Northeast Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition  Author Biographies and Presentations

Supply Chain Career Planning for the 21st Century

by Bob McInturff, CPIM

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The topics covered at the 2005 NE Supply Chain Conference should alert everyone that your career, job expectations, training, and education are based on an outdated 20-year- old model. We speak of cross-functional skills, globalization of requirements and a shifting employment market, and worry the impact will be fewer jobs and loss of opportunity. Therefore, many of us are unsure of the viability of our chosen profession. But it is important to keep in mind that these changing trends should ultimately be positive, with broader job content providing some upfront challenges, while at the same time providing better opportunities for those who are ready and prepared.

We’ll cover career planning, job market trends, and growth expectations, but more specifically: 

*The increased demand for sourcing vs. procurement skills
*Data analysis and quantitative skills cutting across all areas of demand management, but significantly in sourcing/purchasing
*Altering your career expectations to reflect potential shorter stays with an employer, and the decrease of larger/midsize departments providing one-stop career growth
*The need to embrace the global economy not as a slogan, but as an integral part of your career

A downturn in the market forces all of us to rethink where we’ve been and what lies ahead. No job is guaranteed, but you can make sure you’re prepared for the next promotion, job search or trend. The direct benefit of career planning is most important during these turbulent times. This presentation should help everyone achieve his or her goals. 

Bob McInturff is President of Mcinturff & Associates and MMD Temps, a recruiting firm which has specialized in Supply Chain for over 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern. Recognized as a CPIM, he is also a past APICS Chapter President and has spoken before numerous professional societies and colleges. In addition Bob has over 50 articles published on career planning and trends in supply chain.