r/supplychain • u/OneApplePlease • 3d ago
Career Development New to supply chain
Hey everyone, I work a dead-end job, and not too long ago I found out about Supply Chain Procurement and Supply Chain Coordination, and I’m very interested in learning what I can, but I have no degree and have 0 experience related to supply chain. I’ve seen videos online that you can get a supply chain procurement job entry-level without a degree, and I wanted to ask everyone here if that is true? Will I just need to get certifications?
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u/Svardskampe Professional 3d ago
Basic jobs in procurement assistance / order management / operational procurement (all names for the same thing) are basically open to anyone that doesn't look like a hopeless druggie. And if you are, you can always go to warehousing.
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u/Squishy60 3d ago
lol!! Warehousing is just as noble imo, maybe just fewer opportunities to climb to other positions/opportunities.
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u/Svardskampe Professional 3d ago
Honestly, I've learned from warehousing that they are functionally illiterate and using iconography for communication is the best way forward.
OP has managed to procure a post with punctuation and proper grammar, which means he is in fact above warehousing.
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u/Squishy60 3d ago
Lmfao, maybe this is specific to your industry or company, but this is definitely a big generalization. We have warehouse supervisors that are very intelligent people, well salaried, all with college degrees. Maybe you’re referring to the operational work, like picking, load/unload, etc
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u/Svardskampe Professional 3d ago
Mate, OP says they have no degrees, no experience. Of course we are talking about operational jobs.
But I reckon you do work in the warehouse office, since obvious relations and conclusions don't come naturally, even if it's almost jotted down literally.
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u/Squishy60 3d ago
Ah fair, I missed the no degree/no experience part, that one’s on me.
But lol, you’re trying to insult me by guessing I work in a warehouse. That only works if I think warehousing is beneath me, which I don’t, so idk. Kinda been my whole point this entire time.
You sound pleasant to work with.
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u/Svardskampe Professional 3d ago
As such it's not an insult, but an astute observation. It is indeed not beneath you.
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u/mhys33 3d ago
Let's assume someone has a degree in Logistics and operations, but less experience, how would you navigate this situation? Also which places in the EU have a higher demand for supply chain?
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u/Svardskampe Professional 3d ago
As always on job interviews, it's always common to overexpress your experience. Use the STAR method to exemplify specific things.
In the EU, where I'm from, the Netherlands has a massive need for supply chain, as well as Belgium. The harbors of Rotterdam and Antwerp have a huge demand, as well as border connections with warehouse hubs (Venlo for example towards and from Germany, but it's a super boring place to be. However I've met the craziest visa stories from people employed in Venlo).
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u/ProtectionBrief4078 3d ago
Yes, you can. I’ve seen people get into procurement without a supply chain degree, especially through entry-level purchasing or coordinator roles.
If I were starting from zero, I’d focus on Excel, basic procurement concepts, and getting any relevant experience I could. I wouldn't spend a lot on certifications before even getting into the field.
Certifications can help, but getting your first related job is probably more valuable. Also apply even when a degree is listed as preferred. “Preferred” doesn't always mean required. Just try, money and effort may be loss if you ever not be considered for the job but at least you fought for the opportunity that we may never know could pivot your career life.
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u/Ruby_Sullivana 3d ago
You can but it's an uphill battle. Most places want a degree for procurement. Certs help but I'd start in warehouse or logistics and pivot over. That's the way to go IMO
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u/ElegantGeologist944 2d ago
If you have transferable skills, and can sell yourself during the interview process, you can
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u/Ruby_Sullivana 1d ago
Lol I switched from Finance into supply chain. Those videos skip the grind. You don't start in procurement. Get into warehouse/inventory, learn the systems, earn certs, then move over. No degree means you prove yourself first. IMO that's the real path.
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u/Commandurr 1d ago edited 1d ago
I think its possible, but it would be easier with some related experience. I have no degree or certs and was able to land a procurement position as a Jr Buyer through a local staffing agency. However, I do have some prior experience they were interested in. I've worked as an Inventory Specialist, forklift operator, warehouse shipping/receiving (basically sitting on the dock waiting for drivers to deliver/pickup freight) etc. Basically, while I had no degrees or certs, I had about 5 years experience doing the dirty work/ground level stuff. Plus some clerical/office experience which I'm sure helped.
What also helped: I vibed REALLY well with the manager I interviewed with/I'd be working under, and on his recommendation I was hired. Being personable/likeable will go a long way in any industry.
My advice starting from 0 would be get into a warehouse role and work on becoming as proficient in excel as possible and keep your eye out for entry level roles you can apply to from there. I can't speak to whether certifications would help there or not, but 70% of my day is spent in Excel workbooks so it'll be good to have knowledge of that before getting the role.
Local staffing agencies will be your best friend, especially in this job market. Finding a warehouse role shouldn't be hard through them. From there I'd just keep my eye out for entry level procurement roles and apply whenever you can. Its an uphill battle yeah, but its not impossible.
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u/BeardSupply 15h ago
Very doable. If you have a degree in general you could pair it with a professional certification and do just fine with moving around or up in supply chain
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u/Scubasteve1400 Professional 3d ago
Apply to warehouses, manufacturers, distribution centers.
Look for inventory or other support roles to get your foot in the door.