Why is there a Supply Chain Talent Shortage?
Kae’s Interpretaon of the crisis
The hot topic supply chain professionals are talking about is the shortage in supply chain talent. With
baby boomers retiring, professionals are concerned they don’t have adequately skilled talent to !ll these
newly open positions. There are many factors that helped this crisis evolve to the level it has today like
the recession, the aging population, globalization, advancements in technology, and mass customization.
These new dynamics we face require a different set of management skills that complement the complex
and changing business environment today.
Being in college myself, I’m very curious why supply chain professionals are concerned they won’t !nd
skilled enough talent to take over new positions in their companies. College students today are ge(ng a
more rounded education than college students twenty years ago because of our country’s advances in
education and technology. Another gain our country has made throughout the years is the “College for
all mindset.” Most families have the belief that in order for their children to be successful they must
attend a four year university. For some professionals, like technicians or mechanics this “College for all”
idea is a loss, but supply chain professionals should view this as a positive gain for their industry. The
talent is there, more so than ever actually; so why is there a shortage in supply chain talent? I think the
real question is why aren’t these new graduates considered skilled enough to start working in the supply
chain profession? The common theme in many supply chain crisis articles is the new generation (people
