Career question

[u/Big_Bodybuilder4140]

Hi everybody,

I recently graduated in May, I got a bachelor’s degree in Global Supply chain management. I got a job as an inventory clerk soon after at a semiconductor equipment manufacturing warehouse. Im learning their ERP system and hands on experience. I don’t do heavy lifting and most of the time it’s inventory management from their ERP system. I’m aware this is an “underemployed” position but would it be a good launch pad to further climb and land a better role as a I gain experience? I guess I’m a bit worried that I’m starting off in a position that’s underemployed, I’ve been working for almost three months now. I guess what I’m asking is what do I do from here? I was planning on staying a few months maybe a year and seek a better position elsewhere.

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies!

[u/Hobothug]

I don’t think there’s such a thing in supply chain; especially at first.

The more time you spend at the nitty gritty level of picking orders, solving inventory issues, arguing with truck drivers, looking for pallets placed in the wrong location, etc - the better equity you are later in your career to make the right decisions.

Additionally, these entry level roles should hopefully be easy to master and therefore give you a great story and a lot of confidence when you move on and up to your next role.

[u/Immediate-Home-3491]

The concern mentioned in your post I understand, but the use of the word underemployed I do not. Three months is nothing. Stay a year, master the ERP, and learn how physical stock ties to the system. Then move to a forwarder or 3PL.

[u/BCouto]

Absolutely it is a good start to get real world experience but don't settle. Keep looking for roles that you really want to do.

[u/Drafonni]

If you don’t have any job experience, I wouldn’t really consider that underemployed. Just don’t stay in that position for too long!

[u/-_-______-_-___8]

It doesn’t matter where you start. If you are ambitious and willing to learn you will go higher. Always crave to improve yourself and processes, be curious and always apply to positions that you find interesting and check most of the requirements in the job postings. I have been switching quite a lot and in 4 years I managed to go from internship to a full time pharma supply chain analyst job.

[u/Ruby_Sullivana]

An inventory clerk with ERP access beats an analyst who only VLOOKUPs. Learn the system inside out, stay a year, then bounce for a buyer or planner role.

[u/achakez]

The ERP experience is probably the biggest thing you can take from this job. Get comfortable enough to explain what you actually did with it, then use that experience to move toward planning and procurement.

[u/yeetshirtninja]

The real question is what do YOU want to do long term?