Logistics Management

Michael Regan

You're On Your Own
January 14, 2008

Last week I attended a meeting with other industry professionals. During the meeting we talked about the current challenges that face industry professionals. Interestingly, the consensus as the top challenge was the need for supply chain professionals to invest in their careers by getting the education and training they need to be effective in their positions.

One veteran industry consultant noted however, that while the need for continuing education and training has never been greater, fewer and fewer companies are spending the dollars, or giving their associates the time to get this training. What advice would this consultant give to supply chain professionals who are facing this challenge? “If they want training and education, tell them that they are on their own because your company may not reimburse you or even give you time off to get that training.” 

Sorry to be so blunt, but his words are all too true. Unfortunately, many companies have slashed their budgets for training, conferences, and seminars. That may help explain why attendance at most of the annual industry transportation and supply chain meetings and university seminars continue to be, relatively speaking, anemic. Apparently, many professionals have an attitude that says: “If my company isn’t willing to pay for my education or training, then it’s not coming out of my pocket.” If that comment resonates with you, then consider these three points:

First, your company is not the only one that loses when you don’t get the training and education you need to maintain or improve your skills; you lose too. At some point in the time – perhaps in the not distant future, you may be in the job market. When (not if) that day comes, you’re likely to have lots of competition for that dream job. So even if your current company isn’t willing to invest in your career, perhaps you can view the money and time you spend as an investment in your next position – with a different company.  

Second, given the technology and opportunities today, there is no excuse to not be trained. Whenever I write or give talks about the need for continuing education, a lot of people assume this means they have to attend conferences or seminars. Fifteen years ago that may have been true; today, there are more options than ever before. For example, this magazine sponsors some outstanding timely and topical Webinars. Financial firms such as Bear Stearns sponsor conference calls which provide outstanding industry updates. CSCMP has its local roundtables and organizations such as AST&L, NASSTRAC, and NITL offer valuable information. Even if your financial budget for training is non-existent, you have alternatives through which you can keep your skills sharp.

Third, aside from keeping your skills sharp, another benefit of investing in your career – even if it means spending your own money and time, is that you can build your career network. At that meeting last week, we all agreed that one of the saddest things we see is the person who has lost their job and has no network to rely upon for support or leads. Listen, I know that you’re probably Mr. or Ms. Big, and that you have no time to do mundane things like socialize or fraternize with other people in this industry. After all, you have places to go, people to see and dragons to slay. But please hear this: It’s a pretty good bet that at some point in the future, you may actually wish that you had a network to see you through some unexpected trauma.

If I can have just a moment of your time Mr/Ms Big, here’s a piece of advice you can take to the bank. The best time to build your network is before you need one. And it’s not something your company can do for you. When it comes to training and education, and building your network, you’re on your own.

A final note. One great training opportunity is CSCMP’s annual meeting which is being held this year on October 5 – 8 in Denver. 

TranzAct Technologies, Inc.

Posted by Michael Regan on January 14, 2008 | Comments (2)