Advice Needed - looking into a career in supply chain

Exploring a Career in Supply Chain Management: Insights and Advice Needed

Are you considering a shift into supply chain management and wondering if it’s the right fit for you? I’m currently navigating this very decision and would love to gather insights from those who are already thriving in the field.

My Current Scenario

I am employed full-time in Ford Motor Company’s production sector as an hourly United Auto Workers (UAW) employee. Ford offers a fantastic tuition assistance program that could fully fund my education. Therefore, I’m contemplating pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain & Operations Management via Western Governors University (WGU) online. The plan is to maintain my current role at Ford while working towards my degree and eventually transition into a supply chain role post-graduation. However, before making this commitment, I have several questions for seasoned professionals in the field.

Questions on Education and Career Transition

Educational Prestige: How do employers perceive a WGU degree in supply chain management? Is there a significant advantage in opting for a more traditional educational institution?
Relevant Work Experience: Does my hands-on production experience at Ford have any value when applying for supply chain roles, or would I essentially be starting anew without prior office-side or internship experience?
Career Progression: If starting in an entry-level position such as a planner, buyer, logistics analyst, or coordinator, how quickly can one expect to advance to managerial or director-level roles?
Compensation Expectations: What is the typical salary range one can expect at entry, mid-career, and senior levels within the supply chain field? Information online seems to vary greatly.
Work-Life Balance: How does work-life balance differ among various supply chain roles, such as logistics, procurement, and demand planning? Which positions tend to be more stressful, and which offer a more manageable workload?
In-House Advancement Opportunities: Considering my current employment with Ford, how feasible is it to transition internally to a supply chain role after earning my degree? Or is it more common for individuals in my situation to seek opportunities outside their current company for career advancement?
Future-Proof Career Path: With the rapid advancements in automation and Artificial Intelligence, is supply chain management still a robust long-term career choice?

Seeking Further Guidance

I would greatly appreciate any additional advice from industry professionals on what certifications hold value, common pitfalls to avoid, and wisdom you wish you knew when starting out. Your

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