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In episode 13 of Futureproof Focus, Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo, president and chief executive officer of Vaughn College and host of the podcast, had an engaging conversation with Okera Bullen ’22 about his career as a supply chain manager at Nexans, a global cable products and solutions company. Read on to learn how a degree in mechanical engineering can lead to a job in supply chain management (SCM) which covers a variety of industries along with a multitude of opportunities to advance and grow.

Finding solutions

For as long as he could remember, Okera Bullen always enjoyed solving problems with innovative, low-risk solutions. It therefore came as no surprise that he decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Vaughn. Or was it? “I always visualized myself working in the aviation field,” Bullen explained, “but it was my passion for problem solving that sparked my interest in mechanical engineering.” Okera mentions that thinking things through and finding the best possible solution is how his brain works. He said he chose Vaughn College for its small campus environment, outstanding faculty and close proximity to home.

Making a difference in the world

“Early in my professional life, I worked in the international public sector,” Bullen explained. “I wanted to make a difference in doing things for the planet.” After graduating from Vaughn, Bullen started out with the goal to work in the aviation and aerospace industry, but his path soon changed. “I had an interesting career segue,” he said. “I ‘fell into’ the supply chain and procurement field. After working in the international public sector for many years, I was looking for a growth opportunity where I could make an impact on people’s lives. The supply chain management position at Nexans—although challenging—drew a direct line to the work I was already doing. It was an easy decision for me.”

His role at Nexans

Bullen describes Nexans as a ‘pure electrification player’ in the offshore wind industry. This company has more than 100 years in the cable manufacturing sector. For the past several decades, Nexans has been a leading manufacturer and engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) contractor in the offshore wind space and electrification space, where it has produced export cables that connect wind farms to land. He went on to say that he works with interconnectors—which are huge, high-voltage cables which transmit electricity for hundreds of miles. There are in fact a few wind farms in the Northeast—right off the coast of Long Island— under development. Nexans has been contracted to engineer, design, manufacture, transport and install export cables to connect those wind farms into different parts of Brooklyn and Long Island.

With a passion for making a difference in the world, Bullen said working at Nexans as a tender and project purchasing manager is in line with his lifelong dedication of helping the planet. “I want to have some impact—in some small way—to move the needle toward renewal resources and sustainable energy to leave the planet in a better place than I found it,” he said humbly.

Vaughn’s new supply chain management certificate

Dr. ­DeVivo was excited to share information about Vaughn’s new supply chain management certificate program, which builds upon existing bachelor’s degrees in airport management and airline management, thus providing a seamless pathway for students who wish to specialize in supply chain management.

When asked about the choice of supply chain management as a great career direction for today’s students, Bullen replied: “Supply chain professionals do much more than support the safe travel and delivery of goods. It’s all about setting the strategies for how the goods are flowing across the chain, to prevent breaks or issues.” As for Bullen, his roles in sourcing, procurement, logistics and inventory management are helping to improve sustainability and energy efficiency. “The job is challenging, but we are all making a difference. Supply chain professionals come with a skillset that is transferable to various sectors. The problem-solving skills you learn in one job can easily transfer to other industries. We work in the background so things can move seamlessly.”

Advice to students

When asked by Dr. DeVivo for advice to students who are considering careers in supply chain management, Bullen was pleased to say: “Vaughn offers great resources for students. It’s not all about the coursework. The professors are working professionals with real-world experience. They are an invaluable resource that you can learn from. My professors were always there to guide me.”

Are you interested in a career in supply chain management? Learn more about Vaughn’s supply chain management certificate program. Apply today!

Until a few years ago, most of us took it for granted that our everyday goods would be on the shelves when we needed them. The COVID-19 pandemic changed that. Today, companies increasingly recognize the critical role that supply chains play in our everyday lives. This has created a high demand for supply chain professionals across all industries.

In response to a growing need to provide employment-ready students for the workplace, Vaughn College has developed a certificate program in Supply Chain Management (SCM) that has been approved by the New York State Department of Education (NYSED).

Peter Canellis, PhD, PE, associate professor in the management department at Vaughn, shared the wide range of benefits the program offers to individuals who are seeking either careers or advancement in the field.

What is “Supply Chain Management”?

From a global perspective, supply chain management relates to the flow of goods and services—from beginning with raw materials to delivering a final product. Supply chain management careers encompass diverse opportunities and various paths which allow individuals to seek out their own niche, based on their interests and skills.

Canellis explained that the main driver for supply chain talent is the demand for goods and services that has exploded on a global basis due to an increasing number of the world’s population that is entering the middle class. Some of the opportunities one can pursue include sourcing and procurement, logistics, inventory management, demand forecasting and purchasing. Hiring companies may include manufacturers, airlines and ocean-going freight carriers, trucking companies, railroads, freight forwarders, terminal operators and government agencies.

What are the benefits of pursuing a certificate degree in SCM?

Pursuing a certificate in SCM can be highly rewarding—and profitable. This is an intriguing field where interested individuals will learn how the worldwide economy works—and then some.

Here are the top reasons for pursuing a career in supply chain management:

  • High demand—Supply chain management is required by every company that either makes products for business or consumer use, provides intermediate inputs to those products, or supports their distribution. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in this field to grow 18 percent over the next decade, which is much faster than average for all other occupations. This high demand is creating a pathway of opportunity to help companies reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction and enhance competitiveness.
    • Cargo growth is expected to more than double over the next 20 years and a greater proportion of the world’s total output will shift to cargo-related activities.
  • Job security—Even during economic downturns, companies—both foreign and domestic—still need to manage their supply chains in this global economy.
  • Career advancement—Continuous learning opportunities that will enhance skills and increase career potential.
  • Financial rewards—Individuals working in SCM command competitive salaries. Those who have experience and specialized skills can earn higher salaries and bonuses.

Vaughn’s Supply Chain Management certificate details and outlook:

  • A comprehensive, hands-on curriculum in supply chain operations.
  • A four-course series that runs for five weeks and is structured for possible completion within six months (three credits per course, totaling 12 credits).
  • Every course can be applied toward attainment of a bachelor’s degree.
  • ‘Badging’ on students’ transcripts is a unique benefit that provides eligible students with a ‘badge’ on their transcript as early recognition and documentation of their achievements when seeking employment.
  • A guaranteed informational employment interview with one of Vaughn partners is available after successful completion of the first two courses—with a grade of “C” or better.
  • Salaries range from $65,000 entry-level to $98,000 and higher for mid-level jobs in the US according to The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) 2023 annual survey.

Is a supply chain management career in your future? See how Vaughn’s Supply Chain Management Certificate Program can prepare you for this highly sought-after, in-demand field. Apply today!