How do I start a career in inventory management and consultancy?

Good Morning Sir,

I just stumbled into your website and I so much like it. I want you to advise me on my profession and what I am intending to do. I have worked in a hospitality company as an Inventory/Warehouse Officer for 6 years and some months now. Though it is a small outfit and I have not been exposed to a lot of experience apart from the one I have in my office where I work. I thought of being on my own and I feel like rendering services to small scale organisation on Inventory Management and Consulting. What do you think I need to do to improve myself professionally? I am seriously looking for another place to work where I will be able to learn more . Which professional exam I should do for me to improve in my career?

Hoping to hear from you sir.

Thanks.

Jacob

*************************************************************

From the JARUS TEAM:

OBAFEMI BAMIDELE, Msc (Edinburgh), ACA, ACCA, ACS, CFA

He did not say much about his educational background, that could have possibly given more insight. However since the guy has worked in the hospitality industry, he might want to seek certification there to complement his industry experience and thus make a lateral move within the hospitality industry into something different from inventory management.

I know there is one NIHOTOUR; there may be other ones both local and foreign. But more importantly he needs the industry network as well, if not more importantly, for that.

Another option might be for him to carry on with his specialist skill in similar or other industry, so many organisations deal with inventory in one way or the other, so all he needs do is to start looking, and maybe pick up a certification in that line or similar line(s) along the way. He may for instance enroll for exam of Institute of Purchasing and Supply. But I don’t know how marketable some of these qualifications are; so again, the onus is on him to find out, search for information and opportunities. The second option if pursued for sometime might boost his chances of success for consulting in that line. He would have experience in a couple of industries on inventory management. Overall, trying to establish himself as a consultant in the inventory management line is not a bad idea but he can’t wake up overnight to make that decision. He should develop a 5 year plan, and continue to garner experience and network in that line. One’s network is key in succeeding in business and especially in some kinds of businesses or professional practice like consulting.

NAJEEM EWESESAN, MBA, ACA, ACCA

It is good you realised and you are convinced of what you really want to do. You need to first ensure you have a thorough understanding of whay you currently do in terms of inventory management. At least develop an ability to start and conclude a very perfect and user friendly process. By this time, you would have gained a good confidence in setting up yours. You should search for credible professional examinations in this line. However, writing ICAN or ACCA may not be a bad idea. You can also attend different courses on inventory management. I wish you best of luck.

MUYIWA ADENIJI ACA, ACS

Jacob,

Thanks for giving details of your experience.

Briefly, since your aspiration is to become an expert on inventory management you need a combination of experience and professional certification. Most important is your experience if you really want to go into consultancy. I am not sure you have really learnt what you need to be an expert inventory consultant from the small hospitality firm. In my opinion, you first need a career in one of the big FMCGs – they have complex inventory and logistics challenges that they want solved everyday. There, you would see live issues and you will able to add value. I prefer the multinationals as they give you responsibilities and expect results from the beginning.

You can also enrol for a certification in supply chain and logistics management. Do you have a degree already? If not, you need to work on one asap.

Hope this helps.

THE JARUS VERDICT

Two good heads, they say, are better than one. Well, three great independent minds here are saying the same thing: experience, professional certifications and detailed plan. That is all you need, my brother. Nothing more to add. Wishing you the best.

Tips on Lecturing Job Interview?

Deficiency in key WASSCE subjects and my CV

Academics or Corporate World?

After my 2.2, I want to start all over again from O’level!

Dundee+ACCA or Birmingham+CIMA?

Should I write FRM exams?

My HND/Bsc/MBA Dilemma

Accounting @ UNIBEN or Finance @ UNILORIN?

Tired of traditional banking; need to re-ignite my entrepreneurial spirit

How helpful is dropping hard copies of my CV in offices?

With my 2:2, how can I break into investment banking industry?

Employment Gap on my CV?