As industry professionals, are we championing procurement enough?
Each procurement professional has their own story of how they entered the procurement landscape. Rarely do we hear of people who grew up wanting and planning a career in procurement.
Procurement is something which was only really brought into mainstream media in the UK during the covid-19 pandemic, with the news of the PPE contracts, while in turn has launched a full-scale investigation and promoted change in procurement best practice, procurement is still something which the vast majority of the general public have little understanding of.
This begs the question, how we can promote and champion procurement when the public have little to no understanding of procurement as a discipline, let alone procurement being a rewarding career path.
Championing procurement as a conscious career choice to students involves highlighting the significant impact of Procurement, often seen as a behind-the-scenes function, plays a crucial role in shaping the ethical and environmental footprint of organisations.
But how can you present this career path to students, without them knowing what it is?
Understanding and Championing Procurement to the Next Generation
Procurement as a function is vital for any organisation, as it directly affects cost management, operational efficiency, and overall business success.
Using the covid-19 pandemic as an example again, it was clear to see which organisations had strong supplier relationships, a diverse pool of suppliers and a robust supply chain that could withstand the intense squeeze that all procurement teams felt at the time.
Procurement is something which is largely neglected from education and professional development. When looking on the UCAS website and searching “Procurement” there are only 6 courses available, when comparing this to searching “Business” you are offered 1761 courses.
While these business degrees will more than likely have a module in procurement, they are by no means exploring the complexities and nuances of procurement as a discipline.
There is both a skill shortage and a skill gap appearing in the world of procurement, and it is vitally important to ensure that procurement become a conscious career choice for the next generation.
Why Students Should Consider a Career in Procurement
Diverse Opportunities: Procurement is a versatile field with opportunities across various industries, including manufacturing, technology, engineering, and government. This diversity allows students to find roles that align with their interests and values.
Skill Development: Procurement professionals develop a wide range of skills, including negotiation, strategic thinking, and relationship management. These skills are highly transferable and valuable in many other career paths, providing a strong foundation for future career growth.
Job Stability and Growth: As organisation increasingly recognise the importance of sustainable and ethical practices, the demand for skilled procurement professionals is growing year on year. This ensures job stability and offers a highly desirable fast-tracked career path.
Making a Difference: A career in procurement offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference. Students who are passionate about social justice, environmental sustainability, and ethical business practices can find fulfilment in knowing their work contributes to these causes.
Conclusion
Championing procurement as a conscious career choice and raising the profile of procurement in the general public will help with wider recognition of procurement as a genuine career choice, highlighting that procurement plays a pivotal role in promoting ethical practices, sustainability, and adding genuine value.
This career path not only offers personal fulfilment and professional growth but also contributes to a more responsible world.
We delved into Procurement being a future-proof career choice here.
Encouraging students and young people to consider procurement can help build a future workforce dedicated to making a difference and adding value. This will help close the skills gap procurement is currently facing and fortify procurement as a key business area.
Explore more industry insights in our H2 Industry Insight Report.
