Questions about a career in SCM

[winbacker]

Hey all

I'm studying at the undergraduate level in a business school in Canada that has a commerce degree in supply chain operations management.

I am currently in accounting but I am seriously considering switching to this major. But I'm still new to whole field to SCM so I'd like to hear from experts in the field on the following questions:

What are the pros and cons in the field of SCM?

Will there be a strong demand for people with this degree in the future? Will good jobs be available with good opportunity for advancement?

Can this job be outsourced easily? What is the job security?

How stressful is a job in SCM?

Is this a job that would have appeal after working in it for many years? Do these jobs allow for a good work/life balance?

I know it's a lot of questions, but I'd appreciate any feedback at all!

[Starbucks Junkie]

Originally Posted by winbacker

Hey all

I'm studying at the undergraduate level in a business school in Canada that has a commerce degree in supply chain operations management.

I am currently in accounting but I am seriously considering switching to this major. But I'm still new to whole field to SCM so I'd like to hear from experts in the field on the following questions:

What are the pros and cons in the field of SCM?

Will there be a strong demand for people with this degree in the future? Will good jobs be available with good opportunity for advancement?

Can this job be outsourced easily? What is the job security?

How stressful is a job in SCM?

Is this a job that would have appeal after working in it for many years? Do these jobs allow for a good work/life balance?

I know it's a lot of questions, but I'd appreciate any feedback at all!

Winbaker,

I can only give you my thoughts and experiences...

I have been working in this sector and can only think of pros, good salaries, good travel opportunities, good training, respected field of employment. If I had to think of a con, it would be that work life balance is about 65:35.

SCM is still a relatively new concept, and more and more companies are recognising the benefits of SCM to make an impact on their revenues and profits, as far as I am concerned this is a career for now and the future.

There are now more and more specialist companies offering 3rd party SCM, although this is still in its somewhat infancy, it is more likely that a company will outsource its Supply Chain operations to a 3pl, such as storage and distribution whilst the actual SCM duties are still kept in house. Job security like any other profession cannot be guaranteed, although I would say that job hoping is easily attained by choice rather than through force.

I personaly do not find my role or any of my previous roles stressful.

The fact that I have been working in this industry for 15 years proves that it is an interesting field with new things to learn frequently.

Just to give you an idea of my career history

Planning Supervisor - 5 years - Safety Company
Buyer - 3 years - POS company
Production Planner / Buyer - 2 years - Perfume Manufacturer
Scheduling Manager - 2.5 years - FMCG Manufacturing / Distribution
Supply Chain Operations Manager - 1.5 years - Retail / Distribution
Planning & Inventory Manager - 1 year - Specialist Storage / Distribution
Operations Development Manager - New Role - Retail / Continuous Improvement

[TopLink]

Winbacker,
Welcome to SCF.

SCM is a great career and not at all limiting. I have been in it for over 25 years. A blend of SCM and accounting is a great mix.

[Maduro0410]

Originally Posted by winbacker

Hey all

I'm studying at the undergraduate level in a business school in Canada that has a commerce degree in supply chain operations management.

I am currently in accounting but I am seriously considering switching to this major. But I'm still new to whole field to SCM so I'd like to hear from experts in the field on the following questions:

Same with me winbecker... I came from Accounting Background and I don't know, I just feel good working in this job area.. ^ ^