Considering a future in supply chain management?
Navigate the world of supply chain success with Alma Arzate!
This video covers everything from the basics of supply chain management to must-know tips and key attributes.
Discover essential hiring criteria and receive tailored advice to advance your career. Don’t miss out—watch now and excel in supply chain management!
Career Tips with Alma Azarte
Welcome back to our channel! This week, we have a special guest, Alma Azarte, joining us to share some invaluable career tips for those interested in supply chain management. Alma’s career journey is nothing short of impressive, spanning multiple industries and countries, making her insights particularly valuable for anyone looking to break into or advance in this field. Alma, it’s great to have you with us.
Alma’s Background
Alma confirms her career journey, which includes various senior roles across the automotive, electronics, medical device, consumer packaged goods, and pharmaceutical industries. Originally from Mexico and now residing in Canada, she currently holds a Senior Director position at Apotex, a leading pharmaceutical company.
Defining Supply Chain Management
Before diving into her tips, Alma highlights the importance of understanding supply chain management. She explains that supply chains are interconnected networks that create and distribute value-added products and services, impacting our daily lives through food, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. Alma points out the current and anticipated shortage of supply chain talent, emphasizing the need for skilled professionals.
Importance of Certifications
Alma is a strong advocate for obtaining supply chain certifications such as CPM, CPIM, and CSCP from the Association of Supply Chain Management (ASM). These certifications can open doors to advanced roles and provide access to a vast body of industry knowledge. Alma encourages continuous learning and professional development as crucial steps to staying competitive in the field.
Key Traits for Success
Alma identifies several key traits essential for achievement in supply chain careers. Resiliency, the ability to bounce back from setbacks, is crucial. Initiative and drive are equally important, as proactively seeking out new responsibilities and challenges can set you apart. A high sense of urgency is necessary for being responsive and efficient. Perseverance helps you persist through challenges, while problem-solving skills allow you to address and resolve issues effectively. Collaboration is key, and building strong, mutually beneficial relationships can significantly impact your career. Lastly, a commitment to continuous improvement—always looking for ways to enhance processes and systems—is vital for long-term success.
One Key Tip
If Alma were to give one key piece of advice to those in the supply chain, it would be to actively seek out stretch goals and additional responsibilities. She encourages professionals to ask for more challenging tasks, demonstrating their drive and passion. This proactive approach can lead to new opportunities and significant career growth.
Watch the complete video above for more insights.
You can connect and follow Alma on LinkedIn. Here’s the linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/almaarzate/
Related articles on this topic have appeared throughout our website, check them out:
- 7 Key Supply Chain Leaders’ Skills and Why You Need Them
- Pursuing a Career in Logistics and Supply Chain
- Supply Chain Education: What Skills Do Your Staff Need?
- Jobs and Career Paths in Supply Chain and Logistics
- The Supply Chain Workforce – Where is It?
