Supply Chain Managers

There are many different ways to learn more about supply chain management. Start by visiting the Web sites of professional associations such as the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and Association for Supply Chain Management. Read the research and news sections to learn more about trends and issues in the supply chain management industry. Explore the careers sections of these and other organization's Web sites to see what kind of jobs are available. Get a foot in the door by working as an intern or in a part-time position in a department where supply chain managers or related professionals work. This will give you the chance to be immersed in the production process and observe firsthand the day-to-day responsibilities of a supply chain manager.

Check out the following podcasts to learn more about the field and keep up to date with industry developments:

• "The Chain Podcast:: https://www.ascm.org/podcast
• "Supply Chain—Unfiltered": https://www.ismworld.org/supply-management-news-and-reports/news-publications/ism-podcast-supply-chain-unfiltered

Participate in information interviews with supply chain managers. During such an interview, you will get the opportunity to ask supply chain managers about their job duties, work environment, likes and dislikes about their careers, educational training, and other topics that will help you to learn more about the field. Information interviews can be conducted in-person, on the phone, or through video-conferencing technology. Perhaps you could even job-shadow a supply chain manager to learn even more about the field. Ask your school counselor or business teacher to help you set up these information-gathering opportunities.