The Thomas Blog

How To Successfully Make A Career Change Into Supply Chain

Deciding what you want to do with your life can be overwhelming, especially when that decision is made early in your career. In fact, an astounding majority of people don’t find their calling right away and trends are showing people are no longer working for one company their whole career — the average person changes jobs an average of 12 times during his or her career. 

But making that switch can be daunting and confusing. There are so many options, and the wrong move can set you back in your career and in your finances.

However, switching to supply chain can be a great option. The field is broad enough to be a fit for people with a variety of technical and soft skills. It's also a growing industry, with millions of new employees being added to the workforce.   

Leah Williams: Making An Impact On The Future Of Industry

At just 25 years old, Leah Williams has already made a profound impact on industry. In her role as a Supply Chain Analyst at Northrop Grumman, she has implemented improvements, driven successes, and taken home her share of awards as well.

But she isn’t done. She aims to take her career “as high and as far as it can go.”

Introducing Charlotte de Brabandt, Rising Supply Chain Star Megawatt Winner

In 30 short years, Charlotte de Brabandt has led a life that most people could only dream of. She speaks 5 languages, has traveled to more than 60 countries over 5 continents, and has led expeditions across the Swiss Alps. To add to these accomplishments, de Brabandt was recently named the Rising Supply Chain Star Megawatt winner for 2017.

30 Under 30 Stars Share Their Perspective On Global Supply Chains

Supply chains are more global than ever before, and that's reflected in the supply chain workforce of today.

Our 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars include professionals that live and work around the world. We recently got to chat with two of those supply chain stars to get their perspective on working in the global supply chain. Here's what they had to say:

A Chat With Dan Kaskinen, Rising Supply Chain Star Megawatt Winner

In 2014, Dan Kaskinen sat in the audience of ISM2014 and learned about a brand new program launched by THOMASNET.com and ISM called the 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars Recognition Program. Three years later, Dan has not only been named a Rising Star, he’s this year’s Megawatt winner.

Why It's Great To Work In The Supply Chain Industry As A Millennial

At Thomasnet.com, we know that there are variety of reasons to choose a career in supply chain. Unfortunately, however, many young professionals don't consider supply chain as a career option. Many don't even know it exists!

To spread the word and shed some light on why working in supply chain can be a great option, we asked the winners of our 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars contest to weigh in.

Introducing The 2016 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars

At THOMASNET.com, we understand the vital role that supply chain professionals play in the success of their businesses and today's economy. We also want to raise awareness of the profession to ensure that it's is in good hands for years to come.

That's why we partnered with the Institute for Supply Management to create the 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Star Program. The program recognizes young professionals making an impact on the supply chain industry. This year, for the first time ever, our search for the most accomplished young supply chain professionals went global, and we received nominations from all around the world. 

Want to meet the winners? Click through the slides below.  

Why Mentorship Matters In Supply Chain … And How To Maximize It

Most people understand the value of finding a mentor. For young people or those new to an industry, a mentor can provide inspiration, guidance, a roadmap for success and the ability to expand their professional network.

However, being a mentor also offers several significant benefits for the mentors themselves and the organizations in which they work. That’s why it’s so important for experienced workers to become effective mentors.

Nominating A Rising Supply Chain Star: What's In It For You?

 Two years ago, David Allen, who at the time was Functional Excellence Lead in Shell Oil's Downstream Contracting and Procurement Operational Excellence Group, nominated a young colleague, Katy Conrad, for the THOMASNET.com and ISM 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars Recognition Program. Katy was not only selected, she was also named the Megawatt Winner for 2014.