The pandemic spurred student interest in supply chains, whilst demand for logistics professionals is expected to rise 18% by 2033 – but will it last?
The popularity of supply chain and information systems programmes has grown significantly since 2020.
Professors across the country point to the pandemic as a catalyst for students’ curiosity about how products move from factories to store shelves and the intricacies of the process.
Four years after the start of the COVID pandemic, its effects are still shaping decisions and outlooks, particularly among teenagers who experienced a disrupted high school education.
While the pandemic hit the elderly and vulnerable hardest, its wider impact stretched to high school students who endured virtual classrooms, economic upheaval and a new awareness of supply chain issues.
While a shortage of baby formula or toilet paper may not have been life-altering for teenagers, these events opened their eyes to the vulnerabilities in global supply chains.
This realisation, even within a country like the United States has left a lasting impression, increasing desire to understand the systems behind daily products.
Now, universities such as the University of Tennessee, Penn State, Georgia Tech and Michigan State have responded to this shift by expanding their supply chain programmes.
More students are enrolling, bringing with them real-life experiences and a deep curiosity about the mechanics of global logistics.
These young minds are driving innovation and pushing for improvements in the field.
Universities respond to demand
The University of Tennessee, for example, has seen its largest cohort of supply chain management students, with 2,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programmes.
This surge in enrolment would have been unheard of just a decade ago.
Other universities, like Old Dominion University, have launched new supply chain programmes to meet this rising demand. Old Dominion’s School of Supply Chain, Logistics and Maritime Operations is one of the latest examples of institutions adapting to market needs. Meanwhile, Concordia College and Virginia Commonwealth University are also setting up their own supply chain management bachelor’s degrees.
This isn’t just a passing trend. The US Bureau of Labour Statistics projects an 18% growth in logistics jobs over the next decade, significantly outpacing the 3% average growth across all industries.
Universities are taking note of this, expanding their course offerings to meet both student demand and employer needs.
Preparing for the future of supply chain
Whether the momentum behind these programmes will continue remains to be seen.
According to Tom Derry, CEO of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM): “The supply chain profession is becoming increasingly attractive to young professionals who see it as a pathway to the C-suite.”
The market for supply chain analytics is expected to nearly triple, growing from US$5.2bn in 2022 to US$13.5bn by 2027. The global supply chain management application market is also projected to reach almost US$31bn by 2026.
The supply chain field offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities.
It’s a discipline where professionals can see the tangible results of their work, directly impacting a company’s performance. From procurement to logistics to demand planning, the variety of roles means there’s something for everyone. On top of that, the global nature of supply chains presents opportunities for international exposure and career growth.
As companies expand globally, the demand for skilled supply chain professionals continues to rise.
“The evolving nature of supply chain management, coupled with the increasing demand for skilled professionals, translate into huge opportunities awaiting those who embark on a career in the field,” comments Daniel Stanton (also known as Mr Supply Chain).
“Armed with the right education, skills and industry insights, students can navigate the complex and exciting world of supply chain management with confidence.”
There’s a growing need for those who can navigate the complexities of international trade and logistics while also integrating new technologies into their operations.
It is therefore clear that supply chain professionals will be crucial in keeping companies competitive in an ever-changing market.
