What can you do with a Supply Chain Management degree?

First, some facts. Of the Supply Chain Management graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 201 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 74%, Supply Chain Management graduates have a higher likelihood (+7%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 74%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

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Also, after graduating, only 20% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Supply Chain Management graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Supply Chain Management graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 86%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2016 from University of Arkansas - Sam M. Walton College of Business with a Bachelor of Science in International Business in Supply Chain Management. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Logistics Account Executive
R+L Global Logistics
Sep 2016 - Jan 2017
The role of Logistics Account Executive involves managing logistics accounts which directly utilizes supply chain management knowledge and skills gained from the Bachelor's degree.

International Logistics Specialist
R+L Global Logistics
Jan 2017 - Sep 2017
As an International Logistics Specialist, this job directly employs international logistics skills and supply chain management principles, closely aligning with the individual's degree.

Supply Chain Analyst
Hub Group
Oct 2017 - Jul 2019
The position of Supply Chain Analyst requires analysis and management of supply chain processes, which is core to the skills acquired in the Bachelor's program.

Consolidation Program Analyst
Hub Group
Jul 2019 - Jun 2022
As a Consolidation Program Analyst, the job involves consolidating logistics and supply chain data, applying the relevant skills taught in the Bachelor's degree.

Customer Success Manager
Hub Group
Jun 2022 - Present
The Customer Success Manager role may indirectly use knowledge of customer service within supply chains, but it does not fundamentally require supply chain management expertise.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Supply Chain Management degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


After analyzing numerous job profiles of individuals who graduated with a degree in Supply Chain Management, a clear picture of common job types and their relevance to the field emerges. The most frequent roles are in areas directly tied to supply chain operations, logistics, procurement, analysis, and planning. Some of the most prevalent job titles include Supply Chain Analyst, Logistics Manager, Purchasing Agent, and Operations Supervisor. These positions generally require explicit knowledge and skills from supply chain management degrees, indicating a strong alignment between the degree and job responsibilities.

However, not all job titles reviewed show a strong connection to supply chain expertise. Some roles, like Account Manager or various sales positions, though they may benefit from some understanding of supply chain dynamics, often focus more on client relations and general sales strategies. Furthermore, positions in fields like education, finance, and marketing usually lack a direct application of supply chain principles, making them less relevant to the degree. Overall, while there is strong relevance for many of the roles held by graduates, a significant number diverge from the core competencies associated with Supply Chain Management, reflecting a mixed landscape of career outcomes for these graduates.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Supply Chain Management graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Supply Chain Management graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When examining the career trajectories of individuals who have graduated with degrees in Supply Chain Management, it's clear that many of them have followed a path that aligns well with their field of study. Most graduates tend to secure positions that are directly relevant to supply chain management almost immediately after graduation. For example, various roles such as Supply Chain Analyst, Inventory Control Analyst, or Logistics Coordinator are prevalent as entry-level jobs. This direct entry into the industry signals a promising start, suggesting that these graduates are well-prepared for careers that relate closely to their education and skill sets. The expertise they gain during their studies seems to translate effectively into their early careers, allowing them to make a smooth transition into professional roles.

Five to ten years down the line, many of these professionals appear to climb the corporate ladder impressively. Positions have evolved into middle and upper management roles like Supply Chain Manager, Program Manager, or Senior Analyst. Notably, companies like Amazon are repeated employers, with many graduates achieving leadership positions within the organization, indicating a strong career trajectory within a highly competitive firm. However, not every graduate enjoys such uniform success. A small number found themselves taking detours into unrelated fields after graduation, such as sales or administrative roles, which could impact their long-term growth in supply chain management. Nevertheless, those who stay the course typically build on their foundational roles, gaining expertise and moving up to more strategic functions over time.

Overall, it can be said that graduates in Supply Chain Management from these universities seem to have a solid beginning and many develop fruitful careers relevant to their fields of study. While there are exceptions, the trend showcases a lot of promise with high demand for these skills in the job market, positioning these graduates favorably as they advance in their careers.

How hard is a Supply Chain Management degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management can be a good mix of tough and manageable, depending on your strengths and interests. If you're into organization, problem-solving, and maybe have a knack for math, you'll probably find it easier than others might. There are definitely some challenging courses that dig into logistics, analytics, and operations, but it's not like you're climbing a mountain here—all the concepts link back to real-world scenarios that can make them easier to grasp. Just be ready to put in some effort, stay on top of your projects, and you'll do just fine!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Supply Chain Management.

Do Supply Chain Management graduates tend to make good money?

Analyzing these supply chain management graduates, it looks like a good number of them have been able to build solid careers with potential to make decent money. For instance, those who have landed internships at well-known companies like Amazon, Intel, or Deloitte often are set up for lucrative positions down the line. Others who have steadily progressed to roles like Senior Program Manager or Supply Chain Manager at established firms like Lockheed Martin or Boeing also suggest they're likely earning a comfortable salary, especially considering the range of experiences on their resumes.

However, not everyone seems to be on quite the same track. Some graduates have taken longer to move up or have remained in more entry-level roles, like a cashier at Costco or in administrative positions. These positions generally come with lower salary scales, which could mean those individuals aren't pulling in as much compared to their peers in high-level supply chain roles. So overall, while many graduates appear to be on paths to decent earnings, there's a noticeable discrepancy in salaries based on job titles and job growth potential in their respective careers.

What buzzwords do Supply Chain Management graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Supply Chain Management. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Supply Chain Management?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Supply Chain Management (ordered by the average relevance score of their Supply Chain Management graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Michigan State University 79 18
Texas A&M University 61 17
Auburn University 47 10