Welcome to the supply chain management page!

Whether you are just beginning to explore a career in supply chain management or looking to deepen your understanding of the field, you’re in the right place. On this page you will find the tools and resources to explore supply chain management deeply, reflect on your interests, and connect your strengths to real-world career possibilities.

Your journey starts here—let’s explore what’s possible!

What is supply chain management?

Supply chain management (SCM) is the business function responsible for overseeing the flow of goods, services, and information from origin to consumer. Within SCM, professionals work across areas such as procurement, logistics, operations, inventory management, demand planning, and supplier relationship management. Supply chain experts play a critical role in optimizing efficiency, reducing costs, and aligning operations with broader business strategies.

Check out the supply chain map, specialized master’s supply chain map, and MBA supply chain map to explore this function visually. After you have explored this function, we encourage you to visit other function pages within the W. P. Carey career website to compare and gain a clearer picture of where you might thrive professionally.

Core skills needed for supply chain careers

A successful career in supply chain management requires strategic insight, operational precision, and cross-functional collaboration. Core competencies include:

• Analytical and quantitative skills: Evaluate supply chain data to identify trends, optimize processes, and support evidence-based decision-making.
• Systems thinking: Understand how individual components interact within the broader supply chain to improve efficiency and resilience.
• Technical proficiency: Use enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, data visualization tools, and logistics software to track performance and manage operations.
• Attention to detail: Monitor timelines, inventory, and quality standards to ensure seamless flow from sourcing to delivery.
• Communication and negotiation: Collaborate effectively with suppliers, partners, and internal teams to align priorities, resolve conflicts, and manage expectations.
• Adaptability and problem-solving: Respond swiftly to disruptions, shifting demands, and global challenges with resourceful, forward-thinking solutions.

Whether you are optimizing last-mile delivery, sourcing sustainable materials, or managing global distribution networks, supply chain careers offer dynamic opportunities to shape how goods move around the world.

Related clubs and organizations

Supply Chain Management Association at ASU

Explore all student organizations at ASU here

Learn more about networking via professional chapters here

10-Year demand forecast

The BLS forecasts strong growth in supply chain-related occupations. Roles like Logisticians are expected to grow by 15–18% from 2022 to 2032—much faster than average. As companies modernize operations and adapt to global disruptions, the need for professionals in procurement, supply planning, and logistics is expanding across sectors.

Source: U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

How you can expect to engage in your job search

There are three primary ways business school students find jobs. Understanding which of these is part of your job search will help you build an efficient plan. Although each of these types of job searches requires a different plan, they all require the same core capabilities for success: Personal narrative, market research, networking, applications, and interviewing. Let us help you figure it out!

• On-campus/Global Job Search
  The majority of on-campus recruiting happens in the fall semester with a smaller set of firms doing campus recruiting in the spring. This requires you to be prepped and ready to interview soon after school starts. If the firms you are focused on do not visit ASU’s campus, then you will need to supplement your On-campus strategy with a Networked or Just-in-time job search.
• Networked Job Search
  All job searches require networking skills. If you are targeting firms that do not recruit on-campus at ASU then a Networked job search is your avenue. This requires a proactive approach to research, as well as developing relationships with the goal of building advocates within a firm. You’ll need to ensure your personal narrative and job search skills are well developed to convince these firms to consider you.
• Just-in-time Job Search
  A majority of firms, whether they participate in on-campus recruiting or not, will have a need for immediate hires throughout the year. Although applications are submitted at the time of need, your preparation and networking should be ongoing in order to be ready when these opportunities arise. These opportunities can be limited and are not predictable, so you’ll want to view this as a back-up strategy, rather than an excuse to delay your job search.