Careers in Supply Chain & Information Systems

As a Supply Chain and Information Systems major, I realized quickly many aren't aware about the types of jobs out there for the students with this major. Supply chain management in itself is a broad term that could land you a role in operations, logistics and trucking, material handling, or purchasing. Information systems is also broad and could range from doing the back end coding for a company system, or working as a business analyst.

The career outlook for both majors looks bright, as technology and the supply chain environment is growing so quickly. If you are curious about what kinds of jobs you can receive as a supply chain or IS major check some out below!

• Supply Chain

1.  Materials scheduler- A materials scheduler is in charge of coordinating production schedules with the inventory of the production environment. This could be at a large manufacturing plant facilitating part movement, or for a store like Walmart or Target maintaining proper inventory.
2. Procurement Analyst -  A procurement analyst can work with the end product directly or indirectly. For example a procurement analyst for a auto manufacturer could be in charge of buying things like the seats inside your car, or the machine that puts the car together.
3. Logistics Analyst - Logistics Analysts could be in charge of a multitude of things such as operations, trucking, or product flow. They could be in charge of making sure the part gets from the supplier to the company without damage, as well as the flow of the part within the manufacturing plant. 

• Information Systems

1.  Database Administrator- The database administrator is responsible for maintaining accurate data within a company database. They would make sure that all the data is stored properly and easily obtainable for reports/audits.
2. Business Analyst- Business Analyst is a less technical job for information systems majors. The business analyst is a median for the IT at the workplace and the end user. Business analysts mix their business and technical background to continuously improve systems for a workplace. 
3. Product Support Specialist- If you are in this position you are responsible for a certain software at a company. This could be maintenance of a software, or just everyday expertise for an end user of the software.

Jobs in information systems according to Forbes had a median salary of 88K in 2012, while a supply chain job like procurement analyst had a median salary of 65K. The jobs I mentioned above are just a few of the ones available. I hope you were able to learn more about the possibilities of both!

For more information about jobs in either field, check out the links below!
Supply Chain Digest
Forbes


Thanks for reading-

Andrew