Operations & Supply Chain Management

Students learn how to efficiently use resources to provide organizations with quality goods and services through forecasting, managing day-to-day operations, scheduling personnel and equipment, managing quality and inventory, and working with suppliers.  Career opportunities include: Materials Controller, Operations Manager, Production Planner, Inventory Manager, Project Analyst, Quality Control Officer, Risk Analyst, Security Supervisor, and Scheduling Coordinator.

Sample Occupations

  • Operations
  • Director of Operations
  • Business Development Mgr.
  • Building Manager
  • Chief Administrative Officer
  • Plant Manager
  • Store Manager
  • Product Development Mgr.
  • Manufacturing Op. Mgr.
  • Operations Supervisor
  • Operations Manager
  • Management Director
  • Vice President of Operations
  • Business Administrator
  • Corporate Manager
  • Supply Chain
  • Global Supply Chain Director
  • Supply Chain Program Mgr.
  • Supply Chain Director
  • Supply Chain Generalist

Types of Employers

  • Retailers
  • Wholesalers
  • Distributors
  • State and Local Governments
  • Banks & Financial Institutions
  • Educational Institutions
  • Hospitals
  • Hotels & Restaurants
  • Department of Defense
  • Armed Forces
  • Department of Transportation

Preparing for your career in

Operations Management: Learn to work well and communicate with different types of people; Develop strong technical and analytical skills; Develop negotiation and persuasion techniques; Learn to problem solve effectively and stay calm under pressure; Learn to work well on a team; Demonstrate a high level of organization, motivation, and planning

Supply Chain Management: Take courses in statistics and computer systems; Learn to communicate with different types of people across functional areas; Develop strong analytical and computer skills and a logical approach to problem solving; Attention to detail is important in this field; Obtain proficiency with enterprise resource planning (ERP) software like Oracle or SAP

How do I know if its right for me?

ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.

RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.

EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.