Young Professionals in Supply Chain

What do young professionals think about working in the supply chain field? Why are they attracted to the business, and what are they looking for in a career? These are questions leaders at the CSCMP, Penske Logistics, and Korn Ferry set out to answer in the bi-annual Young Professionals Survey.

In the fourth edition of CSCMP’s Biannual Young Professionals in Supply Chain Report, authored by Korn Ferry and presented by Penske Logistics, the 2023 survey results will provide insights on the motivations and perspectives of the next generation of supply chain leaders. Gain insights into how they like to be developed, how they uncover supply chain jobs, and if they will relocate for the right opportunity.

Young professionals are turning to the supply chain field for a varied career that has a tangible impact on outcomes. The number of young professionals seeking supply chain careers has increased just as education opportunities in supply chain have expanded. As a result, the positive momentum is creating a strong pool of talent, which can create a win-win situation for young professionals and companies operating within the supply chain sector.

The 2023 Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Young Professionals in Supply Chain Report is produced by Korn Ferry and presented by Penske Logistics. It examines the sentiment of supply chain professionals aged 30 and younger. This year’s study finds that awareness of supply chain roles continues to increase, with 53% of respondents having first-hand exposure to the supply chain through internships, work experience or educational courses.

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Among the publication’s key findings:

Nearly all respondents agree that the supply chain field is a good career choice, and 96% said they are excited to have a career in the supply chain field.
A higher salary and/or better benefits and better development opportunities tied for the No. 1 reason young professionals apply elsewhere. Both typically rank as the top reasons young professionals apply for new positions and often trade places. Among respondents, salary increased to 21% from 17% who cited it in 2021. Interestingly, 28% of respondents cited salary in the 2016 study.
96% of respondents said they would recommend others consider supply chain as a career.
How did respondents become interested in a supply chain career? The top reasons: the variety of opportunities, the impact of supply chain roles, first-hand exposure/internship roles, etc., the challenging, always changing, fast-paced environment, and/or being passionate about supply chain.

For young professionals, pay and benefits that are competitive with other local companies is the most important factor in an employment opportunity, followed by a positive working relationship with a manager and a work-life balance.
Today’s young professionals said they are more willing to increase their commute for the right job opportunity, with 88% saying they are willing or very willing to commute more to align with the right opportunity.
Employees are looking elsewhere in the market at times, especially as it relates to development opportunities, better compensation and benefits, the type of work, or a better location.
The report offered insight into how the next generation of logistics leaders are searching for employment. For those seeking new supply chain-related jobs, they are looking for opportunities online via social media, such as LinkedIn and Facebook (23%), online job boards such as Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder and JobsinLogistics (18%).