differently, so check with any college you're considering to find out more details about their transfer policy.