Companies need supply chain professionals to control the flow of raw materials and finished goods, regardless of shifts in consumer sentiment or business trends.

As the world transforms in the wake of COVID-19, you might find yourself thinking about a supply chain career, even with little formal training in the industry. If you can show transferable abilities and knowledge, in addition to a hunger to learn new things, you can readily convert to a supply chain career path. Think about the following methods to help you make the switch.

Six Strategies For Making the Career Switch to Supply Chain

1) Understand Key Skills Gaps

Some skills and experience will transfer to your new career path if you are changing careers, and some will not. The first step you should take to find your unique supply chain career path is addressing which of your skills will still be helpful and which won’t. Then, you need to identify any key foundational skills gaps in areas such as procurement or logistics. For instance, there may be industry-standard software that you need to get your head around.

2) Find Ways to Address Gaps

Once you have identified your key skills gaps, you must figure out ways to fill them. If you are currently unemployed, you can use any free time you might have to take classes or read books. It is key to close this skills gap before beginning your supply chain career.

If you are currently employhttp://supply chain careered, you can probably find ways to take on new responsibilities to help your transition. For example, if your company has a shipping department or some dedicated shipping personnel, look for a way to assist in any way possible.

3) Act Like a Supply Chain Professional Online

If you want to be a supply chain professional, you need to start acting like one. Following other supply chain professionals on social media, reading blogs, posting supply chain material to your profiles, and engaging in conversations make you a more informed job candidate. These activities can also show a potential employer that you have a passion for the industry.

4) Look at Your Possibilities

when switching careers, your options are somewhat limited. However, once you get that first job under your belt, your career options in an industry open up significantly. Researching various roles within the supply chain industry can help you map out a career path and avoid making early missteps.

5) Update Your Resume

After you have figured out which of your skills will transfer to the supply chain and you have started to address key skills gaps, you should update your resume to match your intentions. If you are currently employed, you should hold off on updating your LinkedIn profile, but if you are unemployed – go for it!

6) Keep on Learning

It’s always a good idea to continue learning throughout your professional life. Continued learning is particularly important when looking to change careers. Courses and certifications are often quite affordable and great ways to beef up your supply chain bona fides.

We Can Help with Your Supply Chain Transition

At ZDA, we use our deep connections in the supply chain industry to help people achieve their career goals. Please reach out to us today to find out how we can help you.