8 answers
1
Question
Asked
875 views
Should I go for a APICS cert before I graduate?
Hello all,
I am currently in my senior year pursuing a BS in SCM. I have been rejected from multiple internships and I’m wondering if it’s because I am not at a top school for SCM. To help me out with job prospects once I graduate, I’m thinking of paying for the ASCM CSCP cert and begin working on it now, so I can have it done by the time I graduate.
Is this a good idea? Will it help my job prospects or will my degree be enough? I want to graduate and hit the ground running!
Login to comment
8 answers
Updated
Vani’s Answer
Hey Christian! It’s tough getting rejected from internships, especially when you’re doing everything you can. Don’t lose heart, though—your degree is already a solid foundation.
Getting the ASCM CSCP certification could definitely enhance your job prospects. It’s a well-regarded credential that demonstrates your dedication and expertise in supply chain management. Having it on your resume can set you apart from other candidates, even if you’re not from a top school.
How’s your networking game? Sometimes who you know can be just as important as what you know. Reaching out to industry professionals and attending SCM-related events can open doors too.
Getting the ASCM CSCP certification could definitely enhance your job prospects. It’s a well-regarded credential that demonstrates your dedication and expertise in supply chain management. Having it on your resume can set you apart from other candidates, even if you’re not from a top school.
How’s your networking game? Sometimes who you know can be just as important as what you know. Reaching out to industry professionals and attending SCM-related events can open doors too.
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Absolutely! I earned my APICS certification early in my career, which greatly enriched my on-the-job learning.
It could also give you a distinct advantage over other job seekers fresh out of college.
It could also give you a distinct advantage over other job seekers fresh out of college.
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
It is always a good idea to expand your knowledge. If this is not a very high expense for you, I think it is worth doing. Otherwise, maybe wait until you get a job. I don't think it would boost your job finding as much as you think. Finding a job takes time and most importantly figuring out what you want. What do you like to do? What kind of activities bring you joy and satisfaction? Then try to steer your job applications keeping the answers in mind. Steering by your interests has a lot of power, sometimes maybe more than a certification. The fact that you are already looking for solutions means you will find the right one for you.
Updated
Mohamed’s Answer
Whether or not to pursue an APICS certification before graduation depends on several factors, and there are arguments to be made for both sides:
**Potential Benefits of Getting Certified Before Graduation:**
* **Job Prospects:** Having a certification can make your resume stand out to potential employers, demonstrating your commitment to the field and knowledge of supply chain management principles.
* **Increased Earning Potential:** Some studies show that certification holders may earn higher salaries.
* **Networking Opportunities:** Preparing for and taking the exam can connect you with other professionals in the field.
* **Knowledge and Skills:** Studying for the certification exam can solidify your understanding of supply chain concepts, which can be beneficial in your coursework and future career.
**Potential Drawbacks of Getting Certified Before Graduation:**
* **Cost:** Certification exams and study materials can be expensive.
* **Time Commitment:** Preparing for the exam requires significant time and effort, which can be challenging while balancing coursework and other commitments.
* **Work Experience Requirement:** Some certifications, like the CPIM, require a certain amount of work experience, which you may not have before graduating.
**Alternative Considerations:**
* **Internships:** Focus on gaining practical experience through internships, which can be just as valuable as a certification, if not more so, for entry-level positions.
* **Networking:** Attend industry events and join professional organizations to build your network and learn about career opportunities.
* **Certification After Graduation:** Consider pursuing certification after gaining some work experience. This can help you better understand which certification aligns with your career goals and allows you to apply your practical knowledge to the exam.
**Recommendation:**
If you are highly motivated and have the time and resources, pursuing a certification like the CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) before graduation can be a good investment. However, don't underestimate the value of internships and networking in launching your supply chain career.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal circumstances and career goals. Weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks carefully, and consider seeking advice from professors, career counselors, or professionals in the field.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
**Potential Benefits of Getting Certified Before Graduation:**
* **Job Prospects:** Having a certification can make your resume stand out to potential employers, demonstrating your commitment to the field and knowledge of supply chain management principles.
* **Increased Earning Potential:** Some studies show that certification holders may earn higher salaries.
* **Networking Opportunities:** Preparing for and taking the exam can connect you with other professionals in the field.
* **Knowledge and Skills:** Studying for the certification exam can solidify your understanding of supply chain concepts, which can be beneficial in your coursework and future career.
**Potential Drawbacks of Getting Certified Before Graduation:**
* **Cost:** Certification exams and study materials can be expensive.
* **Time Commitment:** Preparing for the exam requires significant time and effort, which can be challenging while balancing coursework and other commitments.
* **Work Experience Requirement:** Some certifications, like the CPIM, require a certain amount of work experience, which you may not have before graduating.
**Alternative Considerations:**
* **Internships:** Focus on gaining practical experience through internships, which can be just as valuable as a certification, if not more so, for entry-level positions.
* **Networking:** Attend industry events and join professional organizations to build your network and learn about career opportunities.
* **Certification After Graduation:** Consider pursuing certification after gaining some work experience. This can help you better understand which certification aligns with your career goals and allows you to apply your practical knowledge to the exam.
**Recommendation:**
If you are highly motivated and have the time and resources, pursuing a certification like the CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) before graduation can be a good investment. However, don't underestimate the value of internships and networking in launching your supply chain career.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal circumstances and career goals. Weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks carefully, and consider seeking advice from professors, career counselors, or professionals in the field.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
I think getting any kind of certification is great. I do know that certification can be pricy through.
It's not uncommon to be rejected from multiple internships or jobs no matter what experience you have or what college you went to. I applied to many, many full- time jobs during my senior year of college and only a small handful of those reached out for interviews and/or offered me a position. Job seeking these days is a bit of a numbers game. I'd treat finding a job or internship like a full-time job. Also work on tailoring your resume and cover letter to each job you apply to if you haven't been already.
I'd also take into consideration what kind of supply chain work you want to do. It could be anything from sourcing and procurement to reverse logistics. If you're not picky, I'd be open to any supply chain function. If you get into the job and find out you like it, that's amazing! If not (which is not uncommon for first jobs), you can definitely make a switch to a different function, whether that be in the same company or a different one.
It's not uncommon to be rejected from multiple internships or jobs no matter what experience you have or what college you went to. I applied to many, many full- time jobs during my senior year of college and only a small handful of those reached out for interviews and/or offered me a position. Job seeking these days is a bit of a numbers game. I'd treat finding a job or internship like a full-time job. Also work on tailoring your resume and cover letter to each job you apply to if you haven't been already.
I'd also take into consideration what kind of supply chain work you want to do. It could be anything from sourcing and procurement to reverse logistics. If you're not picky, I'd be open to any supply chain function. If you get into the job and find out you like it, that's amazing! If not (which is not uncommon for first jobs), you can definitely make a switch to a different function, whether that be in the same company or a different one.
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hi Christian,
As a hiring manager if I see you coming straight out of college with a CPIM already, that would catch my attention. It shows you didn't just get a supply chain degree not really knowing what you wanted to do, but rather it shows intentionality and drive. You will want to get your CPIM at some point so knock it out now as it will help you overcome not getting internships at the moment. But keep your head up, don't give up, and keep fighting for an internship. They will give you valuable experience early on.
As a hiring manager if I see you coming straight out of college with a CPIM already, that would catch my attention. It shows you didn't just get a supply chain degree not really knowing what you wanted to do, but rather it shows intentionality and drive. You will want to get your CPIM at some point so knock it out now as it will help you overcome not getting internships at the moment. But keep your head up, don't give up, and keep fighting for an internship. They will give you valuable experience early on.
Updated
Cristina’s Answer
Hello Christian,
It is always a good idea to expand your knowledge. If this is not a very high expense for you, I think it is worth doing. Otherwise, maybe wait until you get a job. I don't think it would boost your job finding as much as you think. Finding a job takes time and most importantly figuring out what you want. What do you like to do? What kind of activities bring you joy and satisfaction? Then try to steer your job applications keeping the answers in mind. Steering by your interests has a lot of power, sometimes maybe more than a certification. The fact that you are already looking for solutions means you will find the right one for you.
It is always a good idea to expand your knowledge. If this is not a very high expense for you, I think it is worth doing. Otherwise, maybe wait until you get a job. I don't think it would boost your job finding as much as you think. Finding a job takes time and most importantly figuring out what you want. What do you like to do? What kind of activities bring you joy and satisfaction? Then try to steer your job applications keeping the answers in mind. Steering by your interests has a lot of power, sometimes maybe more than a certification. The fact that you are already looking for solutions means you will find the right one for you.
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Excellent query! Earning a professional title and joining a professional organization offers numerous advantages that can boost your career, whether you're just starting or advancing in your field. The perks include expanded job prospects as most organizations provide members with job listings, and it also establishes your credibility among employers and peers in the industry.
Members also enjoy access to valuable resources such as webinars, workshops, seminars, and mentoring programs. These resources can enrich your knowledge and keep you updated, especially in Supply Chain Management (SCM), a particularly intricate and diverse field that is always evolving.
Having this support can bolster your career and offer a community you can rely on. Moreover, job ads often specify a preference for certified individuals, which can open up more opportunities for you. So, enhancing your qualifications can indeed widen your career horizons.
Members also enjoy access to valuable resources such as webinars, workshops, seminars, and mentoring programs. These resources can enrich your knowledge and keep you updated, especially in Supply Chain Management (SCM), a particularly intricate and diverse field that is always evolving.
Having this support can bolster your career and offer a community you can rely on. Moreover, job ads often specify a preference for certified individuals, which can open up more opportunities for you. So, enhancing your qualifications can indeed widen your career horizons.