Please upgrade your web browser

These pages are built with modern web browsers in mind, and are not optimized for Internet Explorer 8 or below. Please try using another web browser, such as Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 10, Internet Explorer 11, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari.

Which logistics certifications should I pursue?

Veteran

RICHARD ANSAH Fort Riley, KS

I am currently on active duty. My job is Automated Logistical Specialist, in my case, I work in a warehouse. I have a BA and almost done with my second Associate Degree, this time in Supply Chain Management. I have a year to transition out of the military and I want to go back to school for a Masters Degree in Supply Chain Management starting 2017. I would like to get a job in the logistics field when I transition out and I know some certifications might help but I also know that there are a ton of them out there. Which of these numerous certifications should I consider to help with my entry level position jobs? I would really appreciate any help from anyone who has something to say. Practical and personal experiences would be appreciated very much. Thanks so much in advance.

~Richard

27 September 2015 4 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Advisor

Jerry Welsh Middleville, MI

ISM (Institute for Supply Management). They have a certification program

https://www.instituteforsupplymanagement.org/

28 September 2015 Helpful answer

Advisor

John Green Cary, NC

Hi Richard -

A Director of Supply Chain Management role is the most common promotion for Supply Chain Managers moving up the ladder, and pay for this position tends to be around the $120K mark.

http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Business_Administration_(MBA),_Supply_Chain_Management/Salary

http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Supply_Chain_Manager/Salary

A better way to find the answer to your question is to turn the question around : ( what jobs I like require what background ? ) :

https://www.google.com/search?q=%22director+of+supply+chain+management%22&oq=%22director+of+supply+chain+management%22&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.7159j0j8&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8

So find some job postings then start applying for them. Use the feedback you get from the hiring manager to address what your gaps are and how to fill them. Your perceived gap may not exist at all.

Does a body no good to get XYZ certification if that is not a gap in your background or the hiring manager wants to see ZYQ certification.

Most of the time, certification and training comes after the hire not before the hire.

Good luck - HTH
JG

28 September 2015 Helpful answer

Advisor

Tom Cal, CFA San Francisco, CA

+1 for "A better way to find the answer to your question is to turn the question around : ( what jobs I like require what background ? ) "

And then once you identify jobs that interest you, do not simply apply, work to find internal career sponsors within he employer who can advise you and advocate on your behalf.

Advisor

Bora Chang Katy, TX

Hi Richard,
Have you looked into SAP certificates? SAP is civilian sector logistical data base that requires training; just like an IT with A+/Security+ certs would be considered more compared to other IT professionals without, a logistics/supply chain professional with SAP certificate would be compared the same. Try searching for SAP in your closest city/business area on indeed and review their job descriptions to where you can take action now rather than later. Hope this helps.

Your Answer

Please log in to answer this question.

Sign Up

You can join as either a Veteran or an Advisor.

An Advisor already has a career, with or without military experience, and is willing to engage with and help veterans.
Sign Up as an Advisor.

A Veteran has military experience and is seeking a new career, or assistance with life after service.
Sign Up as a Veteran.