A perfect storm has come to rattle the supply chain, and it will take every effort for the industry to adapt to a new industrial age.

The symptoms have long been evident: global trade and digital commerce paired up to improve access to products, setting the groundwork for supply chains to become networks of increasingly equal partners. Meanwhile, an on-demand market is forcing tightened fulfillment timelines, necessitating increased agility from supply managers. This new world needs new strategies, not the least of which must focus on recruiting, retaining and retraining talent.

Yet, an abundance of professional learning opportunities and how they prepare job candidates — from university degrees to professional certifications or LinkedIn groups and news sites — may leave any recruiter daunted. What can a company expect from a candidate accredited by any of these programs? Which learning opportunity should a company prefer, if any?

The first step to answering these questions is being aware of the various opportunities out there, and how each of them is working to develop future leaders. Here are four stories that break down the supply chain education conundrum:

1. Has supply chain growth outpaced the talent it requires?

   Globalization and Big Data have changed the way supply chain pros do their jobs, and the skills needed to succeed in them. Read More >>

2. The supply chain curriculum: How universities are preparing the next generation of leaders

   More than other college programs, industry and academics go hand-in-hand with supply chain. Read More >>

3. Opinion: The professional development paradox

   "I worry [supply chain professionals] are far too tuned into the day-to-day activities of their jobs and losing sight of the big picture," writes Rich Weissman. Read More >>

4. Supply chain certifications: What's the difference?

   Professional development opportunities abound, so choose the one that's the best fit for your ambitions. Read More >>