Many people consider supply chain jobs to be among the most stressful careers available today. The high level of pressure and fast-paced pace of the job can be debilitating and cause substance abuse. People who are stressed often turn to drugs to deal with the pressures of their job, which can have serious implications for their personal and professional lives. However, stress and the rapidly changing nature of the work place are not the only issues affecting supply chain careers today.
Job descriptions
While many people think of logistics and supply chain as low-stress careers, that isn’t the reality. In fact, supply chain professionals face unprecedented stress. Not only are they responsible for the safety of our daily lives, but they also manage essential household goods like food, medical supplies, and other necessities. This job requires constant attention to keep supply lines open and stores stocked. And, in many cases, employees must travel to different locations to get their jobs done.
However, these high-pressure jobs are also highly rewarding. Supply chain managers enjoy the challenges that come with the job, and they’re also incredibly motivated by the rewards they get in return. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), the top countries for supply chain management positions are Finland, Luxembourg, Norway, and Sweden. Finland is also an excellent place to work in supply chain jobs, since its supply chains are so resilient.
A supply chain manager is responsible for reducing production costs and streamlining the supply system. Without these managers, companies may lose thousands of dollars in product or revenue. Keeping morale high is essential, as supply chain management requires problem-solving skills. A supply chain manager will also need to be able to make decisions quickly and creatively, as well as to absorb the heat when something goes wrong. These are all critical qualities of a successful supply chain manager.
Regardless of your background, a supply chain job will likely require a degree in business, finance, or logistics. If you’re not sure whether or not supply chain jobs are right for you, consider a career in a related field, such as manufacturing, logistics, or even business. With so many opportunities, it’s no surprise that supply chain management is fast becoming a popular major among business school graduates. The benefits of this type of job are clear: it’s rewarding and gratifying, and you’ll have a high chance of success.
Salary
The salary of supply chain professionals is high compared to those in other fields. According to a recent study, supply chain professionals earn nearly five times as much as their national average salary, and nearly half of them report receiving four weeks or more of paid vacation each year. However, the salary may not be the only cause for stress in this field. Many people are reluctant to pursue supply chain careers because they don’t understand the financial implications of taking such a risk.
According to ZipRecruiter, supply chain professionals are quitting their jobs at a higher rate than in 2016. The number of supply chain job openings will double between 2020 and 2021, according to the company’s website. A big contributor to employee burnout is outdated technology. Some studies show that up to sixty percent of an analytics employee’s time can be spent collecting data. This can be extremely stressful. The high level of job stress and pressure that supply chain professionals face makes it a tough job to get a good salary.
There are a few ways to get a higher salary in supply chain. Many entry-level positions in supply chains are temporary, but they are available. Entry-level supply chain positions may be an appealing option, depending on your age, ambition, and current level. A general manager of a hypermarket may find it challenging to transition to a logistics chain analyst, though having experience in supply chain will lend credibility to your CV.
As a result, supply chain managers are often the ones responsible for a company’s inventory positions. This requires them to put out fires every day, and they often do so with outdated processes and technology. In addition, they are often asked to deliver the impossible. That makes their job extremely stressful, and it’s no surprise that turnover is increasing as a result of the supply-chain crisis. With such a high turnover rate, the industry is experiencing a shortage of skilled employees.
While some people may find supply chain management careers stressful, many people find the work extremely rewarding. Almost 90 percent of supply chain managers report that they are happy with their career and are motivated to continue working in it. The high salary and challenging work environment are reasons for stress, so it is vital to have the right skills to succeed. Those with problem-solving skills are the most likely to be successful in supply chain management.
Level of stress
Many people work in supply chain management and they report feeling an overwhelming amount of stress. This job is difficult and demanding, and it is crucial to know how to handle stress and keep morale high. Supply chain managers in charge of large teams must be able to think quickly and problem-solve quickly. They must also take the heat if something goes wrong. If you have a strong work ethic and can handle stress, this may be the perfect career for you.
The Association for Supply Chain Management has released a report that shows the stress that supply chain managers are under. According to the report, more than half of supply chain professionals report they receive generous paid vacation time. The number of employees taking four weeks of paid vacation is a major factor in their overall job satisfaction. However, many supply chain managers still feel the stress is higher than the average employee. To make the situation even worse, many supply chain managers find themselves turning to drugs and alcohol as a way to deal with stress.
Meanwhile, production costs have spiked. Raw materials used in non-durables manufacturing are up 35-55% year-over-year. This means that the economy is facing the most significant imbalance in the past two decades. Typically, inventory restocking coincides with business cycle upturns, but the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted this cycle. Approximately seventy-five percent of manufacturing sub-sector inventories are leaner than they were prior to the outbreak. Additionally, rising unfilled jobs, increased overtime hours, and strengthening wage growth all signal an increase in labor-related pressures.
One of the biggest challenges for employees is that they often feel helpless in their roles and are unable to change their assignments and schedules. The stress of juggling an unpredictable workload is the number one reason employees burnout. And since supply chain jobs require constant travel and large operations require a great deal of attention, this job can be a major source of stress. These challenges may even result in a reduction in the ability to work efficiently.
Education required
For a supply chain job, education is important, but it’s not the only requirement. Certifications can also be valuable to a prospective employer. Some supply chain jobs require a Master’s degree, and others require a Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience. An Associate’s degree, however, is sufficient for many positions. There are many options for certifications available in the field. If you want to be a supply chain manager, you should consider earning your CPIM or CSM from a regionally accredited school.
A Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management is a good choice for students seeking a career in the industry. Besides focusing on logistics, this degree also teaches students about warehouse operations, procurement, inventory management, and demand planning. Students studying supply chain management may also be trained in leadership skills, and study various tools and techniques that can improve business operations. Once they graduate, they can apply those skills to a variety of different industries.
If you are not sure whether a master’s degree is necessary, a Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management is enough to get your foot in the door. In addition to earning a master’s degree, logisticians often acquire valuable experience on the job. They may be able to advance their careers within five years of their hiring, as they typically progress through the ranks. Among the various jobs available in the field of supply chain management are operations managers, purchasing managers, and distribution managers.
While it’s not essential to attend college to become a supply chain manager, there are various programs that can help you get started. For example, Arizona State University’s online MBA program in supply chain management offers a concentration in this field. The program includes modules on global supply chain management, supply chain strategy, and sustainability and social responsibility. Taking up this program will require 120 credits, which is about $48,470 for non-residents.
If you want to work in supply chain management, you must develop expertise in the concepts and methodologies of supply chain management. You must also be able to design supply chains, conduct analysis and modeling, and understand the relationships among supply chains. In addition to the education required for supply chain jobs, there are also programs and courses that will help you build your skills. The more advanced courses you take, the more valuable your career will be. It may also pay off.
