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If you have ever considered a career in logistics, shipping, warehousing and distribution, you may want to consider an MBA in supply chain management. An MBA in supply chain management is geared towards learning the ins and outs of how to effectively and efficiently ship large quantities of goods from one destination to another. Here is a quick and comprehensive overview of a supply chain management MBA and what exactly you can do with it.
What is supply chain management?
Supply chain management is the study of the flow or movement of goods, i.e. products, from one destination to another. This involves learning how to properly and efficiently store warehouse products, the shipping and transportation networks that need to be created and sustained to get goods from one point to another, and the processing and shipping of these final goods (if they are raw materials). Essentially, supply chain management is the strategic planning, design and implementation of systems that will help businesses and organization move their goods in a timely and low-cost fashion.
What will I study in a supply chain management MBA degree?
If you are interested in supply chain management as a MBA option, you will typically take a variety of core courses related to finance, accounting, marketing, sales, leadership and human resources. As you get closer to finishing the program, you will take a variety of electives such as supply chain logistics, inventory control, warehousing, shipping and distribution, and IT systems for supply chain management. These courses will require you to be somewhat mathematically saavy so be prepared to do a lot of number crunching and problem solving. This degree is perfect for those with backgrounds in computer programming, engineering and other technical fields, and there are many options to earn this degree online as well. (See: Do Online Master Degrees in Business Stack up to Traditional Programs?)
What can I do with a MBA in supply chain management?
There are a variety of roles you can go after once you successfully obtain a MBA in supply chain management. Many people who get this degree end up working as logistics analysts, warehouse managers, distribution managers, supply chain analysts, planners, sourcing analysts, and operations managers. These roles are found in all sizes of organizations. Whether you want to work for a large corporation like Coca-Cola or a smaller firm like a local mom-and-pop furniture supplier, supply chain managers are in great demand and a MBA in this field is a great add. The typical starting salaries for those with an MBA in supply chain management is usually around $60,000. Obviously, this will depend on location of the employer, size of the company, years of experience and role. However, over time, successful supply chain managers with more than five years of experience have no problems bringing in way well over $100,000 a year. If this is truly a dream of yours, follow it all the way by getting a MBA in supply chain management. There are plethora of schools and universities, both traditional and online, that offer MBAs in supply chain management.
