E240: 🎓Mentoring Moments #41 | CHANGING THE TRAJECTORY OF YOUR CAREER TOWARDS DIGITAL & MORE!

Embracing Change and Pursuing Passion in eCommerce Operations

Change can be scary, especially when it involves shifting career paths. However, embracing new directions and leveraging one's accumulated skills can lead to fruitful and fulfilling opportunities, particularly in the dynamic world of eCommerce and supply chain management.

A Journey Through Tech, eCommerce, and Self-Discovery

After a stint as a full-time parent, one mentee returned to work, joining a tech company in Seattle. Over five years, they gleaned insights into the "underbelly of the internet" and inventory management. Despite not being passionate about the automotive industry, the role allowed them to thrive as a helper.

Eventually, the desire to create led to the launch of a wellness product business. Despite the business's persistence, funding and market challenges prompted a re-evaluation of career goals. A friend's offer to assist with supply chain management for a client in Singapore opened doors to a new realm of post-sale operations, which proved to be a better fit than sales and marketing. This experience highlighted a passion for operational systems and a need for continued learning.

Finding a Niche in eCommerce Operations

The realization that there is satisfaction in systemizing post-sale activities, from warehouse management to order integration, helped carve out a new career focus. The opportunity to manage technical processes and systems for eCommerce operations was exciting and promising.

Despite the enthusiasm, a recognition of the gap in experience compared to industry veterans sparked the pursuit of mentorship to build confidence and leverage a natural systems-thinking mindset.

The Evolution of Supply Chain in the eCommerce Era

The supply chain industry has undergone rapid changes, particularly accentuated by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden shift from physical retail to eCommerce forced businesses to reassess their supply chain capabilities and technological readiness.

Many companies found themselves unprepared for the scale of digital operations required, from warehousing to dispatching. This shortfall led to an accelerated adoption of new technologies and processes, including digital twin technology and other innovative solutions.

The Importance of Warehouse Management Systems

Implementing a new Warehouse Management System (WMS) can be a transformative experience that extends beyond theory. Effective pick-pack-dispatch technology, chaotic putaway systems, and advanced WMS functionalities can lead to significant improvements in efficiency and space utilization.

The personal experience of witnessing these technologies in action offered insights into the complexities of logistics and the potential impact on business performance and customer satisfaction.

Career Strategy: Identifying Opportunities and Adding Value

In the quest to find one's place in an organization, it's crucial to identify areas of opportunity that align with personal strengths and experiences. Considering roles in operations management, project management, or procurement and tech stack advisory can help individuals find where they add the most value.

However, the path to specialization may involve trial and error. It's important to recognize the learning process and be open to different experiences within the industry to pinpoint where one can truly shine.

Conclusion

Reinventing oneself in a career, especially in areas like eCommerce and digital operations, requires a balance of self-assessment, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace change. The stories shared provide a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities that come with transitioning to a new field and underscore the importance of finding a niche where one can leverage their unique skills and experiences to make a tangible impact. With the eCommerce industry's rapid growth and evolution, there's always room for innovation, learning, and personal growth.

To learn more, check out the related THE ECOMMERCE EDGE Podcast episode below: