Supply chain management is a huge industry, and so too is manufacturing; in fact, they are two key industries that are exponentially growing all of the time. With more domestic and international markets opening up all of the time, the opportunities for new jobs and new positions to be created are there; all you have to do is find them and subsequently seize them. Supply chain management can vary in terms of what a job entails and how and where work is carried out. For instance, some supply chains only run at night or in the evenings, and so this means that employees need to work in the evenings. Would this be suitable for you, or would you be looking at a job or career that could be done in the daytime? Supply chains exist and operate in a wide variety of areas and industries, and it would be beneficial if you could establish what area you would like to work in and why? When you can break down what you are looking for, you can then start to put together a targeted plan of action, which will achieve results.
Manufacturing has always been a large industry, and it continues to be growing all of the time. Jobs within manufacturing do not just have to focus on managing the manufacturing line; they can be bigger. For example, a manager could be overseeing the manufacture of a completely new line or product that is being shipped overseas, or they could be responsible for merging two areas within manufacturing. The manufacturing industry can be seen as a heavy industry, but the management roles within the industry rarely involve any heavy lifting or manual work, and it is important that this is highlighted.
Why the Supply Chain Industry is Right for You
If you love to be involved in an industry that is fast-moving and ever-changing, then the supply chain industry is right for you. No two days are the same, and the fast pace of work will mean that you are always kept on your toes. Change and willingness to change are two pieces of essential criteria that are essential for a role within the supply chain industry, and this applies to every role, including the management positions.
Managers have to be adaptable, and they have to be both open and ready to change, even at the last minute. As the supply chain moves so quickly, it is important that you are prepared for change. Welcoming change and even embracing it is essential. So, how do you know if the supply chain industry is right for you? Well, if you love change, and if you love the excitement of no two days being the same, it is definitely the industry for you. Being able to diversify and change how you handle situations and scenarios is essential within this industry, and if this sounds like you, then you need to pursue a management career.
Why is the Manufacturing Industry so Appealing?
Change, development, and growth are all key areas of the manufacturing industry, and when you want to be in an industry that makes a difference, why wouldn’t you look at the manufacturing industry? After all, within manufacturing, and manufacturing processes, materials are often taken in their raw state and turned into something completely different, and what isn’t appealing or exciting about this?
How to Make the Transition Over from Your Current Role and Industry
No matter what role you are currently in, you will still need to make a transition, and this transition may be smooth, or it may be tricky, depending on when you make the transition and why. Just jumping into a new industry is not recommended; you need to ensure that you have the skills, qualities, and education needed before making a leap over to a new industry. Transitioning is much easier if you have both goals and visions in mind and in place, too. So, as soon as possible, establish what you want to achieve, when, and why. Just moving into a new industry and perhaps hoping for the best is not the best approach to take and will certainly not get you the results you desire or expect.
Making the transition over from another role and industry is easier if it is done systematically and over a period of time. For example, if you set yourself a target of 1-2 years, you will know that you have transitioned at a pace that suits you, and you will know that you have had time to get the education, qualifications, and skills you need to thrive in your new role, and industry.
Why Should You Become a Manager?
If you are not already a manager within your current role, you may be asking yourself, why management and why now? And, in response to that, you could say – why not? The manufacturing industry and the supply chain industry always need managers, whether to oversee production or to oversee people management. You have the strength of character, and you have the right skill set to be a fantastic manager, so ask yourself – what is holding you back?
Advancing Your Education
You may feel that your education has faltered over time, or you may even feel that it is stopping you from going for opportunities you want to pursue. If you feel like this, then you can make a change, and you can make a change by focusing your attention on advancing your education. Returning to studying and enhancing your education and all-around knowledge will be beneficial to any new role you undertake, especially that of a manager.
Returning to Education
Now that you have made the commitment to return to education, it is all about finding the right course of study for you. Getting a tailored education will ensure that you have the knowledge and information base to hand to successfully go for any new management position that arises. So, for example, if you were seeking a manager’s position within supply chain management, you would definitely focus on studying Kettering University’s Online Master of Science Supply Chain Management simply because it is highly tailored and focused to the areas you wish to cover and to the industry you wish to pursue. Similarly, if you were looking to land a role in management within the manufacturing industry, you would focus on programs, or courses that provide you with the knowledge and awareness you need, all of which would, of course, surround the manufacturing industry and manufacturing processes.
Making Studying Online Work for You
When you return to studying, you will most likely want to seek a flexible approach, especially if you are balancing your studying around other commitments such as work and family. Studying online gives you flexibility; it gives you the opportunity to pursue the education you want to without having to make major sacrifices along the way. When you study online, you will need to dig deep to find your dedication and drive. When you are on your own and when you are responsible and accountable for your own studying and learning, it can be difficult to focus. So, from the start of the online studying process, it is essential that you create an area within your home that is free from distractions. A distraction-free area within your home can be the difference between studying successfully from home online and struggling.
Identifying What a Good Manager Looks Like
Once you are underway with your studies, you need to start looking forwards to the future as it will soon be here. As you want to pursue a management career, it is wise that you establish just what a good manager looks like. For example, a good manager is someone who has the ability to listen as well as speak. Communication as a manager is crucial, and so too is honesty and transparency. Working out just what makes a good manager will allow you to begin a process of self-evaluation. As a new manager, you need to be confident in your abilities and in your areas of strength and weakness, but how can you do this if you do not know what you are looking for? Training can help you establish where you need to make changes and what you are doing well already.
Managers are only human, and they all make mistakes, but good managers will be consistent and reliable, and these are two key areas that you must ensure you always focus on and maintain.
What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Evaluating where your strengths and weaknesses lie, even when you are undertaking your studies, is crucial. You want enough time to make changes to ensure that you are the best candidate possible. Identifying where your weaknesses lie, for example, in poor or unclear communication and then improving them over time, will help you become the manager that you want to be. Self-improvement as a manager is crucial, and you will quickly find it is something that is constant.