Have you considered becoming a Certified Supply Chain Professional, but are still on the fence about beginning the process? There are several benefits to becoming certified (besides having a new, fancy CSCP designation beside your name). Take a look at six rewarding reasons why you should take the leap and begin preparing for the exam.
(Disclaimer: Make sure you qualify to earn your designation by visiting the Exam Preparation, Details, and Qualifications section on our website).
- GAIN CURRENT, RELEVANT SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE. The Association for Supply Chain Management (better known as ASCM) creates the CSCP course curriculum. ASCM provides students with a current outlook of supply chain management by constantly making sure course content is up to date. They do this by working with professionals around the world to ensure the strategies they are teaching are still pertinent in the supply chain realm today. For example, the pandemic recently taught us the importance of having an adaptable supply chain that mitigates risk easily. In the course, you’ll learn how to:
- Recognize and resolve misalignments in supply chain design.
- Implement strategic tools and economic considerations into supply chain design.
- Identify, assess, classify, and respond to risks effectively.
Many organizations’ supply chains would have been better off if leaders had carried out and thought about risk management strategies pre-pandemic instead of post-pandemic.
- THE SKILLS YOU LEARN AREN’T JUST RELEVANT—THEY’RE PRACTICAL. Remember your middle school history teacher who read straight from the textbook and tested you solely on dates and the names of important figures? Thankfully, taking a CSCP prep course isn’t just textbook memorization. You’ll actually learn concepts regarding supply chain design, planning and execution, and improvement and best practices that you’ll be able to put into practice BEFORE you earn the designation. For instance, you won’t just learn the names and definitions of various lean methodologies. Instead, you’ll learn how to implement the methodologies to reduce cost and production time, increase inventory skills, and improve customer satisfaction.
- YOU HAVE HIGHER EARNING POTENTIAL. According to ASCM, CSCP designees see an average 21% increase in salary. Not only that, but ASCM Certified individuals report salaries 18% higher than those who have supply chain certifications from other organizations.
- BE SEEN AS A LEADER IN YOUR ORGANIZATION. Looking to leap into management? Many participants decide to get certified because they want to go from being supply chain professionals to supply chain leaders. The course emphasizes management principles, such as improving value streams and aligning processes with corporate strategies. It also teaches leadership principles, like how to strengthen team communication and collaborate with others in your organization. ASCM lists the top 10 job titles of CSCP certification holders as supply chain managers, consultants, senior consultants, managers, project managers, materials managers, supply chain analysts, business analysts, logistics managers, and operations managers.
- BE RECOGNIZED AS A SUPPLY CHAIN LEADER ON A GLOBAL SCALE. The CSCP Certification is globally-recognized, meaning that wherever your organization operates, you can operate too. Not only that, but the skill set you acquire is also globally applicable. ASCM has represented the supply chain field for over 60 years (almost since the beginning of defined supply chain itself) and training is recognized as being of the highest caliber across the world.
- GAIN A NETWORK OF SUPPLY CHAIN PROFESSIONALS TO COLLABORATE WITH. In the course, you’ll interact with an instructor and peers who can serve as valuable assets to you (and vice versa) as you further your career. There are also 45,000 ASCM members internationally, meaning you can expand your network in a worldwide community long after your time in the certification course ends.
And the bonus benefit? You’re increasing your professional value. Again, it’s not about the letters by your name; it’s about creating a brighter, better future for you, your family, and your organization. Grow in confidence, expertise, and experience. The supply chain world is yours for the taking.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hi! My name is Marah Whitaker (think Laura with an M). I am the Marketing Assistant for UTC Center for Professional Education. During the workday, I spend time writing blog posts, creating content for social media, developing email campaigns, and building relationships with our customer base. During my free time, you can find me getting lost in a good book, having spontaneous dance parties, playing piano, and going to Buffalo Wild Wings on Wing Night. Professionally and personally, I aspire to live by the Mr. Feeny quote, “Dream. Believe. Try. Do Good.” I strive to use my passions to serve others and contribute positively to the world around me.
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