| This paper focuses on education and credentialing within the supply chain management (SCM) profession. The research reviews the history of credentialing and education. It provides original data within the field of SCM with regard to education and certification, hiring practices, networking during the hiring process, and opportunities for original research in areas not considered within recent literature reviews by Giunipero, Hooker, Joseph-Mathews, Yoon, and Brudvig (2008); Jain, Dangayach, Agarwal, and Banerjee (2010); Monczka and Peterson (2008); and Schoenherr, Modi, Benton, Carter, Choi, Larson, Leenders, Mabert, Narasimhan, and Wagner (2011).;Results of this study showed that the research question was supported, with 48.2% of subjects using education and certification as a stepping-stone to their next career opportunity. The study points out opportunity for management to act on retention. It also indicates that those with education and credentialing include these requirements within their next job-seeking decision and supports the theory that many use their influence to enhance job requirements based on their personal achievements.;In addition to the key research question, this study reviewed the perceptions of candidates, hiring managers, and initial screeners and found key preferences in hiring based on experience, education, credentialing, or personal contact. The study also concluded that there are key preferences between electronic methods or personal contact used by the job candidate. The candidates believe these preferences give them the edge to new opportunity in a new job search process.;Last, the data provide information as to the demographics within leadership within SCM and specifically within the chapter leadership teams of the ISM. The data support demographic-based opportunities for education, marketing, and research within SCM. |
