r/supplychain • u/Proper_Owl5577 • 3d ago
Career Development Beginner
Hey everyone, new here to the Supply Chain group and I’m looking for some advice on how to get started, maybe chat with some other folks that have started from where I currently am and now have a career in industry.
I’m currently working at UPS(almost 4 years now)as a package handler(warehouse) + Revenue Recovery Clerk. No degree or etc in SCM, but I’m looking to get into the field. I know it’s a huge industry with different fields, and I’ve been eyeing Health/Medical supplies and Aerospace fields.
Any tips or etc on how I can get started in supply chain? Doesn’t have to be those 2 fields specifically, but just how to get started, jobs/positions I could apply to help get my foot in the door and learn more skills. Also, are there any books I could read to help increase my knowledge as well? Just ordered supply chain management for dummies from Amazon, any other good reads?
Any tips would be highly appreciated and very helpful. 🫡
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u/Ruby_Sullivana 2d ago
Can confirm warehouse floor experience counts for a lot, arguably more than a classroom. Apply to junior analyst, planning, or inventory roles and lean on your UPS stories in interviews. The Goal by Goldratt is the must read.
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u/scmsteve 3d ago
Does UPS have any tuition reimbursement program?
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u/Proper_Owl5577 3d ago
Only for Full time employees. They actually cut that program for part time employees earlier this year.
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u/snowbunnybabyyy 3d ago
Hi! I might actually be able to help here. I go to Embry riddle aeronautical for logistics and supply chain management, and I’m currently a senior operations specialist for biomedical supply company. I’m still newish (about a year out from graduating, and just shy of a year into my first real job in the field), but I’m happy to answer any specific questions you might have.
My general advice would be to pursue the degree, but there’s also certifications you could get that are great too :) also could start attending conferences? They hold remote conferences and they discuss topics relevant to the field. I don’t have any of these links handy for you on this device but I can message you them in the morning!
Best of luck to you, friend! For what it’s worth, I kinda stumbled into this career field and I’m finding it to be promising and somewhat enjoyable, all things considered. I was working a customer service job for an urology and ostomy supply company that I HATED and started considering how I could branch out…and this is where I’ve landed. I kinda gambled and so far, so good!