Supply chain management is the oversight of the flow of goods and services—a simple definition for a complex
system. Supply chain management involves planning and the execution of processes that
enable the flow of goods and services, inventory management, logistics, storage, transportation
and risk management—all of which enable business success.
Sample Supply Chain Management Career Paths
Forecasting & Planning
Supply Chain Analyst
Data analyst to optimize processes, reduce costs, and identify risks
Consulting
External advisor, analyzing supply chains to identify inefficiencies & opportunities
Demand Planner
Strategic forecasting to predict market needs, preventing shortages or capital misallocation
Procurement
Purchasing Manager
Negotiate with global suppliers, source materials ethically, and purchase needed goods
at the right price.
Strategic Sourcing Analyst
Monitor vendor performance, and proactively identify new sources of materials to bring
down costs and improve efficiency
Operations
Distribution Operations
Oversee movements, inventory, and order selection operations
Manufacturing & Service Operations
Oversee production processes in manufacturing and healthcare environments within the
supply chain to optimize throughput and bottlenecks
Transportation Operation
Oversee physical transportation operations across all modes to ensure smooth flows
Supply Chain Management Career Roadmap
Your path through the Supply Chain Management major is designed to build academic
knowledge, professional skills and real-world experience at every stage. This is only a suggested roadmap.
1
Explore
Freshman Year
Understand how academics connect to future careers.
Academic Coursework
AU Core Curriculum
Business Core Curriculum
Professional Development
BUSI 1010 – Intro to Professional Development
Introduction to career readiness concepts
Early awareness of resumes and professionalism
Experiential Learning & Engagement
Explore student organizations
Begin building campus involvement habits
Outcome: Explore major pathways and college opportunities.
2
Prepare
Sophomore Year
Move from exploration to intentional career preparation.
Academic Coursework
Declare Supply Chain Management
SCMN 2150 – Principles of SCM
CTCT 3250 – Excel
AU Core Curriculum
Business Core Curriculum
Professional Development
BUSI 2010 – Professional Development
Beginner resume development
Interviewing fundamentals
Experiential Learning & Engagement
Join ASCMA, WISE and another relevant professional organization
Outcome: Understand SCMN career pathways and build foundational career skills.
3
Compete
Junior Year
Become technically prepared and professionally competitive for internship roles.
Academic Coursework
SCMN 3720 – Transportation / Order Fulfillment
SCMN 3730 – Strategic Sourcing
SCMN 3740 – Supply & Demand Integration
Professional Development
SCMN 3810 – Professional Development in SCM
Advanced resume development
Professional communication skills
Interview preparation
Experiential Learning & Engagement
Employer engagement
Career fair participation
Begin internship search early
Outcome:Secure a SCMN internship.
4
Apply
Summer Before Senior Year
Use internship experience as the foundation for full-time recruiting.
Academic Coursework
SCMN 3920 – SCM Internship
Professional Development
Strengthen professional confidence
Refine career interests and goals
Prepare to leverage internship experience for full-time recruiting
Experiential Learning & Engagement
Apply classroom learning in a real-world setting
Build professional references and industry connections
Outcome: Translate internship experience into career positioning.
5
Launch
Senior Year
Graduate with a full-time role or a clear post-graduation plan.
Academic Coursework
SCMN 4700 – Performance Management
SCMN 4800 – Global Supply Chain
SCMN electives
Professional Development
Full-time resume refinement
Advanced interviewing and offer evaluation
Professional networking and follow-up
Experiential Learning & Engagement
Full-time job search
Career fair participation
Employer follow-up and relationship management
Outcome: Secure a full-time role or post-graduation plan.
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