Why Supply Chain Is a Great Career with Sofia Rivas Herrera

Curious about why a supply chain career is a great choice? Why choose it, and what’s in it for you?

How can we attract and retain talented people in this field?

Join us as we dive into the world of supply chain careers and learn from expert insights and experiences.

Get ready to uncover what makes the supply chain a rewarding path forward by watching the video below!

Hi everyone, our focus is on a critical issue in the supply chain career: attracting and retaining top talent. I’m thrilled to have Sophia Rivas Herrera from Guadalajara, Mexico, joining us. Sophia has been actively involved in the supply chain field through her work in various seminars, conferences, and as the host of a podcast dedicated to supply chain topics.

Discovering the Supply Chain Career

Sophia’s path to a career in supply chain started with her background in industrial engineering. Initially, her studies were focused on manufacturing, but she soon realized she was seeking something broader. The concept of supply chain management intrigued her when a professor introduced it during her studies. She was drawn to the field’s comprehensive nature, which encompasses everything from the initial idea of a product to its delivery and eventual return. Sophia finds this holistic approach to be one of the most compelling aspects of the supply chain career, offering diverse challenges and opportunities for growth.

Advocating for Talent Development

Sophia is deeply committed to improving talent acquisition and retention in the supply chain career. While she is not in a traditional HR role, she considers herself an ambassador for the field. She has observed that although many professionals start their careers in supply chain roles, fewer advance to mid-level management or higher positions. Additionally, she notes a significant drop in diversity as one moves up the ranks. Sophia is motivated to address these issues by attracting more talent and enhancing retention strategies. She believes that a rebranding of the industry is necessary to better highlight its vital role and global impact.

Evolving Roles and Impact of COVID-19

The landscape of supply chain roles has changed dramatically, with today’s managers assuming broader, more strategic responsibilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented visibility to the supply chain career, underscoring its critical importance in maintaining global operations. This increased attention has been beneficial, but Sophia emphasizes that there is still much work to be done in showcasing the industry’s contributions. For those considering a career in supply chain, she advises embracing its dynamic and non-linear nature, which offers various pathways for career development and success.

The Power of Networking

Networking is an essential element in advancing a supply chain career. Sophia highlighted that successful networking goes beyond merely making initial connections; it involves building and nurturing relationships over time. A robust network provides valuable support and opens up new opportunities, which are crucial for career advancement. Maintaining these connections helps create a supportive ecosystem that can benefit professionals throughout their careers. For those in the supply chain field, effective networking is vital for achieving long-term success and growth.

If you wish to dive deep in this topic, watch the video above.

To hear more from Sofia, check out these links:

Podcast Supply Chain Now en Español:
One of our best episodes on sustainability: https://supplychainnow.com/4scne5/

Sofia Rivas Herrera LinkedIn
MITx Supply Chain Network Design Course

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Editor’s Note: The content of this post was originally published on Logistics Bureau’s website dated March 06, 2024, under the title “Why Supply Chain Is a Great Career with Sofia Rivas Herrera“