I am Angela Foley, the Supply Chain Specialist at ProTalent. I have developed a passion and interest in the Supply chain field due to its fascinating roles and a high number of opportunities. If you are unsure of which industry to pursue, this article might help you decide whether there is a career in the supply chain waiting for you.
Here are my top 6 reasons to consider a career in Supply Chain.
- Logistics is an ever-changing industry. There is never a dull moment in this field. It is a fast-paced environment that allows you to see real tangible results daily. If you are looking for a career to keep you on your toes, this is the industry for you! You get to deal with people all over the world which grows you as a person, having to negotiate and work with people from different walks of life and cultural backgrounds.
- You will never be at a loss for opportunities. Every student, after spending years studying to attain their degree wants to join an industry with limitless potential for career growth. The logistics and supply chain field offers this in spades. In South Africa, the Logistics industry contributes 10 – 12% of the country’s GDP. Considering the great impact of COVID and the looting, the industry has still grown by 3.49% between 2017 and 2023.
- For the most part, with our ever-changing economic climate, you have good job stability in relation to other industries. This is a huge factor to consider when choosing your career path. The logistics industry is here to stay and for the most part, Artificial Intelligence cannot remove the human element of customer service and negotiation. Investing in a career where you know you will have employment opportunities until retirement is an added plus.
- Although this should not be your deciding factor for a career, salaries are very competitive in the Supply chain field. The most in-demand career currently in South Africa is a Supply Chain manager. Starting salaries within the industry for entry-level jobs are around R12 000 cost to company per month and the average salary is R300 000 cost to the company per annum.
- There are opportunities for you no matter your highest level of education obtained. If you have the right soft skills, you can get a job straight out of school. It is however highly beneficial to pursue a diploma or degree in this field to have an added competitive advantage.
- Most companies within South Africa are international companies that offer you the opportunity to grow within the organization and potentially travel abroad for work (you get paid to travel), which opens opportunities to emigrate or travel to expand your global awareness and meet people from all over the world.
I hope the above points give you a better understanding of the opportunities this industry can offer you. If you are looking for career fulfillment, a fast-paced environment, and never feeling like it’s groundhog day, this is definitely an industry you need to consider. If you have further questions, I can be contacted at angela@proappoint.co.za.