How To Get Into Supply Chain Management Without a Degree
You don't need a degree to become a supply chain manager if you have experience in the field working supply chain jobs and have obtained certification.
Supply chain managers are responsible for ensuring consumers get the goods they need in a timely fashion. Typically, supply chain managers have business administration or supply chain management degrees; however, these degrees are not a requirement for all jobs.
Those interested in supply chain logistics management can get into the field by gaining skills and certifications. Keep reading to learn how to become a logistics manager without a degree.
Do Supply Chain Management Jobs Require a Degree?
Although it's usually easier to land a supply chain management job with a bachelor's degree or higher, it's not always required. Some companies are willing to hire supply chain managers without a degree.
However, to become a supply chain manager without a degree, you'll need to understand the field. You'll likely need to gain several years of experience in the field as well.
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Can You Become a Supply Chain Manager Without Experience?
While you may be able to get a supply chain manager job without experience, you'll likely need a bachelor's degree in supply chain management to make this happen. You may have difficulty finding a supply chain management job that will hire you without a degree or work experience in the field.
In order to become a supply chain manager without experience, you'll need to understand what a supply chain manager does, as well as what supply chain analysts do. We've broken down these roles below.
What Does a Supply Chain Manager Do?
Supply chain managers are in charge of overseeing the supply chain. This is the process of moving goods from manufacturing to the hands of consumers. Supply chain manager job duties may include:
- overseeing manufacturing and distribution
- increasing supply chain efficiency to streamline operations
- coordinating with procurement managers, buyers, and vendors
- negotiating supply contracts
- using data analysis for forecasting trends and potential problems
Do You Need a Degree To Be a Supply Chain Analyst?
Supply chain analysts are one step below supply chain managers. Like becoming a supply chain manager, a degree is not required to become a supply chain analyst, but a degree will certainly make it easier.
Steps To Getting a Supply Chain Management Job Without a Degree
As mentioned, obtaining a bachelor's or master's degree in logistics and supply chain management will make it easier to become a supply chain manager. However, if earning a degree isn't an option, there are steps you can take to become a supply chain manager without a degree.
1. Understand the Field
The most important thing to understand is the field of supply chain management in general. There are several aspects supply chain managers will need to learn, including:
- data analytics
- demand planning
- inventory control
- logistics management
- operations management
- project management
- warehouse management
Multiple resources can help you learn these topics, including books, videos, and online courses through resources like Coursera and edX.
2. Gain Relevant Experience
Once you understand the fundamentals of supply chain management, you can start looking for entry-level positions in the field. These may include:
- logistician
- procurement specialist
- purchasing agent
- supply chain analyst
- supply chain coordinator
- supply chain operator
- warehouse manager
Depending on where you live, you may need to start with even more basic roles (e.g., warehouse associate or shipping and receiving clerk) to begin your career path toward becoming a supply chain manager.
Apply for a Supply Chain Internship
Internships can be a great way to get your foot in the door in the supply chain industry. They also give you hands-on experience in the supply chain field.
Some internships are run through colleges and universities, but not all. Check with local businesses or large companies, like Amazon, that might have a warehouse near you.
3. Pursue Supply Chain Management Certifications
There are several different credentials you can earn that can help you land a supply chain job. Certificate programs in supply chain management can help you learn the necessary skills. We've listed some below.
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
The Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) credential is a professional certification offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). To obtain this certification, you need to pass an exam that covers topics like:
- global supply chain networks
- demand management and forecasting
- sourcing products and services
- optimization, sustainability, and technology
No college degree is needed to take the exam. The ASCM offers a comprehensive learning system, with books, study tools, and an exam content manual, to help candidates study.
Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
The ASCM also offers the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) professional certification. It consists of a specialization in planning and inventory. The exam for this certification covers topics such as:
- supply chain processes
- demand planning
- inventory control
- distribution
As with the CSCP credential, no degree is required to take this exam, and study materials are available.
Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
The Institute for Supply Chain Management (ISM) offers the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM). The eligibility criteria for this certificate is three years of full-time, professional supply management experience with a bachelor's degree or five years of full-time experience without a degree.
To obtain this certificate, you'll need to pass an exam. This exam covers concepts like:
- sourcing
- supplier relationship management
- logistics management
- project management
The ISM offers a variety of flexible study options to help candidates prepare for the CPSM exam.
4. Develop Technical Skills
Supply chain management professionals need to have a robust technical skill set, in addition to soft skills like problem-solving and organization. These technical skills can boost your supply chain management career and can be learned without completing a degree.
Excel Skills
Excel is Microsoft's spreadsheet software that is commonly used in supply chain management for business analytics. It's an important tool to understand because it can help supply chain managers with tasks like forecasting demand and monitoring production outputs.
ERP Systems
ERP stands for enterprise resource planning. These systems help small companies run their core business processes, including supply chain processes. When these processes are run through the same ERP, they're connected, meaning your supply chain information is linked to other company processes like finance and sales.
Supply Chain Management Software
There are several software programs specifically for supply chain management, and supply chain managers need a basic understanding of how this software works. Some common types of supply chain management software include:
- Epicor Kinetic
- FreightPOP Transportation Management System
- Magaya Supply Chain
- Shippabo
5. Build a Strong Resume
While you can become a supply chain manager without a degree, you may need several years of experience to meet your career goals. Starting in entry-level jobs, like those listed above, can help you build your resume and work your way up to a supply chain management career.
Working your way up through the ranks and building a strong resume will impress recruiters, even if you don't meet all the education requirements in the job description.
